In true badvocacy fashion...
In true badvocacy fashion, history repeats itself as the Enough Project falls victim to the official discourse on the LRA conflict and attributes the failure of capturing Kony to lack of military resources. How many times have we heard the argument for a more robust military effort from President Museveni and others now? Has it ever gotten close to ending, or even positively impacted, this conflict before? no.
#VisibleUganda, A photo series of photos from present day Uganda// Nothin’ like some posho and fish stew.
#VisibleUganda, A photo series of photos from present day Uganda// Wise words of wisdom at a produce stand.
Our Thoughts on Invisible Children’s Newest film, MOVE
Film Summary:
MOVE traces the history of Invisible Children (IC), the making of KONY2012, the aftermath of KONY2012, and culminates with a call to action to participate in their Washington DC rally and lobby. Thankfully, Invisible Children has summarized the entire 30 minute film better than we ever could (and in less than 150 characters!): “A movie about a movie about a movement about you”. No, this is not a joke.
Jason Russell Takes Center Stage:
At the peak of KONY2012 the only thing competing for headlines with Joseph Kony was filmmaker Jason Russell, so it is no surprise that Russell’s nervous breakdown is addressed head on. An explanation and an apology is offered to viewers in an attempt to restore confidence in the integrity of their organization. Unfortunately, too much time is spent dwelling on Russell’s breakdown and recovery and he is once again placed on center stage. Although we are happy to hear that Russell has made a full recovery, MOVE feels like a painfully longer repeat of his interview on Oprah’s Next Chapter (both premiered on the same night). Besides making it difficult to stay engaged, the generous time spent on Russell’s story is another missed opportunity to allocate time to a number of other worthy mentions (real lessons learned from KONY2012, how participation in the DC event translates into an arrest of Kony, etc).
IC Frames Millennials as the Center of Backlash:
This is really where MOVE is most clever. After KONY2012 a public conversation emerged around the intentions and ability of youth, or “millennials”, to create meaningful change. Words like “slacktivism” dominated public discourse as many weighed in on the trouble with IC’s activism (sharing tweets, wearing t-shirts, etc). Although this was an important conversation, this did not characterize the majority of backlash against Invisible Children—contrary to what MOVE strongly suggests (at one point a clip is shown labeling millennials as “unfit to live”).
By framing backlash to KONY2012 as a wider attack waged against all millennials and their ability to create change, MOVE deflects the need to address the true grievances with IC’s advocacy and approach. Backlash against KONY2012 is transformed into backlash against You, The Millennial, and room for reflection takes a backseat as you are rallied to “move” and prove your attackers wrong.
Does MOVE Achieve its Stated Aims?
According to it’s official description on Youtube, MOVE aims to garner your participation for their Washington DC event on November 17 where they will “rally by the thousands to stand for peace and justice”. Although this is their only stated aim for the film, mention of the event isn’t made until the last three minutes of the movie; but for Invisible Children, whose brevity and oversimplifications are admittedly intentional, perhaps three minutes are enough. Time will tell. With 100+ million views and millions pledging support, KONY2012 still did not reach its aim to “Cover the Night” and event participation was both a disappointment and example of slacktivism at its worst.
Will You Move?
Do your research, then move. Or stand still. Or sit… just do your research first.
#VisibleUganda, A photo series of photos from present day Uganda//Enjoying the night out at the Uganda International Trade Fair.
#VisibleUganda, A photo series of photos from present day Uganda//Ugandans at Aero Beach enjoying their 50th Independence Day Jubilee on October, 9th, 2012.
#VisibleUganda, A photo series of photos from present day Uganda// The beautiful Ife Piankhi opening up the Kampala Contemporary Art Festival 2012.
Today is Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday. 64 years after his passing his wisdom and words remain true. Fighting violence with violence (#kony2012, #AFRICOM, #InvisibleChildren) remains ineffective and harmful.
Chose to be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Image Source: Google Images
Lessons From AFRICOM's Failed Mali Intervention
A quick look at US Africa Command’s failed intervention in Mali reminds us of the devastating effects militarization can bring to African nations.
#AFRICOM2012, Stop the real threat to Uganda
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“For students of African history, the notion that African democracy, stability and good governance will result from more deadly arms and more powerful soldiers is the stuff of satire; and yet this is precisely the grounds on which AFRICOM functions.”
“In Mali, US money, training and rhetoric created an unbalanced situation where increasingly powerful military men with outsized ambition swagger around in one of the world’s poorest nations. There is little to suggest that militarization will ease any of Africa’s political and social problems.”
“To the tune of millions, US forces have provided special operations, drug traffickig and counterterrorism training in the large West African nation. Today’s Mali of the shattered democracy and roving rebel groups is a troubling picture of an AFRICOM partner state.”
”By its own standard, AFRICOM’s mission in Mali has failed.”
SOURCE: Pambazuka
#VisibleUganda, A photo series of photos from present day Uganda// Jackie Akello on stage at the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts in Kampala.
