I will have to admit to not knowing who Joseph Kony was until this morning.I will also admit that after watching the YouTube sensation "KONY 2012" I want to know more.
You see, Frack, my boy, will be travelling over to Uganda with World Challenge in June on an educational expedition for a month. While there, he will meet and work with Ugandan people recovering from Joseph Kony's wake and he will help them to build schools and meet challenges. He will learn, first hand, about the struggles and triumphs these people face daily and he will be part of the re-building process, albeit a small one.
The good news is that Kony is no longer in Ugnda. Kony and his LRA have not been in Uganda for years and they are now at peace in most areas. Another parent of one of the kids going to Uganda with Frack sent me this link, and I ask you to watch it, when you have some time. While this movie is inspirational, it is not without controversy. There are those who don't agree with the message behind KONY 2012. Shelly Wright is one of them. In her blog Wright's Room, she wrote a piece about the film and what she calls "Slacktivisim". Read it for yourself after you watch the mini movie.
Each one of these devoted and determined people have a valid point and each one of these devoted and determined people are fighting for children. The maker of this movie and Shelly Wright, both motivated by their desire to make a difference.
All I know is that I am soon sending my baby over there to see for himself.
And I care.
4 comments:
It's a slippery slope. The Kony 2012 video has made a bunch of people aware of the situation, and knowledge is always a good thing. But it's decidedly one-sided. The Ugandan government has been guilty of being nearly as ruthless as Kony's LRA. So who are we to decide who is in the right?
I wouldn't necessarily call it slacktivism or fauxtivism or whatever else people want to call it. But learning the whole truth behind the situation might be the best way to make up your own mind.
One word. Daisycutter.
I'd say use Bunker-Busters, but they're probably too lazy to have "dug in".
Make sure the kid gets all the shots before he goes.
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