In a time when it feels like there are so many things we can't do much about in our world, it makes sense that when something comes along that gives us both a real issue that shoots at the human heart, and presents a solution with steps that anyone could do, it's no wonder so many people - including myself - have grabbed onto the Kony2012 campaign.
Sometimes we don't want to look at the things that could possibly be unhelpful with such a project because we couldn't bear the feeling of being disheartened by yet another thing that we can't do. So I am thankful that there are people, including my friends, who have and are thinking thoroughly through the Kony 'issue' and the campaign against him. I am even more thankful that they put it in front of me to consider.
Ultimately, the Kony2012 campaign and the responses that are happening as a result provide us with a fantastic opportunities, as well as some challenges. There are sooo many things running through my head about these. Over the next few blogs I am going to post my response to Kony2012 in parts so that it makes it easier for discussion to happen concerning each point.
If you are moved by the Kony2012 campaign, whether for or against it, then I encourage you to engage in discussion about it and the other issues it raises for us to consider. Don't just engage in discussion by saying what you think, but by actually listening to others, considering other views and staying in the conversation.
#1 To Stomp or Knead?
Kony2012 woke up people's hearts! This is a great thing! The campaign has helped people put themselves in the world picture as fellow humans with people a long way away, living in very different circumstances. The people of IC have been working for the good of the kids in Africa for years now - have you or I? Instead of stomping on their actions or the actions of those responding in good faith, let's get involved. Let's support the kids in Africa, as well as the 'kids' in Australia who are craving to help and have found something they can do.
I wouldn't be surprised if the largest demographic of responders to the Kony 2012 video are youths and young adults [Gen y & z]. Certainly some of the comments I have heard have been about or aimed at the response of young people. Here is a comment I read in a question asked by ABC24 news [yes I watch that!].
“How very generation Y or Z that foreign issues of this size can be solved with coloured wrist bands…”
I honestly felt a little gutted by that comment. When young people get passionate we seem to stomp on it - show them all the flaws of what they are doing. We underestimate young people. We assume they don't understand the world like us. Instead of doing this we can engage with them in what they are passionate about. Affirm the positive in their motives, the the good actions, and help them work through how to gain good perspectives and come up with even better ways forward. Sometimes they understand it more and that's why they take causes seriously. They see how joining together can bring results. Sometimes they understand what it is to be community more than we do [coloured wrist bands are more than just that, they are a sign of someone having a solidarity with you on an issue that matters in your heart]. They may not understand all the complexities of world issues - I am not sure many of us really do - but they have good radars for injustice. And they are willing to see the complexities if someone is willing to help them. I say this as someone on the older end of Gen Y and who works with young people.
We need to start somewhere and Kony 2012 is a catalyst for Australians to work out ways to start talking through issues as a community as a whole as well as in our smaller communities. We owe it to our current generation and the generation to come, to ask all the questions needed, to discuss it frankly and wisely and then to act on good information and decisions made as a community.
Let's not stomp out the fire ignited in people's hearts, let's use Knoy2012 like yeast and work with it, combining it with all the ingredients necessary then 'knead' it so it can rise up to be something the feeds the world in a good way.
I know this does not address the specific issues the actual Kony2012 campaign raises, but if we don't think about whether we are stomping or kneading, how can we really take the step to work through Kony2012 well.
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