#StopKony in Perspective
I like many retweeted #StopKony to show my support – but it would do well to look at things in perspective. Whilst the thing is trending everywhere, there is simultaneously growing concern about what the money is being put towards. Other than a well edited 30 minute Doc which clearly had a monumental an effect on everyone who has viewed it – you may want to consider what we aren’t seeing behind the scenes.
It has been suggested that a significant portion of money donated since its inception has been used to pay staff wages, film production etc. (Their financial records can be found here, it being a public charity)
It is too early in this campaign’s movement to really analyse what is going on. I am not saying that #StopKony is not a good cause, far from it – but to answer its battle cry so mindlessly, as it seems a lot of people are doing, is highly problematic. The counter-argument from this arguably cynical standpoint (trust me, on this matter I wan’t to be wrong) is that it has encouraged so much political discussion and involvement in a medium usually reserved for drunken photos and relationship updates, that is must be a good thing.
However, #StopKony should be approached as what it is – ‘viral’ – it has spread so quickly that the time needs to be taken to actually diagnose what is or risk suffering a detrimental misdiagnosis.
It is incredible that such an motivation has been envoked, but, for anyone interested in taking a step back rather than jumping on the social-networking band wagon take the time to step back and think about what you are retweeting.
http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/