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
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Sunday, 4 March 2012
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.
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