Or so a thread I got involved with last week said. I tend to agree. At least in part. Kony2012, the now viral doco calling for the arrest of Joseph Kony, has been getting alot of flack. Some people complain that the charity behind it spends too much on administration and so they give them nothing. Some people object that part of the campaign calls for fly-posting and so they do nothing. Many I am sure won't bother to sit through a 30min youtube clip - the internet has trashed our attention spans. Actually, I usually don't myself, but this time I did, and so should you, if you haven't already. If you didn't know, Joseph Kony, according to some authorities, is the world's most wanted man.
So what do you do when a clip like that comes your way? Ignore it? Watch it? Share it? Give to the charity? Sign the petition? Email a politician? Join a demonstration?
I am reminded of being constantly harangued by beggars when I lived in London. It was known that some did it as a fulltime job, dressing and acting the part and earned more than I did. But which were conmen and which were worthy? An old Bible teacher of mine had great advice: "You will find that if you ignore pleas for help, there will be a hardening of your heart, increasing each time. So when you travel, carry a pocketful of low denomination coins and give to everyone who asks you." I guess that the worthy would benefit from a few pence, whereas the professionals wouldn't cover their expenses. So can we apply this to social media? Do we even care? Well, if a clip like Kony2012 drops into your newsfeed, watch it. Consider donating a few bucks to the charity. Research them first if you like. Sign the pledge. At least share the clip with friends - if you do nothing more, maybe some of them will.
Kony2012 is about raising awareness, and as more people have joined the call for action, the US government has been moved to act where it had refused before. So the internet campaign is working, actually making a real difference in the world. Does clicking 'Like' make you a humanitarian? Not really. But clicking 'share' just might. What do you think?
Well said! I'll come back and write you a proper comment when I have five minutes to myself, but I couldn't leave without leaving at least a word of praise :)
ReplyDeleteNice piece of writing.At least the internet can be credited for this revolution of knowledge sharing and making people sensible to some extent.
ReplyDeleteThank you both! Great to see you here Mohan, I agree with you that the sharing of knowledge that the internet has brought us can be a positive thing.
ReplyDeleteJust 2 days ago, the ICC handed down it's first ever verdict which happens to be on another African warlord convicted of abducting children and making them into child soldiers. I think many people are watching to see if Joeseph Kony is brought to justice this year. If he is, then the Kony2012 campaign will take some credit, and many will view the power of the internet in a new light.
More action being called for by US politicians: http://blog.invisiblechildren.com/2012/03/22/u-s-rep-ileana-ros-lehtinen-speaks-on-the-house-floor/
ReplyDeleteMark
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post. The internet is a powerful thing when used in the right way. I hate to say this, but, I am one of those who are reluctant to hang around to view videos if they are 30 mins or more, this is due to my time and the fact that when I have done this it usually comes to nought, then I go crazy over the amount of videos I've watched that has used up my bandwidth etc and wasted my time.
One thing though, I carefully choose where my money goes and makes sure I do my research before I give as I don't have a lot of funds to throw away and I clearly remember my past mistakes which took a very large chunk out of my savings. I guess if every person made a little effort to support or do just one thing of charity, the world may be a slightly better place. Enjoyed reading this.
Thanks Rum-Punch Drunk :). I agree that research is key. And of course, we can't give to every noble cause. In this instance, 2 notable clips had dropped into my FB feed at roughly the same time and I shared them both and signed the Kony pledge but donated to the other charity, Stella's Voice. As you say, the internet is a powerful thing and it can be used for good or ill. I see a danger in that we are so overwhelmed with information and appeals that many do nothing at all, whereas we can all do something to make the world a better place. Thanks for taking the time to comment :).
DeleteThe Stella's Voice clip is here, it's 6mins long :)
http://vimeo.com/36290355