From invisibility to the front page
Many of us hadn’t heard his name until few weeks ago, but Joseph Kony is fast becoming one of the most wanted people in the world.
As the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, he has been blamed for mass killings, mutilations and rape.
The United States, central African governments and numerous nongovernmental organizations have been working to stop Kony and address the needs of his victims.
“Kony 2012,” a video produced by Jason Russell and his Invisible Children organization, has logged more than 50 million views on YouTube and other video sites. This short movie is raising awareness about Kony and the LRA using millions of young people to bring the situation to the forefront.
In the video, Jacob, an African friend of Russell’s, talks about his life in Uganda. An escaped child soldier, Jacob confesses that he saw how one of Kony’s followers killed his brother by slitting his throat.
Russell has become a global voice by showing and talking about the horrible things happening to Ugandan children and to communities in which they live. He has built a community of young people with the potential to mobilize, making a profound impact towards ending oppression.
A variety of reactions have surfaced about Russell and his “Invisible Children” video. Opinions differ as well. Some agree that the message Russell was trying to convey is about equality and freedom, but others are critical of his motives.
Whatever the case we are all human, and as such, we have the right to live freely. What if we were suffering like they are? Would you want people to care and help you? These kids are waiting for the day when they can be home and happy. They don’t need a lot to. Freedom will be their greatest gift.
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