English Editorial

                                 AN EDITORIAL FOR TODAYS

                                    YOUNG GENERATION

            A lot of young people don’t seem fully aware of how they could be using their technology. Instead they tend to waste their time and opportunities on Facebook, planning their weekend, or on Twitter, tweeting about what they just ate. As a teenager who believs that my generation has the ability to use the internet/ their technology to have a say in world issues, I am writing an editorial to be read by young people, in order to promote the use of your voice and to inform others that together, using the internet, you have a say in what goes on in the world.

                I think that it is important for people to become aware of the power they hold, especially over the internet when your idea or opinion can be seen by hundreds, thousands and even millions. Some of today’s generation have already realized that it is possible to make a difference through the internet; such as early March, 2012, when the Kony 2012 video was released by Invisible Children. Millions of views later and people began voicing their opinions. Today Kony 2012 has over 192, 000, 000 views and over 3, 590, 000 pledges. Invisible Children has gained the attentions of the media and have achieved their goal of informing people of Joseph Kony. The participants of this campaigne have already begun to make a huge difference, but some have already movied on. Today’s generation needs to be reminded that with persistance, changes can be made.

                Persistance creates change. There are other sites that have also done it right and made an impact with their patience. They didn’t give up, and with their hard work they have brought world issues into the light. Some of these sites include Kiva and PETA.

                Kiva was a site founded in 2004 by young people trying to alleviate poverty. The site introduces you to third world entrepouners in need of a loan. Along with pictures of these people comes a brief description of their situations and why they need the money. The site has a 98% payback rate, and has helped the lives of thousands.

                PETA on the other-hand is a little bit different. The purpose of the site is to bring to light cases of animal cruelty. Their workers go undercover and uncover stories of animal cruelty. The site not only informs you and provides information, but also things you can do to help. Suggestions range from donating, to petitions, to emailing or mailing.                  

               

Overall, these sites have brought people together and made a change. To solve the problems that face our world today, we must come together, use our voices and persist. I think that right now, there are more important things to focus on rather than how many Facebook friends or Twitter followers you have. I hope that this editorial will show people that it is not impossible to create change. Make your voice heard.

                For more information go to:

www.invisiblechildren.com

www.kiva.org

www.peta.org

Natalea Roche

Writing Sprint - 10 things not to post on Facebook

- Inappropriate photos (nip slips, drinking, smoking pot)
- Gross photos (injuries)
- Sharing annoying photos or links: poverty, animal cruelty (it's not helping them in any way, just stop)
- Statuses about other people (if you wouldn't say it to them, don't post it)
- Pictures of yourself doing the same pose as the last 25 you posted
- Posting photos with a caption about how ugly you look (then don't post it if you look ugly)
- Posting comments and statuses like you're better than other people (please shut up)
- Having boring conversations with people over wall posts (go on chat)
- Posting statuses about everything you're doing (this isn't twitter)
- Posting pictures of yourself taken with a five hundred dollar camera (you don't need an expensive camera just so you can take pictures of yourself in the mirror every night, stop it)

Letter to the Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister

80 Wellington Street

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

I am writing to you today about Joseph Kony.

My name is Natalea Roche Bonkowski and I am currently a grade ten student at College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate in Winnipeg. In English class we have been learning about effective opinion writing (such as blogs and letter writing), and we have been researching the Kony 2012 Invisible Children campaign.

I am sure you have received several emails and letters over the last few weeks resulting from the Kony 2012 campaign. While I do not agree with how the Invisible Children campaign is being orchestrated and recognize that it is missing some key facts, I too believe that Joseph Kony must be stopped.

As you know, Joseph Kony is a war criminal. He is/was the leader of the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) and was indicted in 2005. Since 1986 he has kidnapped at least 66, 000 children and forced them to take part in his crimes, turning them into child soldiers and sex-slaves. Kony has displaced and estimated 2 million people and disregarded the human rights of countless others. The LRA has been operating in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Mr. Prime Minister, I believe that you and Canada have the power to do something about this. Joseph Kony and other leaders of the LRA must be brought to justice and the children should be freed. What I’m proposing is that Canada help find the leaders of this group, arrest them and then help the children. These children will need rehabilitation and help back into their communities. I suggest funding of rehabilitation centres and anything else to help these children. Although they are not part of our country, they are still part of our world and if they need help, who are we to deny them?

                                                                                                           Thank you for your time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Sincerely,

                                                                                                        Natalea Roche Bonkowski.

Poking the Puddle - KONY 2012

An organization called Invisible Children released a video on Monday depicting Joseph Kony and his crimes against human rights in Africa. People are now criticizing not only the video, but the organization as well.

Many people have been pointing out that they have refused to cooperate with the Better Business Bureau, unlike most charities. They are apparently only donating around 30% of donations received, and much of that has been going to some of the African governments such as the Ugandan Government and their military force.

The problem with them supporting the Ugandan Government and military is that it's corrupt and they also do things much like the LRA. The Ugandan military is known for displacing, killing and raping innocent people, and the Ugandan Government is known for trying to pass the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The bill would give them the right to imprison Homosexuals if caught, sentences include Death Penalty and Life Imprisonment.

The Invisible Children organization says that they do not support everything the Ugandan Government does, but if you're advocating human rights and the equality of all humans, why provide money to the people who don't?

The Invisible Children have also posted their own financial documents, but they are very unclear. If you're fine with people seeing your financial statements, then why not just cooperate with the Better Business Bureau?

Other accusations include information that Joseph Kony hasn't been in action for years. He is said to not be the leader anymore, which doesn't excuse him from his crimes, but if you're constantly going to Uganda, wouldn't you know that? Doesn't that mean this video is a couple years late? Some even say Joseph Kony is dead. People are also pointing out that earlier this year the United States became aware that there is a lot of oil in Uganda. It seems a bit random, but people are pointing out that after finding out, the United States then deployed their military. They are suggesting that the only reason the US has decided to lend a helping hand is for personal gain of resources from Uganda while they are there.

I think it's very possible that this organization could have taken a very serious and sad topic and used it for financial gain. I think it's completely disappointing to think about after seeing such a great video.
The cause is great, but the solutions and organization are shady. I don't think I'll be donating anytime soon, but I do still support the cause. And I really do hope that the accusations are wrong and that these people are genuine.

Although this organization is flawed they have definitely sent across great messages, letting us know that we have the power to make changes in our world. We have a voice and we can use it for others who can't.

"Where you live shouldn't determine wheather you live." - Invisible Children
"Who are you to end a war? Who are you not to?" - Jason Russell

Digital Footprint

Writing Sprint - Cell Phones

Cell phones definitely can be a distraction towards learning. I don't really think that they should be banned from classrooms though. They do have an educational purpose, like if you need to know how to spell a word or need the definition of a word it's a lot easier to google it than to go get a dictionary. You can also use your phone to research things for class work. If it does become a distraction or isn't being used in a good way in class I think teachers should be able to take them away (with warning) for the period. Not the whole day or the whole week, cause that's stupid.

Introduction Post

My name's Natalea, I go to Sturgeon Heights & this is my English class blog. I will be posting about books, things in class & my opinions... Ok bye.