Injustice exists in the world. Many of us feel the desire to do something about it, at the very least raise awareness. In this era of online sharing and the World Wide Web, the Internet can be a powerful tool for building support for causes. It is important to be critical in deciding what causes to join and support.
Right now, KONY 2012 is circulating through the web. I believe that Invisible Children has good intentions. I also believe that people should not (be allowed to) exploit children. However, just watching KONY 2012 does not tell the whole story. Go to http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/ and http://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/04/visible-children/ to determine the credibility of the organization and its practices. Lots of good work and activism is done through the Internet. Remember to use your critical lens in determining your position, and in deciding which causes to promote and support. It helps to get a variety of perspectives on a story.
Related links:
- African voices respond to hyper-popular Kony 2012 viral campaign – http://www.boingboing.net/2012/03/08/african-voices-respond-to-hype.html
- Kony 2012 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc
- The Soft Bigotry of Kony 2012 – http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/03/the-soft-bigotry-of-kony-2012/254194/
Cross Posted at http://www.dpresident.net/2012/03/10/kony-2012/