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KONY 2012: Have YOU Pledged? Why or Why Not?

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Jaclyn Sojda
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Kali Grant
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OSU chapter.


Hey collegiettes,
 
This week, we’re talking politics.  Now I know you’re ready for spring break, but this will be painless … I promise.
 
Have you seen the video yet?  The video that’s been flooding your newsfeeds, twitters and news browsers?  The video that was created by Invisible Children to campaign KONY 2012? 
 
Well, if you haven’t seen it, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc. 
 
Throughout the video, the crimes of Joseph Kony, a Ugandan war criminal, are exposed through powerful images and masterful video editing.  The objective of the video, produced by Invisible Children, is to have Kony arrested by the end of 2012 with the help of people like us.  But, although the video sheds a light on the problem, it has not been immune to some valid criticisms, including the question of “why now?” when the issues have been going on for quite a few years, as well as how truthful the video’s portrayal of the current conflict situation actually is.  Questions about Invisible Children’s usage of funds have also been brought up.  In addition, many take issue with the last ten minutes of the video, which are spent promoting wristbands, t-shirts and buttons to buy to support the campaign against Kony.  When the video was first shown to northern Ugandans, one exclaimed, “How can anybody expect me to wear a T-shirt with Kony’s name on it?”  The Ugandans were very taken aback by the campaign against Kony.  The “Make Him Famous” mantra that the video promotes is bittersweet to the Ugandans who have been abused by the man.  On the other hand, the video is inspiring and exciting to see.  This campaign gives us the opportunity to come together for a specific cause and see the outcome throughout the year.  It gives us, the people, a direct say in what the government does to help another country.  The horrific images and empowering message of this viral video have touched viewers and excited them to help. 
So, collegiettes, where do you stand? 
 
Are you for or against the Invisible Children’s KONY 2012 plan? 
 
Comment below and let us know your opinions!
 
Looking for more information? Go to http://www.kony2012.com/for more on the celebrities involved, the KONY 2012 kit, and how to take action today. 
 
 Sources:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/14/kony-2012-screening-anger-northern-uganda?newsfeed=true
 

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Kali Grant is the founding Editor-in-Chief and Campus Correspondent for the OSU chapter of Her Campus. Kali is pursuing a B.A. in Public Affairs at the John Glenn School with a minor in Communication and is excited to be in her senior year. Kali is a student research assistant at the Glenn School and is a proud member of the Zeta Alpha chapter of Chi Omega. Kali has spent her collegiate summers interning with The Institute on Women and The Salvation Army and studying Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When she’s not daydreaming about returning to New Orleans and San Francisco, Kali loves drinking coffee, talking about cats and politics, and trying out questionable vegetarian recipes.