I follow the High Society Blog, and the front man, Sho Baraka wrote an amazing article on the whole Kony thing. I loved it. Please read:
I recognized from this statement and from the teachings of Christ that we could never do enough charitable service. So, when this #Kony2012 video surfaced, my immediate response was sympathy, sadness, hurt and anger. I was not one bit shocked by the crimes. We live in a troubled world and will always live in a troubled world. I’ve also had some understanding of Invisible Children Inc. and the Machine Gun Preacher in the past, albeit limited. To many viewers this video can be overwhelming. To a few, it’s solely propaganda. But if you’re anything north of sane, then this documentary should shake up your worldview. Whether or not you cried or immediately donated money is not my concern. Yet, I would ask every human to consider how they could play a part in bringing justice to Kony and future Kony’s alike.
Nevertheless, I am really writing this piece because I have a different question entirely. It’s the question of “What if?” It seems as if Invisible Children Inc. has a wonderful strategy to remove the nefarious Joseph Kony, and I believe they have a heart and passion that is on track to create monumental change. This should be supported and applauded. But what if Kony is imprisoned, his Rebels are tried and the children are freed (if not tried themselves)? It’s been the age-old debate about liberation. What do we do with the oppressed? I believe this part of the movement has been somewhat overlooked. If you’re a student of history, you know with freedom comes its own set of difficulties. But, liberation is not a privilege in today’s world, nor should it have ever been. It is a right. However, once he is removed, what will come of these children? What will become of a nation that has to engage the many brainwashed and abused kids? In light of these obstacles, I would simply say that removing the warlord is only part of the solution.
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Kony, Pharaoh and The Reconstruction
High Society is trying to develop an infrastructure that is committed to High Charity in service, dollars, prayers and advocacy. There are many things people can rally behind. The world is not short of problems and will never be short of problems. It takes a great bit of discernment, courage and energy to engage in protest or charity. Clive Staples Lewis provoked my spirit in Mere Christianity, when he stated:
“I do not believe one can settle how much
we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than
we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries,
amusement, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same
income as our own, we are probably giving away too little.”
I recognized from this statement and from the teachings of Christ that we could never do enough charitable service. So, when this #Kony2012 video surfaced, my immediate response was sympathy, sadness, hurt and anger. I was not one bit shocked by the crimes. We live in a troubled world and will always live in a troubled world. I’ve also had some understanding of Invisible Children Inc. and the Machine Gun Preacher in the past, albeit limited. To many viewers this video can be overwhelming. To a few, it’s solely propaganda. But if you’re anything north of sane, then this documentary should shake up your worldview. Whether or not you cried or immediately donated money is not my concern. Yet, I would ask every human to consider how they could play a part in bringing justice to Kony and future Kony’s alike.
Nevertheless, I am really writing this piece because I have a different question entirely. It’s the question of “What if?” It seems as if Invisible Children Inc. has a wonderful strategy to remove the nefarious Joseph Kony, and I believe they have a heart and passion that is on track to create monumental change. This should be supported and applauded. But what if Kony is imprisoned, his Rebels are tried and the children are freed (if not tried themselves)? It’s been the age-old debate about liberation. What do we do with the oppressed? I believe this part of the movement has been somewhat overlooked. If you’re a student of history, you know with freedom comes its own set of difficulties. But, liberation is not a privilege in today’s world, nor should it have ever been. It is a right. However, once he is removed, what will come of these children? What will become of a nation that has to engage the many brainwashed and abused kids? In light of these obstacles, I would simply say that removing the warlord is only part of the solution.
the writer is just writing and making issues over what next is to be done to these children...
ReplyDeleteIts the same thing as talking about a problem and not offering a solution.
Invisible children Inc. did something; they took steps and achieve an aim. They didnt sit somewhere and write articles about the problem, they proffered a solution!
Even as christians, we need to take steps to help the needy not just preach the gospel. Jesus helped the needy a lot too. He didn't sit talking about the problem and highlighting no solution in particular.
Hi Afronuts, I totally get you but if you read the continuation on the High Society Blog, he gave a few suggestions adding that we all have a part to play.
DeleteAlso, he is not condemning the efforts of Invisible Children Inc. He is actually commending them for what they have done...
Nice article, thanks for sharing. I think anyone who can should help, whether through Invisible Children or not.
ReplyDelete