KONY 2012

I'm not sure how to digest the controversial Joseph Kony issue that seems to be spreading around the internet like wildfire. Sure, Invisible Children made a tear-jerking 30 minute film that effectively conveys the message "stop the devil from abducting children and turning them into sex slaves and child soldiers", but how much of the information in that video is true and, more importantly, an immediate concern?

Please don't think that I'm a cold heartless toad who says this movement is pointless, because I'm not saying that. I just don't understand what those crazed activists out there hope to achieve. The cause is all nice and dandy, but two thirds of these people don't know what they're shouting about.
Adding on, the "Cover the Night" idea is completely mind-boggling to me, as if we hadn't learned what comes from a whole bunch of people gathering outside in the dark from the Stanley Cup riot on July 16th.
All talk aside, let's take a look at some possible scenarios as to where this may be heading.

The Dream
Invisible Children say they are aiming to unite people, raise awareness, follow up with "Cover the Night", present a case to the US government and, ultimately, send US soldiers to capture Kony somewhere in the depths of Ugandan jungles and bring him to justice for the hundreds of thousands of children he has physically and emotionally killed.

The Scam
Invisible Children have their heart in the right place, but they have to make profit in some way, right? Each employee earns more than minimum wage, so that would add up to more than $45,000 per year, per person. Plus to keep the offices running and to produce all those products (Action Kits, t-shirts, posters, bracelets, etc.) and organize scores of awareness campaigns yearly doesn't come cheap. Where would they get the money from? Donations, of course. According to statistics, 37% of Invisible Children's income goes to aid in Africa and 47% is spent on advertising. The rest is spent on general expenses. So hey, why not bloat up an issue and see how many people take the bait?

The False Alarm
Is one hundred American men really enough to capture this warlord? Considering the ten years it took for the US and International militaries to find Osama Bin Laden, this seems highly unlikely. Furthermore, the Ugandan military is indeed inept. After watching KONY 2012, people don’t take into account that the Ugandan military, which Invisible Children is supporting, is committing atrocities such as rape and looting, on a consistent basis.  And most importantly, it is reported that Kony hasn’t been active in Uganda since 2006. If this is true, why is Invisible Children still supporting the Ugandan military?


Those are the possible options as I see them. In my humble opinion, the issue is blown way out of proportion. The advertisement for this problem could not be better - with innovative posters, modern bracelets and an emotional video, it's unavoidable not to be drawn in. The only soft spot I have to pick with this is the fact that we are taking action much too late. It is unknown whether Kony is still committing all these monstrosities in Uganda. But even if he isn't, he should still be captured and brought to justice, just not as loudly. There are children suffering right now because of malnutrition, health problems and abuse. Instead of trying so hard to mend the wrongs of yesterday, we need to focus on solving the issues of today, before they become the problems of tomorrow.

Of course I'm just a single person out of 7 billion. In no way am I asking anyone to agree with my opinion. But since others are posting about it, why can't I? This is just my take on it as of now.
If you find that any information presented here is questionable or if you wish to share your opinion, please feel free to post a comment below!