So I feel out of the loop having only just watched this today, but here it is. The new video by Invisible children on Joseph Kony. This is exciting to me in more ways than one. Obviously it is exciting to have the prospect of justice being carried out on the earth. However being an aspiring film maker, seeing the power documentaries can have to change the world is also highly encouraging.
It is 30 minutes but it is well worth your time. Please note, and having done some research myself I believe the filmmakers agree, that this is a short, simple film. It is not an all encompassing detailed account of the conflict in Uganda and in Africa. It is meant as a gateway. A gateway for you to do more research on your own about the conflict and a gateway for you to voice your opinion on what you think should be done about it. I also encourage you, (as you always should) to not just accept what you see and hear. While I definitely support Invisible Children and what they are doing I think it is also important to understand why people do not support them and what they have received criticism for. Here is an interesting blogpost with a counter argument that you could check out after you watch the video. The comments and discussion below it are interesting as well. Also you can check out Visible Children.
Personally I think that no matter what, Invisible Children has already been successful. They have more people talking about this issue than ever before. There is an increase in knowledge of the subject as well as new ideas and opinions being presented that can help the world work towards a solution.
Anyway, here it is. If you don't have 30 minutes I have posted the 1 minute trailer below it. Also if you have never seen the original Invisible Children film I would encourage you to find a way to view that sometime as well.
Updated March 11, 2012
Detailed info from IC about their current status:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html
Thanks for writing a post that looks at all facets of IC's KONY 2012 film. I do not agree 100% with IC's mission or approach but I will certainly give them credit for a job well done in raising awareness about the atrocities of the LRA! At least they have acted on their convictions and have come to the defense of those being oppressed. It is true that many organizations meant to help developing nations have instead brought harm and it is something we must be held accountable for and work to change. In the few years that I have been with UWP, I have learned a great deal about helping in ways that empower the local people to affect change in their own communities..giving them a handup if you will, instead of a handout. It begins with relationship.
ReplyDeleteLast year I visited a school in Northern Uganda operated by Child Voice International. UWP was placing a rainwater collection tank there. It sits on the land of the Lukodi massacre - one of LRA's worst attacks. The school takes in the women who were abducted by the LRA as children and have been used as "wives" in the bush. They come with their children and receive spiritual healing, a safe home and they learn a trade. To me, the staff there and the woman themselves are the true heroes!
We also placed a tank at a church in Kitgum. I met Pastor Paul who took care of his flock for years in the IDP camps when the gunshots rung out all through the night. He cares for many who were survivors of brutal attacks. They lost their family members and some escaped with their lives but continue on with scars of disfigurement. He tells stories of the people joining together to praise God despite the terror and evil unleashed in their lives. They are the true heroes!!! Why? Because these are the hearts that Jesus has redeemed and resides in!
I can only hope that this film will cause some to wake from their slumber, receive a fresh revelation of gratitude, and cause them to take a step in the direction of justice. If it's not in Uganda, then in their own backyard! The world already has a savior, all they need to do is join him on His mission!
Thanks for the reply. :) I was gonna ask what you thought about all of this haha.
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