Editor's Note: The following text is from GlobalPost, which provides excellent coverage of world news – important, moving and just odd.
By Jocelyn Edwards, GlobalPost
Kony 2012 may have received more than 73 million hits on YouTube since its release on the internet on March 5. But in Uganda it is a flop. Top Ugandan officials denounce the video — created to raise awareness about Joseph Kony, the leader of the brutal Lord's Resistance Army operating in central Africa — as false. Kony's LRA, they say, has not operated in Uganda for years.
Other Ugandans slam the video as the work of privileged young foreigners. Critics around the world have been vociferous, too. But most Ugandans have not even seen the Kony 2012 video, produced by the American NGO Invisible Children, because the internet is not widely accessible.
Among those who haven't seen it, but are still outspokenly critical is Pius Bigirimana, who is in charge of the reconstruction of northern Uganda from the devastation of the LRA.
“Anybody portraying Uganda to still have insecurity is a sadist. That person is a liar and is peddling falsehoods,” said Bigirimana.
More from GlobalPost: Out of nowhere, Kony 2012 goes viral
In Uganda, Kony “is of no consequence. He is a peripheral issue,” said Bigirimana, the permanent secretary in the prime minister's office. “It’s some of these people from outside who get excited over these things.”
Many have criticized the campaign for misrepresenting the situation in Uganda, implying that conflict with the LRA is still being fought.
President Yoweri Museveni's government urged “that any awareness campaign fully takes into consideration the current realities of the situation.”
“Misinterpretations of media content may lead some people to believe that the LRA is currently active in Uganda. It must be clarified that at present the LRA is not active in any part of Uganda,” said the government statement.
The Lord’s Resistance Army was expelled from Uganda six years ago and has been reduced to a force of about 300 fighters now operating in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic (CAR), the government statement said.
The LRA is currently being pursued by the Ugandan army with the support of 100 US military advisors deployed late last year. US President Barack Obama sent the team last year to help hunt Kony and the LRA to achieve stability in the volatile region. Commitment by Ugandan and Congo militaries is crucial to stopping Kony's mobile militias, according to the International Crisis Group.
Betty Ocan, a member of parliament for the town of Gulu, where Invisible Children bases its operations in Uganda, said she had only seen a short clip of the film on international television news.
The LRA is no longer high on her constituents’ agenda, she said.
“For the people of northern Uganda, it’s not so much a priority,” Ocan said. “Most of the time, the people will say, ‘The most pressing thing for us right now is that we want our children to go to school.’”
More from GlobalPost: 4 things you can do to stop Joseph Kony
Ugandans displaced by the war against Kony's LRA are also worried about resettlement and getting compensation from the government for property lost, Ocan said.
For the people of northern Uganda who suffered because of the LRA’s violence, the film is a historical document, according to Ocan.
“The people of northern Uganda know that this was just a documentary which was taken during the bad times,” said the member of parliament. “Some people say that it reminds them of the past, so they do not like it so much.”
“If (Westerners) watch it, they should think about the impact (of the war). They are watching something that is past. Kony has not made it back to Uganda since 2006.”
Despite the fact that Kony is no longer a factor in Uganda, Ocan added that the people of northern Uganda remain concerned for the welfare of populations where the militia is still active.
“We feel bad if the people of (other countries) are suffering because of Kony. We don’t want people to suffer.”
The film, which features extensive footage of Invisible Children’s founder and other — mostly white — activists campaigning against the LRA in the United States, has also been criticized as neo-colonialist.
More from GlobalPost: Designers of Kony 2012 campaign respond to criticism
“If a film comes along and successfully empowers foreigners, many of them young people, to claim the right to do as they please in Africa — whether it is worthy or not — I can see why (Africans) would take offense,” said Angelo Izama, an award-winning journalist and Ugandan political analyst.
“It’s an unvarnished reminder that outsiders still have more power to change things if they choose,” Izama said.
Invisible Children has posted a statement in reply to critics on its website. In response to the charge that the film suggests the war is still ongoing in Uganda the group emphasizes its work in countries where the LRA is currently active.
“Since the LRA left Uganda in 2006, Invisible Children has been publicly denouncing their atrocities in DR Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR), while continuing to work with now-peaceful communities in post-conflict northern Uganda,” reads the statement.
“KONY 2012 portrays, in no uncertain terms, the image of a madman who manipulates children spiritually for his own tactical gains,” the group’s website states. “In a 30-minute film, however, many nuances of the 26-year conflict are admittedly lost or overlooked.”
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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what a surprise!
STFU
Indeed, Patrizia, the 73 million hits on YouTube had taken us all by surprise. We were less impressed by the war crimes committed by Kony, but more by the power of social media!
To respond in a constructive fashion to anyone critical of the Kony 2012 campaign:
I will start off by attempting to frame correctly the points of those who are somewhat critical of what the Kony 2012 campaign accomplishes:
1) It potentially implies a state of affairs in Uganda that is drastically different.
2) It has a questionable support base of "slacktivists" and "feel-good" knee-jerk charity givers.
3) It is focusing on something that is no longer a threat to Uganda, from the Uganda government's perspective.
4) This is a point I did not see raised that I will raise: The Kony 2012 is not well rated by Charity Navigator with an overhead of 30% of all donations taken in (compare with well rated charities such as the American collectors for Doctors without Borders MSF that has an overhead of 15%).
These are all legitimate points and I don't necessarily have truly complete answers to any of them. I can, however respond based on the impression that the movie made on me AND the time I have spent after I saw it looking for my own answers.
1) If you actually watch the video was that they went out of their way to emphasize the good their money had actually done building schools and infrastructure. How much they exaggerate I don't know, but I think it is worth mentioning. See also #3 for more on the main point of the video though.
2) The video maker can't decide who it gets as supporters: true they are targeting online audiences but what makes this different from anything else I am used to seeing along these lines is its clearly stated and very achievable goal, again see answer to #3.
3) The explicitly stated purpose of this video is that it is a social experiment to attempt to see if social media is capable of precipitating the capture of a war criminal who has otherwise operated with impunity. The justification is that he was the first person tried by the Hague (in absentee form granted), and that to them he is the #1 most wanted. Simply speaking, helping Uganda is a good thing, but the purpose of this movement is to prove the potential power of the internet to enforce international law by setting its sights on the most wanted man by the International Criminal Court. If this were successful it could give even the jaded internet goer reason to believe that their voice can singular decisive power to bring down people who are inhumane but without major power or allies (like China getting away with what they do Tibet). This may not seem like much if the major players are still immune but it would be a vast improvement over the status quo.
4) If you are leery of this (as I still am) then just do what I did: write your Congressional Representatives but don't buy their kit. If the money angle makes you uncomfortable don't send money. I think it was a hideous final touch to an otherwise compelling film, but I chalked it up to the inexperience of those involved with mega mass media (I am sure they still did a better job than I probably ever could).
I think its sad that a country that actually needs the worlds attention..then it gets it..then starts to complain. Sounds stupid to me. So what if he is not there. You have the eyes and ears of MILLIONS for 15 minutes and the only thing the leaders of this country can say is "look away" basically with its criticism. OK fine, your country goes back to whatever it is you guys do..and keep saying its ok to have a killer of 30000+ children on your soil is so "old news" its not worth pursing..... NO problem........now Ill go back to wondering what I have to do to get a hot cup of Caffee Latte at Starbucks as I surf the web on my IPAD2. no harm no foul.
Please look up the following names on CNN: Ishmael Beah who is a former child soldier who wrote a book years ago and Evelyn. This should speak loudly. There people from Ugandans to humanitarians working in these areas are calling IC out for misleading information that is used to fund their salaries. Many organizations in these areas have seen IC come and go very qucily and not do anything of signifance in the area other than collect footage which is now outdated. If IC truly wanted to raise awareness, they would get new footage and honestly represent what these countries have been doing since 2006 when the LRA scattered. They are rebuilding. Please research more.
I knew it was a get rich scam since day one of the video. Those college pukes make United States Caucasians look bad. They even look slimy and full of marketing rhetoric...
What does race have to do with it, Bill? You are making a gross generalization. How are White people in the US looking bad as a result of this college inspired movement? Your comments are racist to the core. The leadership of the nonprofit group deserves some criticism, since they ignored the opinions of key Ugandans, but there is no impact on college students in general, white, green, whatever. The work they did to get the US Government to recognize there was a problem in Uganda and to send a contingent of military trainers is a good outcome. The fact that Kony is not perceived as much of a problem anymore in Uganda is something that goes back to the erroneous message of the film Invisible Children. From the ignorance you disseminate, I get the impression you are not a college graduate, but a disgruntled person with chip on his shoulder. Just saying....
Kony is a wonderful white male with a dream to become willy wonka. Everyone knows this and if you still do not understand this then you good sir need to go dig a hole and figure out yourself what to do next.
Bill let me guess you've never been on the continent of Africa much less Uganda....Well I have and your ignorant comment shows how very little you know outside of your 12X60 shanty in the trailer park. Need to worry more about how to get the jelly stains off your kid's wife beater t-shirts and less about educated college people.
Bill supports Santorum.
Right on the money, Stan!
I have also been to Africa and spent extensive time doing humanitarian work. Your harsh words make me wonder how much time you spent there. I am surprised someone who has spent time there wouldn't be appalled by the misinformation IC is sharing. The outdated information has made many Ugandans upset and they are offended their history is being used to make money. Also, you would know the plan to finance a miliatry that is also harsh is absurd. If you really looked through IC's plan and followed African news, you would surely see the inaccuracy.
Clearly Kony pays bribes to Ugandan officials, including it's president, justice minister, and interior minister. If it's not true, perhaps these thug-freaks would like to sue me for Libel in an American Court.
LOL has anyone watched the video? Apparently not if you did you would realize that they say he hasn't been in Uganda since 2006. The video was put out to Catch Joseph Kony for the Crimes he has commited aginst the ppl of Uganda!
It is to raise support and make ppl aware of who he is and what he has done so they can catch and punish him. God forbid someone make a cause for something worthwhile.
You sir are an idiot
Name-calling is unneceesary.
Absolutely succinct David. Kony needs to pay for what he has done to those children, there is a special Hell for him and His kind. The Ugandans defending Kony by lambasting the Kony 2012 Campaign are probably his cohorts, cronies, relatives, etc. and they should join Him in that special reserved spot in Hell.
Joe, Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Thanks for bringing your intelligent post into this discussion.
I wanna be like him when i grow up!
You sir, are exactly correct and understand what they are attempting to do.
Many of us were fighting for this cause when it was an issue. Now that it is greatly resolved (scattered army that consists of former children now grown) organizations are trying to meet the current needs of these countries. IC is using old footage to make a buck. Their plan is also absurd and could do further damage to countries like Sudan, Uganda, and even Congo.
Have you researched the issue? If you have, you will see the country is in a stage of rebuilding yet IC portrays them as still being victims. IC's plan to use military action could do more harm than good for countries mentioned in the film. IC claimed there were thousands of LRA and were later confronted for their false infomration because the number is less than 300 and they are scattered former child soldiers. If you delve deeper, you will see these atrocities have been going on for years and the LRA arose to fight them. Both sides are not clean. The point is these countries want to rebuild and do not appreciate IC making money off of tragic events that occured to them years ago. Seriously, three IC staff make $90,000 a year! They claim the money belongs to the children.....come on! What they are doing is not pure.
Typical response from Uganda where they think that having the same dictator for 30 years is normal. Government officials whine and cry if they aren't getting their portion of the graft and corruption money.
Typical response from someone who thinks they know EVERYTHING that is going on a country they have never been to. I wish we were all as brilliant as you...oh wait, no I don't.
lmao, couldnt have put it better myself!
@ Wubster
You are assuming June has never been there and that makes you a hypocrite. At least June has access to cast amounts fo information about Uganda. How much do you know about June? Ye…what I figured.
They are concerned about their country being used. The footage is old, they are being misrepresented, and are dealing with current issues. This distraction detours them and other organizations from making progress. Was your time in Africa awful? I usually don't hear people who have done cross-cultural work speak so bitterly of nationals.
I want to see the producers tax statements. They are selling awareness "kits" online. where is the money going and how much is going into the pockets of the producers? Whether it is legitimate or not, follow the money and it will lead you to the truth
Are you kidding me? It's a college video. Stop seeing government conspiracies everywhere.
BBB states that only 31% makes it to Uganda.
They are doing some good, but they are making a whole lot of money doing it.
Their financial statements are online. It is fairly detailed. They spend a lot of money, not a ton goes to Africa, about 30-40%. Most is spent on filiming/technology/travel considering ICU considers itself more of an advocacy agency this would make sense for their business model, but in the end, if a person wants to donate they should be aware that their are other agencies operating in Africa that put the majority of donations to programs in Africa.
If you search for the "IRS Form 990" for them, you'll find links on their website and on guidestar.com to view their tax returns. If you look on page 5, you'll see that they have a cayman islands bank account, and on another page they wired $3 million.
First time I ever saw a non-profit with a cayman islands account, and I've read hundreds of tax returns for charities as a donor, as previously as a grantwriter. It definitely doesn't pass the smell test- I suspect they're stealing money.
Let me get this straight: there's a guy named Kony forcing kids to kill other kids and their own parents. And we're complaining about the act of complaining about this guy? I simply cannot fathom it. When presented with a video like this, whose basic premise has been vetted and confirmed by the media and anyone studying the conflict in C. Africa, why choose to lash out at the video makers? It is a choice I don't understand.
So what if they're from college (oh no, not COLLEGE!) So what if they have resources that most Ugandans or Congolese don't have. It might matter if this kid decided to actually go to Central Africa with misguided intentions of actually stopping this murderer; that would be truly indulgent and absurd in a white privilege sort of way.
But this video does absolutely no harm. It does not distort the issue, and to the extent that it simplifies the issue, well, "it's complicated" is a wonderful excuse to ignore atrocities.
It's very easy to be cynical, to deride the makers of this video with LImbaugh-like sarcasm. It's also pathetic.
No, people are complaining that it is mostly just a scam.
I completely agree Sam, thank you.
It is so easy to be a pessimist and try to uncover every single potential flaw in something. This campaign is not a scam, they are transparent about their funds, and it is everybody's own decision whether or not to donate. Invisible Children was also not anticipating this to become so huge. How can you possibly anticipate 100 million views on a video you posted less than a week ago. This movement has done an incredible amount of good, I personally was not focusing on the issue of child soldiers before, and now I am, as are millions of others, and that is a very powerful thing.
I wish more people would stop treating the filmmakers like criminals. It is completely detracting from the point of this campaign, which is Joseph Kony and abducted children in Africa.
You are missing a fundamental point, it does do harm to the country of Uganda. Yes, Kony is obviously a horrible person and should pay for his crimes. However, created a viral video that implies Uganda is still in a state of war does not do much for the reputation and rebuilding of Uganda. Look at how many uninformed individuals (many on this forum) have so easily adopted the impression that Uganda is racked with war and devastated. How do you think the people of Uganda, who have been working to rebuild their country for 6 years feel about that?
Public opinion matters, especially to a country that is probably hoping to one day be established and taken seriously in a world market.
The video states that Kony has been out of Uganda since 2006.
Uganda can handle it. You can rest easy now.
nnnn.....There are many other things about the video that have raised concerns. I am not sure he can rest easy.
When comments are aimed at insulting people's opinions, I can see how you might be offended. However, the issues Ugandans as well as humanitarian organizations are raising is valid. To use old footage to promote a cause that is no longer an issue in a majority of the countries mentioned is wrong and unethical. That is why the people of Uganda are upset. They are being used. Also, the plan to train the military is poorly thought out and could do more damage considering the military has been and is currently questionable. IC is trying to bring up an old issue to get money when really the money needs to be used by organizations working on current issues which there are many of in countries like Sudan, Uganda, and the Congo.
OMG Thank you Sam! Seems some ppl have watched this video and actually gotten the point of the video.
Everyone wants to worry about the video makers and how much they are making off of the video, when what they are APPARENTY missing is the point of the video all together.
Good to know there are still some ppl out there that care about issues and ppl other than them selves.
Ah yes...there is a lot of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) among "college" students these days...and not just in "caucasians" (see Bill's accusation)...people hear about an orange that once fell from a tree and start spreading the news that all apples are rotten and the sky is falling...
That has nothing to do with ADD or college students. The “Bible” is a great example.
It is scary. After thorough evalution of the campaign, many people have seen the flaws, but are reluctant to take a stand because they are simply happy young people are responding. I would rather take a stand and have young people be informed on what is happening around the world so that when questionable campaigns like this arise, they know enough to decipher what is true and false.
I could give a rat's ass if Kony eats live kittens while pooping on pictures of nuns. The turds that made this video have nothing better to do but try to make a buck. "Invisble Children"- what a steaming turd pile. Like kids in America don't have any problems. The founders of this group should be thrown off helicopters into a vat of raw sewage.
Hope your jumping right behind them. People are so worried about someone else making a buck that they ARE NOT seeing the issue here. Yes childern in America need help as well. Maybe you should start a cause to do so. Apparently this college student founded this cause because he thought it was worth fighting for. Stop condiming him on his views if you think other things are more cause worthy then start one up! If you think something is worth fighting for then do it! This kid did and he is making his point regardless of weather you care for this cause or not you now know who Kony is and that all along is the point!!!
Bored, when's the last time you took time out of your schedule to start a movement that reached 70million plus people and did it for free?
The problem is that it isn't for free. The problem is they're getting 70 million people to watch their video, think that this is a relevant cause and buy their kits when only 30% of the money they receive actually goes to helping the people of Uganda. And apparently the people of Uganda don't even need helping! I don't think that these people went into this situation knowing how popular this was going to get, and I don't believe it was their intention to rip off people. But it is pretty sketchy knowing Kony's been out of Uganda since 2006 and this is the time that it's becoming an issue...
Call me confused, but does the video clearly show that the LRA has moved on to RoC and other countries? Is he not wanted by the International Criminal Courts? Not exactly sure why the pushback???
The pushback is due to uneducated yokel haters not being able to look past their own pathetic lives enough to really grasp that Kony is a war criminal who needs to be brought to justice for what he has done. They are too busy worrying about skin colour and splitting hairs about whether anyone is being paid. They have never cared about anything enough to go outside their own comfort zone... so ignore them and we all move on.
@Bill you are a retard from hell. Yes they made money off of this film we all get that. But the point of the film was to show who Kony really is. The fact that most of you retards dont get this is kind of funny to me....
so now that we all know who Kony is, what you want us to do over here in America... oh yeah PAY to capture him. isn't that's what their police is for? or if it's for knowledge of who he is, then i'm glad to know now in case he land in Virginia.
Koney 2012 is pointing a finger at a man whose self proclaimed image has been around for decades. The fear of this youtube generation is not going to work. Supporting Koney 2012 looks as if you're wanting the man to run for president instead of getting his arrest. Plus, this generation of ipods and starbucks seems to think that group motivation is somehow more powerful than any tactical operation the military could put together. Nonviolent protesting may of been the right kind of mindset back when morals and motivational speaking was not as large as it is today.
With out this guy bringing the plight of the Ugandan people to light the United States Millitary may not have even sent any one over there. Its not about Group Motovation. Its about, if anything Group Awareness. The worry is if the United States public doesn't know they don't care and if they don't care then the US may pull the advisors we put in place over there to try and help and find Kony! I really think anyone that is aginst Kony 2012 should maybe shut their mouths open their eyes and ears and really watch the video. watching the video isn't going to generate revenu for the movement so don't worry your pretty little heads about that. This video is yet again to let as many ppl as possiable know who Kony is, its hard to hide from anyone looking for you when everyone knows who he is.
Its not the 60's anymore we know silent protest isn't going to accomplish anything. Yet the Amazing thing about the tech age is that we can pass the word so much faster!
Awareness over an issue that is no longer an issue is a joke and further pandering of over proviledged white people bearing some inexplocable guilt for a situation they think they have somehow created.
if you really want to create group awareness, help the LGBT in Uganda. If you can't, you are a pathetic phuck who should shut the phuck up
The point you are missing is that him walking around free and unpunished for his crimes is n itself abhorent, and that is actually what this video wants...his punishment.
how is this no longer an issue?? EDUCATE YOURSELF & form your opinion off more than 1 CNN article!
So so True David!!
I spent years raising awareness on this issue way before IC began and can say IC is not starting the movement. They came in late and are using old footage to raise money. Years ago this was a hot topic. Now the hot topic is helping countries like Uganda, Sudan, and even the Congo rebuild. To use old footage to raise money is wrong.
I hope great misery and misfortune falls upon each and every officer of invisible children who made money off this perversion of awareness. If they actually cared about Uganda, they;d be addressing the persecution of the LGBT and those suspected of being LGBT. Those who are opposed to the Ugandan Regime can easily stand accused of being gay and get killed for it. Where is the web viral on that? Oh, thats right. This is about money and no one gives a g*d d*mned about Ugandan gays.
RetroFire: Moron need i say more? Why even comment on a subject you obviously know nothing about. Sure seemed like an adult converstaion. Let the adults talk about real issues and you and your childish friends like Bill (2nd persons comment) go start chatting your racist rhetoric somewhere else.
You have apparently missed the whole point of this video, more worried about who is lining their pockets and not about the issue at hand. If you want to start a group for the LGBT then go do it and obviously you will get supporters! I'm sure you can whip up a nice group of racist friends to help you out.
For those of us who have followed the news, we know what is happening in Uganda and IC's plan to use money to fund the Uganda military who is also cruel to its people is abusrd. The point is people are upset with the organization for using outdated material with a poorly thought out plan that will eventually do more harm than good. The comment about the gay community being terrozied is valid.
So... I guess this has nothing to do with recent discoveries of oil in Uganda? Why make this so much promoted instead of supporting Syria and sending maybe some troops there? Each day large number of people die because of the tyran... but well.. who care's?
The issue over the money is very simple. Money for the production of the kits, to run the site, employees, living expenses, etc...
Its very simple if yopu know a little bit about business.
Business that uses inaccurate information to raise money? Even if 100% of the money went to kits, IC knows and planned on getting more followers by starting this false campaign.
Business? wish they would make up their mind says "501(c)3 nonprofit status" on the IC website. The problem I see with the whole thing is , They Lied. they got everyone sobbing then conned them out there their cash. you can't tell me that anyone who watched that video didn't think all of their donations were going to those kids.. and how do you spend that kinda money on a 30 minute video of old footage they already had.. and the whole cover the night campaign? more free advertising clueless kids got "sold" to suck in the rest of the people that missed the first wave.
Here's some thoughts on why the West can't have a cause without buying stuff. Consumerism doesn't translate: http://www.pumthuggee.com/2012/03/radicalism-is-the-new-caffeine-kony-2012/
This is about a global cause let this be the beginning of people around the world fighting evil. If KONY is gone then let's keep the wheels oiled and tackle the #2 guy or the slaughter of Elephants in Cameroon or the skinning of cats and dogs alive in China! This is about the world coming together as 1 and fighting for what is RIGHT!!! PEOPLE DOING NOTHING AND DOUBTING SOMETHING THAT CAN BE GREAT IS A DISGRACE!
Just watched the video, and it actually does mention that Kony is no longer in Uganda... I don't see what the issue is.
Thank you if more ppl would do tha,t then this convo wouldn't have been as long
The basic fact for me is this. Kony has been around for 26 years committing these crimes. Does it really matter if he is Uganda, DRC or Sudan? Just because he might not be in Uganda, the point is that he is alive and has to be punished for the things he is doing or has done over the years. I live in South Africa, and only since this video was released did I even know who the man was. I don't really care who might or might not have made money off the video, the issue is that it brought awareness. People are talking now. Some saying idiotic things of course...negative or positive, the world is now aware.
This man is number one on the list of most dangerous criminals. He needs to be punished. The clip of Jacob crying for the loss of his brother was real. Those children have feelings. They have families that miss them. and they deserve to live just as much as the next person. Perhaps stop focusing on the man behind the video and start focusing on the man IN the video
Its so sad to see so many ppl worried about who is making money off of this.
Why can't ppl see that this is about fighting aginst an evil person for the crimes he has commited.
Just wish more ppl would actually watch the video and look into the issue before just posting all crazy like you know something when you have no clue!
Can't anyone believe anymore that this could just be a good cause?
people seem to think this is some Wolf in sheeps clothing when it could be a great cause. If you skeptical then watch the video if you don't agree with it then don't pledge or buy anything or use the FREE kit. It really is that easy!
So basically, Uganda says: "We don't care because he isn't here anymore." I don't see how this matters as this wasn't Uganda 2012, it's simply about bringing a madman to justice so he can't do it again.
PONY 2012
strange world we live in... if Kony was in America the world would have known about this the same day. His actions would be compared to acts of the Holocaust and he would have been brought to justice long before now.
If I murdered someone back in 2006 would it not matter anymore because I wasn't caught till 2012? Serial Killers get more publicity than Kony, why is that ok? He's ruined counties, ruined families, ruined a Generation.
I guess its all ok bc its in Africa, bc they're black, bc they're not American children or families, bc it doesnt effect America's economy.
Well put! Couldn't have said it better my self!
No one wants to focus on the issue but who brought it about or that it didn't happen this year or because he isn't in Uganda anymore. Not being in Uganda doesn't take away from the attrocities he committed there. He needs to be brought to justice and thanks to the act of 1 person and his video Millions know the name Kony. That is the point the more that know the better it is. Treat it like a campaign if thats what it takes to let the world know.
If this was in a western country the media and the public would be up in arms and there would be public outcry!
Just bc it happened in Africa doesn't mean it doesn't matter.
There was public outcry! That is what so many of us are trying to say. When so many people worked to bring awareness to this issue, saw great strides being made (Sudan victory, Uganda, etc) and then see IC using old footage to raise money, we are going to be upset. IC is not a humanitarian organization. They are not giving current information. They are not researching the effects of their plan. They have been viewed by many Ugandans in the past as promoting self. Of course people are going to speak up.
If nothing else, this is a lesson on how easy it is to manipulate the masses with a little youtube video.
The man is pure slime–you should have realized from the moment he was using his son to tell us all about the big "bad guy."
Good to know that just because he asked his kid a question he is a slim ball.
If ignorance is bliss you must be the happiest persone in the world.
point is you know how about Kony & that he needs to pay for his crime. like the film, buy that posters, like the movie or not you are AWARE! & thats all the matters, even if you are a jerk.
People with education and the ability to read were aware of Kony a decade ago. He is not news. His war crimes are not news. What is news is that you have a shady organization using cheesy Disney-like good vs evil imagery to play on people's emotions so that they give $$$ to the organization which will DO NOTHING to catch Kony other than get the young and geographically ignorant to click.
Most of you people couldn't find Uganda on a map without the help of Google...now you care oh so much for the people of Uganda who have been doing just fine at rebuilding their country without the help of eejits in the USA.
They are also perfectly capable of capturing Kony without the USA running to the rescue like the arrogant saviors of the world.
Sure this is all about Kony you aren't a gullible twit at all.
Exactly! It is so hard to be someone who worked on this issue for years and now see all of this false information being spread.
Agree Phony 2012. Something about the video that I did not care for. It almost seemed cultish in nature and i certainly did not care for the way he used his child. Sorry any chance for support from me was ruined.
I knew about Osama Bin Laden and I don't think giving money to a non-profit could've reduced the 10 years it took to find him. But I did see a youtube video on Bin Laden and I liked it and posted it to my facebook profile.
Osama Bin Laden would still be free today if it wasnt in Americas interest to find him. which is the point of the video to gain interest & bring awareness.
I understand your point. My post was more satire and frustration over the irony that my friends who want us out of Iraq (past tense) and Afghanistan want the US military to find Kony.
Allow me to write my reply in a different manner.
I wonder how many supporters of this cause will picket the White House after we go to Congo and South Sudan for 10 years to find a man on the run and thousands of our soldiers start dying.
People here are very confused. I think that nobody is actually unhappy about the making of the video and the fact that its bringing awareness of the situation in Uganda despite the misinformation in some parts of it, I read this report on other websites, (very poorly written article cnn) I think to the Ugandans they see people wearing t shirts with his picture on it and so forth that is more offensive , even if its a little late the way the charity went about it, it was more about Kony and less about the victims. One ugandan lady put it very eloquently, how would the 9/11 victims and most American feel if people were selling Bin laden paraphernalia.
That is a very good point about how would Americans feel about if the same thing was happening with Bin Laden. The biggest difference though is that Bin Laden's actions were for the most part not ongoing. He struck and then went and hid. (As far as I am aware anyways, I’m no expert on Al Qaeda). Joseph Kony has remained active for years, and unless he is stopped he will continue to remain active. In addition, Bin Laden was already in the public eye, and already had a powerful army pursuing him, so there would be no need for a campaign like this. Kony was, as the video says, "invisible", and thus he has been able to get away with a lot.
Very valid point though about this campaign not necessarily being sensitive to the potential impact of having Kony's face plastered everywhere.
"Bin Laden's actions were for the most part not ongoing..." Are you serious? Do a simple google search next time before posting such blatantly ignorant statements.
I admitted that I do not know much about Bin Laden, and that my assumption there was just that, an assumption. My point was that I have not heard of any more Al Qaeda attacks on America in recent years, whereas the LRA still strike regularily. I'm sorry if I am wrong about that.
I very must respect you post & your words.
As an American I would be thankful & understand what other people are trying to do by selling Bin laden paraphernalia. If Bin laden wasn't already a world leader & America was a less powerful country we may have needed the help of others. I just find it frustrating that people are trying to pick apart something that is for an overall good.
If it was for the overall good, wouldn't IC be trying to raise awareness on rebuilding these countries that are now rid of the LRA? It is disturbing the number they gave of active LRA was grossly exagerrated when really it is 300 scattered soldiers who were once child soldiers themselves. What about their plan to fund a military cause to hunt down the once kidnapped child soldiers by funding a military who has a record of treating its people poorly? The issue died down in 2006. Why hasn't IC evolved? I am skeptical of emotional ad campaigns using outdated information when there are so many legit organizations working on the field with nationals.
All the Sheeple, raise up your hand and show your Kony wrist band. Yay...lets Kill'em all, Yay...
THE ONLY REASON
Point to me where Uganda on the map of Africa to those so informed and know it all.
I can point to it on a map, thank you very much. I couldn't before this campaign, but I can now. That's one of the reasons I like Invisible Children, they are inspiring people, including myself, to become aware and informed of important world issues. I never used to frequent CNN.com, but I do now because I've realised it's actually very interesting to know about what's going on in the world. I used to think politics were boring.
I am so glad about your desire to read up more Jess! That is excellent. The thing is for so many of us who have been aware of this issue from the beginning are disgusted an organization would use old footage to try to get people to join a campaign that was resolved in 2006. They even used false numbers regarding the size of the LRA which is truly 300 scattered ex child soldiers. The countries mentioned are now in the stage of recovering and attention and money needs to be given to organizations directly working with these people. BBC is also a great world news resource.
why kony is still alive why why why
The purpose behind the video may be genuine,but the facts of what they want to portray are out of sync with the reality on ground. Thus, i would advise anybody else who wants to make videos that wish to highlight social issues should make sure that what they say is what is happening in prime time!!
kony2012 is misleading govt backed and sponsored lies, kony hasn't been in uganda for years and recently they found massive oil reserves in uganda rivaling those of saudi arabia. govt knows they cant use no more bs excuses to occupy and invade other countries so they have turned into manipulation and mind washing of dumbed down american public which does not use reason but emotions to make decisions.
It's just an internet meme and a troll tactic now, no one cares
That would be incorrect, a lot of people care. and that's a good thing. I'd rather people care about something like this, than care about how big Kim Kardashian's butt looks in that dress.
I don't know on what evidence some of you base your claim that this is a scan or a money-making endeavor: The organization's budget is available for examination online, and less than 16% of its revenue goes to salaries and that sort of thing. In other words, 84% goes toward the organization's programs, and the largest chunk of that 84% goes toward programs in Central Africa.
People are just looking for reasons to be pessimistic. nothing more.
Or we could be people who worked for years on the issue trying to shed some truth to IC's campaign.
It was an internet fad to start with and that's all anyone should treat it as. At least the Ugandans know what it really is.
Bravo!!! Make KONY famous! Keep talking, even if you hate the idea, thats exactly what the video wants. Wether you want to become part of the movement or not, you are. It starts with a video, creates a controversy, and brings KONY to the forefront. Basically KONY needs to be stopped and made to pay for his crimes against humanity! It's just like a nagging bill collector, eventually you have to go bankrupt or pay it. It doesn't disappear, and neither will this issue! The more we talk about him, the higher the likelyhood that the governments of this world will catch him, or kill him, just to shut us up! So keep talking! Not only is it entertaining, but also productive! Peace!
The talk is good because people will hopefully learn to research organizations, read the news, and know what is happening in our world so when false campaigns like this rise again, people will not be misled.
Too bad AMERICOM' propaganda wasn't bought by the masses, looks like people are not as dumb as govts think. Good for you Africans, protect that oil for as long as you can. (amongst other resources)
PS TO THE GOOFBALL READING MY POSTS AND COLLECTING A GOVT PAYCHECK FOR IT, GET A LIFE AND A SOUL BECAUSE YOU HAVE NEITHER UNDER NEW WORLD ORDER CONTROL.
i think that cnn should give daily or weekly updates on whats happening with kony.most people dont know him but ounce we make him famous he will be known by the middle of the year and be arrested before 2013.what he starts to move to where we live and takes kids?well thankyou.
On April 20, I am going to get naked, jacked up on drugs and masterbate in public like the creator of PHONEY 2012. Can you give me money?
I'm sick of how people are so ignorant that they latch on to some MEDIA "Issue of the week" and act like they are doing something by sharing it on Facebook, then posting comments like they are awesome "couch" activists. Every year six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday in Africa. Get off of your butts and do something about THAT!
Go ahead and post this video, keep people aware, but for God's sake, don't give this SCAM charity a DIME (unless you want to buy a tee shirt to show what an awesome GIVER you are) – it's funding their party lifestyles, you idiots. Give the money to charities that actually DO SOMETHING!!!!
Anybody who posts an OPINION on how important this thing is needs to be strapped down and forced to watch a video of an Ethiopian child dying of hunger. Of course, if it doesn't fit the "look at how involved I am" tee shirt to prove how awesome I am club, you probably will forget about it the moment you are let up.
Bunch of posers and phonies you faketivists are.
With the money that bankers and and politicians have been making or stealing however you want to look at it, could have fed and educated every man, woman and child. There is no reason for anyone to be living in poverty. It is orchestrated that way, Poor to middle class is govt enemy #1. It's called Eugenics and you are all expendable in the eyes of your govts, and monarchs. That is why they test on you, because you allow it, and because PUBLIC LAW allows them too. LOL What a world we live in.
the afgani investigation and the international lab proved now that 15 usa soldiers was involved of killing more than 16 children and women, and that 15 soldiers ra pe 2 afgani ladies young ladies ra pe them repeatdley and then shot them dead and burned there bodies , exactley as it happened in iraq when usa soldiers ra ped 14 years old girl then shot her and shot her parents and brothers and burned there bodies ...usa did that in vitnam ,korea and many other places they are murderous thugs ra piest killers and OBAMA say soyy all the time!!?/while leaving evil iranians and evil syrian bashar al asad killing more civilians obama is a cowered president if obama want to fix this problem he must attack syria now and remove bashar al asad to show to the muslim world that he mean it, remove the evil in syria now and prove your point OBAMA.......why you are silent...SILENCE IS A CRIME.
America! Africa wants investment , a level economic playing field, and respect, more than aid and charity these days. They are increasingly tired of negative headlines that has to do with them. In Africa America is still well admired, but our focus on their failures and lack there of when there is success is pushing them into the friendship with Asia instead of America. We will lose an entire region of allies if they feel it will forever cost them their image to be our friend. I bet know body knows there is a middle income country with relative success just to the north of South Africa. By the way South Africa isn't too bad either.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/53PCBB3
Just watch, those Kony wristbands will end up being the mark of the devil. Thank god I didn't fall for this ponzi scheme.
I understand all of your frustration. But what good is it to sit around complain about the video? Have you guys done anything to help Uganda or stop Kony from spreading more evil? I think the video is a good start to helping spread awareness on the issue. I don't think the video would have been made if Kony was no longer a problem or threat to Uganda. There are some questionable things about the money that has gone into it.. but money is also needed in order to advertise for something. Try and see the good in the organization and the video it put out.
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