KONY2012 and beyond

"Where you live should not decide ,whether you live or whether you die" - U2

Be it Twitter, word of mouth, facebook or the news I am sure you have all seen the video for the KONY2012 Campaign that went viral. Kony has been committing crimes against central and north Africans for over 20 years. 
Whilst decimating regions of Uganda, Congo and the Sudan, Kony seems to have reached almost mythical heights of power and leaving a trail of destruction behind him.

At present it is said that more than 60,000 children have been abducted for his child armies. 
Many have been forced into prostitution, gang rape, murder and many other atrocities. These kids are brainwashed into killing their own families and others or face death themselves.

As with any other criminal or terrorist Joseph Kony needs to be caught so he can be tried and held accountable for his crimes. 
Not only does Joseph Kony need to be caught but the remaining children and adults who have been brainwashed by this regime will need long term help. 
Eradicating Kony's reign of terror will not end when he is caught, a system of care needs to be in place to deal with the issues these people will have and face when re-entering society. 
We also need to shut down the weapons supply chain ( here is looking at western leaders) and ensure that another leader will not be installed.

I will be the first to say that I am not a huge fan of military occupation in other countries, especially when our own country needs to be sorted out. 
The fact of the matter is something needs to be done immediately. No life is worth the destruction that has been caused and will without a doubt be caused with foreign military occupation. 
The central African community and their governments should not be marginalised, as is often the case.
 They should be integral to any ideas and strategies the western military will put in place. The the age old idea that Africa needs a white  knight in shining armour to save them is once again perpetuated.

The situation in Uganda is SO much bigger than Joseph Kony and we must all remember that there are many others like him.  We often see things without really seeing at all. This not a new war nor is this a new story but how do we make it the last one?

The idea that slacktivism can be used as political or community leverage, for the viral market is a little scary as many will exploit this. However in this day and age this is how things are done. You want an idea out there make it viral and it will take off.  This is not to say that we should merely lap up the information given to us and take it as truth.
I don't have all the answers but I would always suggest researching before jumping on the band wagon.

I really didn't want to write an essay but I have. I simply wanted to say that it is important that we act and not turn our backs because we have our own problems. 
Will we always do the right thing or step up each time? No but we must do what we can.
 Whether it is giving money to a homeless person, helping someone out or taking a stand against Kony and pledging . What does it cost you? Nothing.

Many people have attempted to throw shade on this campaign, calling it fake and stupid but none seem to be offering another solution.
 I mean frankly, it is all well and good being a cyber warrior fom the comfort of your bedroom but what the fuck have you done lately? 
As with many I take nothing in this world at face value. 
Sure the film is very glossy and plays on the emotions, read it as you will bottom line something has to be done. 
I really hope KONY2012 is a real campaign for justice because  scam or not Joseph Kony and the LRA is very real! 
Even if the KONY2012 campaign does not appeal to you, there are many grass root operations and charities happening in regards to this and other atrocities around the world.

Somebody once told me you either care or you don't. What will be, will be but you have the ability to change what could have been.

Anyway that’s my thoughts folks.

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

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