KONY 2012 Campaign

Eire-Dearg · 08-03-2012 12:00AM

I expect plenty of spam from that 'UL to Stop Kony' page.

Really having to bite my tongue and not troll any of the pages.

tommyboy2222 · 08-03-2012 12:02AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpHRHHaaz_s

Delta Kilo · 08-03-2012 12:15AM

Tina from UL fashion soc puts some perspective on it in her blog. She is originally from Uganda and is actually there currently.

Today I logged into my Facebook page and about 6 of my friends had sent me links about the Kony 2012 campaign. I laughed not because it was comical but because I remember growing up wondering why all the powerful people in the west would not come to Uganda and Kill this man that was destroying thousands of lives. I waited and no body came, well they probably did but he was not killed so yeah in my very young opinion, they did not come.

I have watched videos, read news papers and I even have friends whose families were destroyed by Kony’s atrocities in Northern Uganda. I cant count the times I have wanted to do something about it but I realised its not that simple. Why is it not simple?

It is not simple because I have never understood how this man was not caught years ago, I mean his closest comrade was caught and killed but not him. Oh and if cameras and videos CAN get close to him, how about a bullet from a sniper? I think the Kony thing is one big conspiracy that the normal person will never understand until Uganda’s dictator( current president) leaves power because Kony never came about until Uganda’s current president came to power 25 years ago.

Oh and Kony left Uganda a long time ago and thats another reason why I laughed when I saw the facebook campaign to get him out of Uganda.
Meanwhile Kids are still being abducted in Uganda, Gay people are sentenced to death, mothers have nothing to feed their kids, women are being violently raped, innocent people are being killed for crimes they did not commit..day in, day out..how about make a ****ing campaign about that??

I guess what Im trying to say is printing posters ans making T-shirts is not going to put a smile on a child whose family was destroyed years ago, heck not even Kony being killed will help his victims, yeah they might get some kind of closure but it will in no way nurse their wounds. My opinion is that if people feel so bad about this, get a group of friends, do some fundraising, go to Northern Uganda and do some charity work. Then you will see for yourself the families destroyed and you will feel better that even though Kony was not arrested, you helped nurse some of his victims. Kony should not be the focus of the attention here, those orphans, women who lost their husbands and kids, women he raped and gave AIDS to should have all the attention because while we cant take back what Kony did, we can bring some kind of joy to them by showing that we feel their pain and hurt to some degree. Kony’s time will come, one day.

For God and My Country…

http://tinansubuga.com/2012/03/07/practicality-of-the-kony-2012-campaign/

Eire-Dearg · 08-03-2012 12:23AM

Everyone needs to read that...........

frozenfrozen · 08-03-2012 12:31AM

Just argued with my several of my friends individually about this and I've come out the other end looking like a ba$tard for saying that it's not right that they're making money from this. It would be ok if they made the film and sold the merch as "Film makers" but no they're claiming to be not for profit, and they're stealing donations which people think are going to a legitimate not for profit organisation.

yesno1234 · 08-03-2012 06:03AM

http://justiceinconflict.org/2012/03/07/taking-kony-2012-down-a-notch/

Interesting read.

ULSU Ents · 08-03-2012 12:56PM

Hi all,

Can i just say that this campaign drew great interest from the start and I felt a need to be involved. As for abandoning all campaigns to focus on this one that was the wrong thing to say infact it was ment for this week alone mens health week has to be pushed to next week as i am co-ordinating with some students on a fun ' grab your gonads' project re: testicular cancer.

The reason why io took on this campaign was i saw the interest of the students with regards to this. I saw the video and reacted to it in terms of the video alone. When developing a campaign plan I revisited the video and came up with a few thoughts - thoughts that should be shared with students whom are ready to dive into a campaign headlong without a full scope of the issue.

I was not willing to allow a highly funded well developed 30 minute video created for the sole purpose of funding a charity (however much that charity puts towards the issue). The message they deliver is strong and also manipulating - it manipulates the mind to forgo reason and adopt reaction. I do not want students engaged in a reactionary campaign ignotant and un educated.

In a meeting last night 5 members are charged with investigating both Kony and the charity from their inception to their current situation this includes in terms of kony - his past, history, how he came to power and his current actions. in terms of the charity - the founding members, the current funduing they get and where it can be attributed - their actions in terms of aiding war via american ambassidors under the guise of peace develpoment. all this issues will be to the fore front Monday and UL Students will issue their findings and ask where they go from there.

I am not a kony 2012 supporter. I am pro student campaigns but not uneducated ones based on media hype and the new fad of the week. I expect that we will find that this charity are not reputable and we will in fact change the direction of the Campaign in terms of childerens rights with a focus on the attrocities of Joseph Kony.

I hope you dont feel im jumping on the band wagon I simply say a student campaign that craved (a)organisation (b)structure and (c) Education

Hopefully we will have results for for you by friday.

Delta Kilo · 08-03-2012 01:06PM

SUGGESTION:

If it is going to trend down the line of purely helping Ugandans directly, not a big manhunt for someone nobody knew ten minutes ago, why not liaise with Tina Nsubuga who is currently over there?

If fundraising was done in UL, the money could be given to her to give to a local charity in the region. This way the money goes directly to the region, with no middle man skimming a high wage from it.

An idea worth pursuing?

CiaranMT · 08-03-2012 03:25PM

Great post Delta.

J_E · 08-03-2012 03:54PM

Hopefully, if anything, we can use the basis of the original campaign to make some sort of ongoing support project, and that is something I would definitely be interested in looking into.

DaveR1 · 08-03-2012 04:49PM

I have nothing against raising awareness + funds for Uganda. However, there is already a UL-Ghana project running that I am sure many people are not aware of.
Currently there are 6 or 7 UL students living in a village in Ghana for 6months helping the local community. I don't know exactly how to support this but I know there are links between UL and the Irish volunteers over there. They would be more than happy to accept DIRECT AID from UL students and I know it would be going to a very worthy cause!
I have attached an article from the evening echo published 1month ago for anyone interested. It is a UL student talking about their experience after spending 6months in Ghana.

Instead some viral Youtube video is posted and ULENTS is all over it??? #Confused

CJKeane · 08-03-2012 06:28PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDTLmSmaR54

And

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILBprCsw_Os

Some interesting thoughts here.

Eire-Dearg · 08-03-2012 08:53PM

Delta Kilo wrote: »

SUGGESTION:

If it is going to trend down the line of purely helping Ugandans directly, not a big manhunt for someone nobody knew ten minutes ago, why not liaise with Tina Nsubuga who is currently over there?

If fundraising was done in UL, the money could be given to her to give to a local charity in the region. This way the money goes directly to the region, with no middle man skimming a high wage from it.

An idea worth pursuing?

Excellent idea. Don't think it's trendy enough for some folks though.

yuppy700 · 08-03-2012 09:32PM

Just WOW

Sean. · 09-03-2012 12:15AM

My opinions are as follows:
Agree with raising awareness.
Don't agree with international military intervention.
Don't agree with charity group profiting.
Don't think killing one man will solve problem.
Think we are too late, Kony not active for 6 years. Should have been looked into 26 years ago.
Think we should focus on all problems around the world, not just Kony.
Think Kony2012 video is informal and favors style over substance (i.e. director's kid in every second scene).
Think people need to look into what exactly they're supporting, before supporting it.
Think people fail to realize the complex situation in Uganda and Sudan.
Think counter-violence is not a solution to the problem (Kony's army is made up of children remember).
Think supporting Ugandan army is hypocritical because they too are rotten with corruption.
Think we should provide education and aid to Uganda, not guns.

P.S. Because this is such a topical issue at the moment, my opinions may change as time goes on, but for now, there they are.

nfs · 09-03-2012 02:51AM

The millions of people watching this documentary probably could not even point out Uganda on the map or even know who Idi Amin was, but just because celebrities like p diddy tweet 'stop kony', they think this is the pressing political issue the world faces today. This is something that has been going on for 20 odd years and people don't even think about why this is being put in front of them now! Kony hasn't even been in Uganda for the past six years http://rt.com/news/koni-viral-video-campaign-133/

Kony 2012, this little catchphrase will provide the justification for the next military intervention, and when they can't get Kony they will have to send in the drones (go team america)!

But hey if you question it, you must be for child torture and rape, spare us from these simplistic arguments.

Stryderman · 09-03-2012 03:59AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRCZk8mM1EU&feature=player_embedded

Steeevvyb · 09-03-2012 12:36PM

Hi All,
Some developments on the SU's response to this campaign. It would appear there has been some confusion regarding Paddy Rockett's involvement.

http://www.thomondstudenttimes.com/index.php/news/166-suexeccony

Stephen
TST

09-03-2012 12:49PM

Sean. wrote: »

Don't agree with international military intervention.

Just on this point, when is military intervention required?
I think this is the only solution in getting Kony. The U.S. were sent in as an advisary role only, no weapons are being deployed except surveylence and communications equipment (AFIK). If not the U.S. who?
Kony has used peace talks to delay and regroup. I dont think negotiation is an option with this monster.

There has to be a point where military action is necessary for peace, this has gone far beyond that point

cup of tea · 09-03-2012 12:56PM

Steeevvyb wrote: »

Hi All,
Some developments on the SU's response to this campaign. It would appear there has been some confusion regarding Paddy Rockett's involvement.

http://www.thomondstudenttimes.com/index.php/news/166-suexeccony

Stephen
TST

Very easy to see where that came from......

From: Paddy.Rockett
Sent: 07 March 2012 11:53
To: zz.Everyone.in.Students Union (Affiliate)
Cc: Events
Subject: Kony 2012 Campaign

Hi all,

In the wee hours of the morning the KONY 2012 Campaign was launched it has gone viral in a way that is phenomenal. As Campaigns and Engagement Officer I am taking on this campaign in UL and forgoing all other Campaigns until after April 20th. This does not include Mental Health Week (Neaxt Week)

Students are calling for this in a way I have never seen them before and I think we need some positivity here in UL. We have the opportunity to be part of changing the course of human history, view the video below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

We need and all student email and a message to all clubs and societies. I think that this is a Campaign that will take us away from all our minor differences and focus on something so real and positive that we come out of it feeling we really have made a difference.

I will be sending regular emails – they are of high importance –PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THEM. If it involves using the poster as a lecture slide –changing your picture on facebook. Placing a poster on your door. Not putting up posters on the 20th of April where we as free people show or solidarity by blanketing the city in posters. The campaign is truly amazing and has the opportunity for us to be part of something truly inspirational. Get involved in any way big or small.

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/ulstudentsunion#!/events/202677219832125/

This is only the start.

The start of something great.

It would be great for any help feedback and promotion of this Campaign

paddy rockett

ULSU Ents · 09-03-2012 01:37PM

This is an open apology.

In reference to Kony 2012

I saw and was approached by a large group of students actively engaged by a viral video and will admit that I got caught up in the hype of such a massive global campaign and for that I am sorry.

It is not right for a CSO who is a representative of students to rush into a campaign so blindly. My only saving grace is that this is the first time that a movement has impacted on students enough to force students to ask for movement from their SU. In haste I focused my attention on this campaign as it sparked such interest - with the help of both lecturers and students I investigated the project in itself and have answered many questions on it.

On Tuesday we had a meeting where 54 students attended as a focus group - they were divided up and a chair and sub sections have been made. In terms of campaigns I am happy to do this but at the time my motives were exactly the same as the people who where there ... to do something. They were misguided and naive.

The primary focus of that group is to carry out the campaign they see fit. I have advised that a broader human rights campaign in terms of equality is one that the students union can work with.

ULSU is not spearheading a campaign regarding KONY 2012.

I do not think that my role in terms of Campaigns should see me as rolling out a campaign shrouded in such negativity. I do commend the people who are involved in seeking the truth about the viral and who are exposing that. I got involved for the same reasons everybody else did - I was caught up in the hype, the manipulative video has the ability to make you abandon reason and act on reaction and for that I am sorry.

To you the student I apologise for taking this on so wholeheartedly as it is not a fair representation of YOU. I am the type of person who loves engaging in debate and constructive development. I would gladly speak to any of you about this issue. I’m not the biggest fan of boards (no offence to any of you).I prefer one on ones as good judge of charecter

Finally can I assure you that su involvement, Paddy Rockett's involvements with KONY 2012/Invisible children/blanket the night is Null and void and will not be entertained. I am pro an equal rights/ equal opportunities campaign and would love for both you the students and myself as in this campaign to show similar enthusiasm for campaigns till the end of term.

Once again a huge thank you to those who have sought to educate on this matter and from me a huge apology for getting caught up in the hype and my own ignorance to not see past a 30 minute viral and only saw the excitement energy and the need for organisation of a large student group.

You deserve better than that and I hope you'll get involved in the up coming campaigns:

Men’s Health -Grab your Gonads campaign -Testicular and prostate cancer
Mental health Week
Tara's Body image awareness welfare campaign
Community giveback (Highly important)
Bright ideas Campaign
Pink day for Cancer Research
Project x for Limerick Learning hub
I-grade, Exam Week

Respectfully yours,

Paddy rockett

Campaigns and Services Officer
Oifigeach Feachtais agus Seirbhísí

University of Limerick Students' Union
061 213542 | 086 0435303
sucso@ul.ie| www.ulsu.ie
www.facebook.com/ulstudentsunion

CiaranMT · 09-03-2012 01:49PM

Fair play Paddy.

J_E · 09-03-2012 03:04PM

That's perfectly fair. I think at some stage most of us got swept into the hugeness of it all.

Sly Marbo · 09-03-2012 08:27PM

I would usually be someone who would get caught up with this kind of thing as well, but because of my workload I missed the initial hype.

I was told about it on the phone but was told that reading blogs and posts by people who didn't fixate on Kony would be a good thing to do before watching the movie.

Checked out these two before watching the movie http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/post/18890947431/we-got-trouble and http://auroralapetite.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/not-so-simple-kony2012-its-criticisms-and-some-perspective/
and then read the blog post from Tina after.
I have to say that it put that movie in perspective as a very black and white piece which does not go into the real issues over there.

I can completely understand how someone would be swept up by the movie however (I would have been one of those) as it is such a powerful piece. It is good to get people talking about these issues, but they should instead be looking at the larger picture instead of such a small (horrible, but small) part.

KONY 2012 Campaign

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