Kony 2012

I've been thinking a lot about Kony 2012 and how I feel about the film and movement in general...  There are obviously major flaws with the organization itself, the film's portrayal of African peoples, the 'white savior' complex, etc.   I do think that acting as a human family is one of the most important things we can do, regardless of our skin color or nationality, and I think that the film successfully pulls at heartstrings and creates awareness (however incomplete).  I read an article in the LA Times, and really liked this quote:


Rebecca Rosen, writing in the Atlantic online, said she hoped that the obvious flaws and outpouring of criticism of the video wouldn't turn off the millions of young people who have watched it. "It would be a terrible outcome," Rosen wrote, "if those who initially pushed the video along were discouraged by this experience from further engagement, overlearning the lesson and believing there is no positive way for Americans to engage in the world abroad."

Awareness is good.  Action is great.  The stepping stones to action are sometimes clumsy.  Americans can positively engage with the rest of the world.  So with that said, if you haven't seen it already, I recommend that you watch Kony 2012.