Comments on: What happens after KONY 2012?

By: Christine

Christine — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:28:56 +0000

I don’t disagree at all, Ryan…it just can’t stop at “famous.” this needs to be a springboard to healing.

For the record, I don’t think IC intends for it to stop at famous. I think they’re doing a good job of being laser-focused on Step 1. I also know that we (Americans) are a very very very fickle culture. If Kony isn’t captured by the next news cycle, people who only connected by a click will get cynical or just forget…and that *could* do more harm than good.

After I wrote this post, I saw another interesting article (linked in Benjer’s site above) from a family that lived in Uganda for 17 years and now lives in Kenya. One of the points the author made was that the African cultures actually do healing and forgiveness a lot better than we do in American culture. That not only gives me a lot of hope, but also makes me interested to learn more…

By: Christine

Christine — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:15:59 +0000

Good point about global AND local connections…it doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) an either-or proposition!

By: Christine

Christine — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:14:42 +0000

I agree Tammy…taking action and increasing awareness is critically important. I really hope both the video and the resulting conversation inspire people to take action, whether it’s helping in Central Africa or in another area of need.

By: Ryan A. Weaver

Ryan A. Weaver — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:07:25 +0000

When Joseph Kony is recognized as one of the most malicious murderers, I like the idea of making him famous. I am not sure what is next. What I do know is that there is no “next” if he isn’t stopped. Which “next” is more dangerous… the one if we leave him be and see which child is next, or the one if we stop him and then try to take next steps towards reconciliation and/or healing? Great thoughts!

By: Stephen Uchacz

Stephen Uchacz — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:22:05 +0000

I really value giving back globally as well as locally, so it is crucial that you find an organization that you can trust and can work with. There is always going to be backlash, but focus on the positive and do good works!

By: Tammy Helfrich

Tammy Helfrich — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:36:40 +0000

Great post. I think there are many questions to be asked, but at the end of the day, Invisible Children is DOING something. Critics always come out when people stop being complacent. We sponsor a child in Uganda through Compassion, so I loved Stephen’s post. Good thoughts!

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:40:41 +0000

Thanks Benjer! Your post on Wednesday started me thinking more critically about the issue. I should have linked to you too! Everyone…here, now: http://www.benjermcveigh.com/2012/03/kony-2012-invisible-childrens.html

As for the DM…I responded! At least I thought I did…I’ll hit you again, but the short answer is absolutely! (sorry, troops, you’ll just have to wait to see the surprise we’ll be cooking up!)

By: Benjer McVeigh

Benjer McVeigh — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:08:50 +0000

Great thoughts, Christine. I think one of the side benefits to KONY 2012 is that this sort of question is out in the open: what really helps, and what is the best way to go about helping? Before the days of social networking, those questions may not have been asked on such a large stage. It would be, “Wow, we’ve got to support that” without any further thinking or action. I know that in many ways, what hasn’t changed is that KONY 2012 will be forgotten sooner rather than later.

Two additional thoughts: 1) Invisible Children is pretty clear, as you’ve said, that their primary mission is to get the message out. They saw an issue (rather, atrocities) ten years ago, realized next to no one knew about it, and have not rested in getting the word out. 2) The filmmakers are doing something. I tend to be critical, hopefully not in a judgmental way (certainly that’s in my heart), but because I analyze things to death. But at the end of the day, for better or for worse, they’ve done something. Though I still have some reservations, that’s one thing God’s used in this to speak to me in this.

BTW, I sent you a DM on Twitter a few days ago. I’m not sure if you check those very much, but you’ve got a message waiting for you there.