Kony 2012

Kony 2012 is a moving viral video made by Invisible Children, an association who wants to make people aware of the crimes commited by Joseph Kony in Africa, which would eventually lead to his arrest and trial.

What does that mean?

If Kony was arrested, his kidnapping and turning kids into slaving soldiers would stop (among other things). But if this is done through violence, many of his bodyguards and soldiers would fight and be killed -yes, the children ones (among other things, too).

So let’s face it, arresting Kony is not going to be pretty.

To have further insight, you can read articles which criticize the Kony 2012 campaign, such as Let’s keep it about Joseph Kony, by Grant Oyston (ou ici une critique en français), and of course the response of Invisible Children on their website (here).

Making people aware of the Kony situation might also make them more aware of African issues in general, which is a good thing. Still, keep in mind that Invisible Children are an association for awareness about Joseph Kony, not direct aid.

Here’s how, according to them, the donations they receive are used:

So if you want a positive result, here’s what I suggest (and I’m flawed):

1. Do something (because a result only comes from an action)
2. If you don’t want to waste time, pass on this video with the comments.
3. If you have time to spend, find out information about Kony and make out your own opinion. 
4. Act accordingly, at your level and through what you’re good at -reblogging or commenting on the Net, maybe? Not all of us are geniuses/famous/millionaires…

Remember that peace starts at home. They are Konys evewhere, from dictators to mere bullies, even if they’re not all as destructively powerful. Maybe you can’t help with that, but you can help with one thing: don’t behave like a Kony.

When I say peace starts at home, that means peace starts with you.

That being said, thank you for your time, I hope you’ll have a nice day : )