Though the genocide in Uganda has been a problem for decades, the viral video “Kony 2012” has turned a global problem into a social media phenomenon.
“Kony 2012,” a video by organization Invisible Children describing the situation in Uganda that urges viewers to spread the word against rebel leader Joseph Kony, has become one of the most popular videos online. It gives detailed accounts of the atrocities in Uganda, shows the experiences of Invisible children leader Jason Russell, and explains a plan that involves the youth of America stepping up and convincing law makers to take down Kony.
While the ideas in this program are admirable and inspiring, the factual content in the film leaves much to be desired.
One detail they fail to mention? Joseph Kony is not in Uganda. Right now, the LRA is terrorizing other countries like Congo and Sudan. The LRA is a ghost of what it once was, with around 250 – 300 fighters still at work.
Another issue? Kony isn’t the only villain in Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is failed to be mentioned in the video, though he is just as much at fault. In more than 25 years at office, his biggest achievement has been the increase in corruption.
In order to actually assist the people of Uganda, Museveni would need to be taken down.
Even the calls to celebrities and politicians fail point out the fact that the U.S. can’t singlehandedly stop the bad guys. Any movement at this scale needs to be global, something Invisible Children lacks.
Uganda needs help. That much is obvious. But referencing the ICC, which the U.S. doesn’t recognize, or discussing Kony with an innocent, though very adorable, toddler isn’t helping anyone.
When people for Uganda and other parts of Africa are condemning the video, there’s an obvious problem.
The ultimate goal of helping Uganda is admirable and it is an issue the U.S. needs to address. “Kony 2012” while doing a great job of spreading Kony’s name, isn’t solving anything. The fact that so many people are inspired by this video shows the potential. There’s just more to the story then posters.