Kony 2012

[JMohegan]

Well, I watched the Ugandan video. And here's the irony...that video is getting seen because of the "Slick and Ill-informed" video. Prior to that, who was listening to her? I wasn't. And that's what's great about something like this. Sure, for a lot of folks they'll just forward the link and forget about it, but others will educate themselves and search out multiple points of view and sources of information.

This was Wench's point, and a good one.

I've already responded to it. My concern is not the folks who just forward the link and "forget about it," but the folks who take the film as gospel and then take action based on its misleading or deliberately falsified information.

 

[intothewoods]

I'm not looking for criticism, I'm looking for credible information. If awareness is the point of the Kony 2012 video (and this thread), why is it that so few seem interested in hearing from an actual Ugandan?

Like this link to a number of African voices, including Kagumire's? I found it on Twitter. And there is credible information out there, not just criticism, but I admit it's challenging to wade through everything.

Thanks for the twitter info. I'm starting to think that if I don't start twitting, I'll be like some octogenarian with rabbit ears on his television. But I clicked on your link and it looks fucking confusing. Just a long list of strangers posting blurts & links to whatever. Christ, this stuff really does make me feel ancient.

When I first joined twitter, I felt the same way, but then I got the hang of it. There are some hilarious comedians and writers on Twitter. I love it!

 

[JMohegan]

Like this link to a number of African voices, including Kagumire's? I found it on Twitter. And there is credible information out there, not just criticism, but I admit it's challenging to wade through everything.



When I first joined twitter, I felt the same way, but then I got the hang of it. There are some hilarious comedians and writers on Twitter. I love it!

Thank you for that link. Ugh. As an American, I find this so unbelievably embarrassing. I feel like I did after the '04 election. Just... ugh.

As for twitter - are you saying you felt the same way to make me feel better about my ineptitude? If so, it's working! Maybe I'll try it and see what happens.

 

[eastern sun]

But this is being billed as an awareness campaign, which is getting a pants load of free publicity. Where is all the money going?

and so ask i.

A link to the Invisible Children's audited Financial Statements:

http://c2052482.r82.cf0.rackcdn.com...1-Audited Financial Statements.pdf?1320205055

 

[intothewoods]

This was Wench's point, and a good one.

I've already responded to it. My concern is not the folks who just forward the link and "forget about it," but the folks who take the film as gospel and then take action based on its misleading or deliberately falsified information.

It's not just a social media issue. In general, there is so much information out there about everything, that it's difficult to know what is or is not credible information. And even credible journalists, in an effort to present both sides of a given issue, will sometimes spread misinformation rather than state the facts.

 

[JMohegan]

It's not just a social media issue. In general, there is so much information out there about everything, that it's difficult to know what is or is not credible information. And even credible journalists, in an effort to present both sides of a given issue, will sometimes spread misinformation rather than state the facts.

Very true.

 

[intothewoods]

Thank you for that link. Ugh. As an American, I find this so unbelievably embarrassing. I feel like I did after the '04 election. Just... ugh.

As for twitter - are you saying you felt the same way to make me feel better about my ineptitude? If so, it's working! Maybe I'll try it and see what happens.

I live to serve. No seriously -- everyone has said that about twitter. I listen to a comedian's podcast and he and all of his guests talk about how now they love twitter.

 

[intothewoods]

Very true.

Vacinnes cause autism, right? Just ask Jenny McCarthy.

 

[JMohegan]

Vacinnes cause autism, right? Just ask Jenny McCarthy.

Who?


ETA - THAT Jenny McCarthy? Who the hell considers her a credible source on anything but stripping for cash?

 

[intothewoods]

Who?


.

You don't want to know -- this is a great article on the topic: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/all/1

Vaccines are just one example of an area in which misinformation is just rampant.

 

[JMohegan]

You don't want to know -- this is a great article on the topic: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/all/1

Vaccines are just one example of an area in which misinformation is just rampant.

Your post and my edit coincided.

I'm aware of the controversy (if not Jenny's role in it). A buddy of mine has a kid at a school where the parents all took a stand against vaccines.... and a big chunk of the student body came down with whooping cough.

 

[intothewoods]

Your post and my edit coincided.

I'm aware of the controversy (if not Jenny's role in it). A buddy of mine has a kid at a school where the parents all took a stand against vaccines.... and a big chunk of the student body came down with whooping cough.

GAHHH! Exactly.

 

[the captians wench]

One of the crew people at work was spreading word about this. I found it interesting.

I questioned her about what she knew, and was surprised that she knew more than just some video on facebook. She could even tell me about the contravercy over IC.

In the end, she and I shared a simular view. The word needs to be out, and this is a great way to do that.

You can't help what people do with information. There are always going to be people that misuse information, those who dig deeper, and those who blindly pass on just what they've been told, but right now there are people talking about this who have never even heard of Uganda before this video popped up on facebook.

 

[ControlandDom]

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trendin...ildren-ceo-kony-2012-film-goes-224212065.html

In addition, public financial records indicate that only 32 percent of the money raised last year went to direct services to help the children affected by the LRA. The other 68 percent went to things like staff salaries, film production, and travel costs. Plus, even though Invisible Children is advocating for a peaceful resolution in bringing Kony to justice, it is not opposed to direct military intervention.

 

[DeepGreenEyes]

Do you do the twitter thing? If so, who do you follow?

I agree with itw that at first it was odd, and with K that it seems like the twitchings of brains without filters. But there are things I like about it.

I like knowing breaking news first. I like instant and often hilarious commentary on that news. I enjoy that it is a disciplined form of writing: saying it in 140 characters is a challenge. It's also tailored to my interests, so I get a stream of stuff that's all about me, me, me.

I don't like that some people I follow have their twitter accounts synched to foursquare. Jeez. I don't need a tweet telling me you're at Exxon. Also, don't get too caught up in who's following you, or how many. Some people will follow you, and if you're not for them, they drop you after a day or two. If someone doesn't like my trenchant commentary on recycling, then their loss, pal!!

I follow local news blogs, national political groups and commentators, green sites, comedians, sports sites, friends and colleagues. It's great for quick hit social action stuff. Stephen Colbert gives good tweet, as you might imagine. I also like @shitmydadsays (which has fallen off in frequency, but still great for going back and
rereading). When you find people you like, Fridays are #FF (follow fridays), where people recommend other people THEY follow that YOU might like to follow. So it kind of grows based on your interests and personality. Like real life.

And you can obviously follow without tweeting, just for the amusement/info/news value of it.

 

[Keroin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQABpjCalJk&feature=related

 

[JMohegan]

One of the crew people at work was spreading word about this. I found it interesting.

I questioned her about what she knew, and was surprised that she knew more than just some video on facebook. She could even tell me about the contravercy over IC.

In the end, she and I shared a simular view. The word needs to be out, and this is a great way to do that.

You can't help what people do with information. There are always going to be people that misuse information, those who dig deeper, and those who blindly pass on just what they've been told, but right now there are people talking about this who have never even heard of Uganda before this video popped up on facebook.

I hear you, Wench. I just wish the video weren't so fundamentally offensive in its 'White American Hero gallops up to save helpless Africans from mean Africans' message.

I talked to my 22-year-old niece about the video this morning. She thinks the popularity of the video is rooted not so much in the tragedy of the subject, but in the way it's packaged in a 30-minute stroking of young American egos.

I agree with itw that at first it was odd, and with K that it seems like the twitchings of brains without filters. But there are things I like about it.

I like knowing breaking news first. I like instant and often hilarious commentary on that news. I enjoy that it is a disciplined form of writing: saying it in 140 characters is a challenge. It's also tailored to my interests, so I get a stream of stuff that's all about me, me, me.

I don't like that some people I follow have their twitter accounts synched to foursquare. Jeez. I don't need a tweet telling me you're at Exxon. Also, don't get too caught up in who's following you, or how many. Some people will follow you, and if you're not for them, they drop you after a day or two. If someone doesn't like my trenchant commentary on recycling, then their loss, pal!!

I follow local news blogs, national political groups and commentators, green sites, comedians, sports sites, friends and colleagues. It's great for quick hit social action stuff. Stephen Colbert gives good tweet, as you might imagine. I also like @shitmydadsays (which has fallen off in frequency, but still great for going back and
rereading). When you find people you like, Fridays are #FF (follow fridays), where people recommend other people THEY follow that YOU might like to follow. So it kind of grows based on your interests and personality. Like real life.

And you can obviously follow without tweeting, just for the amusement/info/news value of it.

Thank you for this, it helps.

I signed up and now sort of understand what they're doing. Sort of. But I get the point even less! For example...

I decided to follow Ezra Klein. This was clearly a bad decision, because he constantly re-tweets crap from a bunch of people I've never heard of. So if I want to keep up with Klein, why wouldn't I just stick to clicking the bookmark for Klein's blog instead?

 

[ControlandDom]

This is just all typical hipster bs.

Don't worry, this will be long forgotten once the new iPad comes out next week.

 

[Elphie70]

Too bad Kony has moved on to Sudan and invisible children will make millions to pay their CEO's , while pennies on the dollar go to the children of Uganda.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/micha...n_b_1327417.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

 

[intothewoods]

I agree with itw that at first it was odd, and with K that it seems like the twitchings of brains without filters. But there are things I like about it.

I like knowing breaking news first. I like instant and often hilarious commentary on that news. I enjoy that it is a disciplined form of writing: saying it in 140 characters is a challenge. It's also tailored to my interests, so I get a stream of stuff that's all about me, me, me.

I don't like that some people I follow have their twitter accounts synched to foursquare. Jeez. I don't need a tweet telling me you're at Exxon. Also, don't get too caught up in who's following you, or how many. Some people will follow you, and if you're not for them, they drop you after a day or two. If someone doesn't like my trenchant commentary on recycling, then their loss, pal!!

I follow local news blogs, national political groups and commentators, green sites, comedians, sports sites, friends and colleagues. It's great for quick hit social action stuff. Stephen Colbert gives good tweet, as you might imagine. I also like @shitmydadsays (which has fallen off in frequency, but still great for going back and
rereading). When you find people you like, Fridays are #FF (follow fridays), where people recommend other people THEY follow that YOU might like to follow. So it kind of grows based on your interests and personality. Like real life.

And you can obviously follow without tweeting, just for the amusement/info/news value of it.

Totally agree with you -- it's so good. And high five, we brought JM to Twitter!

p.s. are you on Pinterest? I am addicted to Pinterest, and it's the death of me.

Mister Man: I don't get Pinterest.
Me: It's like fashion magazines, plus food porn, plus DIY craft shit all in one place.
Mister Man: Oh okay, so everything I hate.

Bwah ha ha!

I hear you, Wench. I just wish the video weren't so fundamentally offensive in its 'White American Hero gallops up to save helpless Africans from mean Africans' message.

I talked to my 22-year-old niece about the video this morning. She thinks the popularity of the video is rooted not so much in the tragedy of the subject, but in the way it's packaged in a 30-minute stroking of young American egos.

This reminds me of a recent conversation with a friend of mine. We were talking about that song - Do They Know It's Christmas or something like that. Remember that one? I was a kid when it came out, and obviously not a huge fan of Christmas music, so I really didn't pay attention to it.

Well a friend of mine, who is Muslim and wasn't born here, starts talking about how that song always drove her crazy. She said something like, yes, damn it, we know it's Christmas, and we don't give a shit -- we're Muslim!

Ha ha haha.

And she wasn't the only one with that reaction, of course: http://www.hayibo.com/yes-we-know-i...s-they-finally-record-a-response-to-band-aid/

Thank you for this, it helps.

I signed up and now sort of understand what they're doing. Sort of. But I get the point even less! For example...

I decided to follow Ezra Klein. This was clearly a bad decision, because he constantly re-tweets crap from a bunch of people I've never heard of. So if I want to keep up with Klein, why wouldn't I just stick to clicking the bookmark for Klein's blog instead?

Not everyone you like will put out good Twitter content. It does take a while to find the ones who give good tweet.

On the political front -- there are people I discovered because they're local to me, and they just happen to make discussion points that I find interesting. They're just regular folks. The more well known people that I follow tend to be comedians, writers, chefs and foodies.

Oh! Oh wait never mind, you didn't know Anthony Bourdain. Yeah, your aversion to pop culture might put a damper on this Twitter thing. For example, there is (or was) this person tweeting as Ruth Bourdain -- a mix of Anthony Bordain, known for being a bad boy, rude, yada yada, and Ruth Reichl, former editor of Gourmet mag and a more quiet personality. His tweets were genius.

This is just all typical hipster bs.

Don't worry, this will be long forgotten once the new iPad comes out next week.

Hee hee. I love bagging on hipsters, although it's probably more earnest millenials, don't you think?

 

[ControlandDom]

How Invisible Children's Kony 2012 Will Hurt - And How You Can Help -Central Africa

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-deibert/how-invisible-childrens-k_b_1334410.html?ref=impact

 

[YourCaptor]

In response to all the criticism.

Kony crossed the line, it doesn't matter who kills him, just somebody do it.

The US has the experience, tools, and skill to do it.

 

[ControlandDom]

In response to all the criticism.

Kony crossed the line, it doesn't matter who kills him, just somebody do it.

The US has the experience, tools, and skill to do it.

We have been trying for years.

In December 2008, seventeen U.S. military advisers provided logistics, communications, and intelligence support for the Ugandan and Congolese army's Operation Lightning Thunder, an attempt to nab Kony which failed. In the weeks that followed, the LRA descended on several Congolese villages, killing hundreds of people and kidnapping over 100 children from communities left defenseless against the LRA's desire for vengeance.

AND:

In October 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that he was sending 100 Special Forces soldiers to help the Ugandans hunt down Kony. By the end of the year, the Ugandan army confirmed that the troops had moved along with the Ugandan army to Obo in the Central African Republic and Nzara in South Sudan.

This IC "charity" also took in over $13mil last year.

So besides giving people the ability to brag how "socially conscious" they are cause they retweeted this or posted on Facebook, what was the point of all this?

Like I said, typical hipster bs.

 

[Keroin]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/joseph-kony-uganda_n_1333049.html#s765942&title=Empower_An_ExChild

 

[YourCaptor]

We have been trying for years.



AND:




This IC "charity" also took in over $13mil last year.

So besides giving people the ability to brag how "socially conscious" they are cause they retweeted this or posted on Facebook, what was the point of all this?

Like I said, typical hipster bs.

No I don't mean pussy footing around.

I mean send out those crazy killers we spend a fortune of tax dollars training.