[Sly Fox]

As somebody who works in the communications space, I am fascinating by the amazing campaign that Invisible People is operating right now. While it is easy to criticize the premise of the campaign (wasn't Osama pretty well known and it took the entire US military a decade to find him?), I find their use of social media to spread their message in such a dramatic way a gamechanger in global communications. The ironic part is that they explain it so clearly early in the video. If you haven't sen the 30-minute film you can check it out at the link below:

http://www.kony2012.com

So what are your thoughts about the campaign?

[Humble_Opinion]

It's a sad day when you see some of those people listed as 'culture makers'. In particular - Lady Gaga and Jay-Z. Pathetic excuses for cultural leaders.

I don't really quite understand it. Often times the same people that criticize the U.S. for getting involved in affairs around the world - are the first one's to cry out for us to come to the rescue. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending Kony. I personally would love to see NATO actually do something for once and go on the offensive and take out idiots like this - as long as the local population would be supportive of the action and be willing to defend themselves once assistance has been given. It's a very interesting PR campaign, as well.

[jbock13]

It's just sad that 99.98% of people who keep plastering this all over my facebook page will do nothing about it. It'd be joke, if it weren't so much of a serious cause.

Posting this on everyone's facebook changes nothing. Go out and actually do something that will make the difference.

[LUconn]

online petition = failure. It's a simple formula.

also this quote: "When they speak, the world listens" made me incredibly depressed.

[ALUmnus]

I'm online constantly, but this is the first I've ever heard of this campaign. Is it because I avoid Facebook like the plague? Is that where you have to be to get inundated with this thing?

[flamesfan30]

invisible children is the best non profit in the world at social media. period. they've been doing this since 2003, and their founder spoke in convo last semester. they are ambitious cultural revolutionaries who have their sights set on an achievable goal. bringing to justice joeseph kony. their goal is NOT to kill him, but to get him arrested and placed on trial.

bin laden had the soft support of millions of Muslims (they dont agree with what he's doing, but the cultural bond between all muslims = support when an outsider opposes them) and a highly complex network supporting him. kony has 200 child soilders. thats a big difference. ending africa's longest running war is not out of reach. this situation is unique.

[jbock13]

But here's my point. It's all over facebook. So who's actually going to go do it?

[Humble_Opinion]

But here's my point. It's all over facebook. So who's actually going to go do it?

Here's your answer JB:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3787766528/tt0100232

[From the class of 09]

But here's my point. It's all over facebook. So who's actually going to go do it?

Here's your answer JB:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3787766528/tt0100232

[jbock13]

But here's my point. It's all over facebook. So who's actually going to go do it?

Here's your answer JB:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3787766528/tt0100232

Exactly. I mean I don't mean to get into a utilitarianism philosophical argument, but it would seem to be in many of these sorts of situations, the answer has to be death in order to save lives. That's the rationale for the death penalty anyway.

[From the class of 09]

Another liberal scared off us crazy Christians...

Invisible Children "Kony 2012" Leader Suggests It's About Jesus and Evangelizing

Is one of the biggest viral video in history Christian fundamentalist propaganda? Invisible Children's founder lays out his agenda at Liberty University.

"A lot of people fear Christians, they fear Liberty University, they fear Invisible Children - because they feel like we have an agenda. They see us and they go, "You want me to sign up for something, you want my money. You want, you want me to believe in your God." And it freaks them out." --- Jason Russell, speaking at Liberty University, November 7, 2011

Is Invisible Children a nonprofit devoted to human needs, or is it a ministry devoted to bringing souls to Jesus ? Judging by a talk co-founder Jason Russell gave last November at Liberty University, it would seem to be a bit of both.


A few days ago, Russell's Invisible Children nonprofit began to blitz the Internet with posts on social media promoting the nonprofit's new KONY 2012 video, which by now has received over 36 million hits. The media campaign has already provoked a backlash of well informed criticism, from academics and other with expertise concerning Joseph Kony and the LRA, and the conflict in Northern Uganda and the surrounding region (see links and material, below transcript).

Foreign Affairs charges Invisible Children with misrepresenting the facts, and Foreign Affairs guest contributor Michael Wilkerson notes the deceptive nature of the KONY 2012 video, narrated by Jason Russell, which mentions only in passing that Joseph Kony is no longer in Northern Uganda (his LRA hasn't operated there for years).
Another common objection of critics has been that Invisible Children's approach is simplistic and neglects the fact that the Ugandan government (whose armed forces now hunting for Joseph Kony are accused of rape and looting) has itself been accused of crimes against humanity that at least rival but may exceed those of Joseph Kony and his LRA (see appended story resource links).

Some, such as Democratic Republic of Congo: Between Hope and Despair author Michael Deibert, warn that Invisible Children's effort, which endorses increased US military involvement in the region, may actually make things worse.

The evangelical magazine Christianity Today has covered the growing controversy over the Invisible Children publicity campaign, and Invisible Children has issued a response to the gathering criticism.

So far few have noticed the decidedly evangelical ties of Invisible Children. But that's not surprising: Judging from the organization's website and promotional material, Invisible Children would seem to be non-religious, purely devoted to the health and well-being of children in Northern Uganda and the surrounding region, to "ending genocide", and to capturing Joseph Kony.

On its face, the effort appears secular, and evangelizing is not mentioned as an objective.

But in a November 7, 2011 appearance at Liberty University, as part of Liberty's Fall Convocation speaker series, Invisible Children co-founder Jason Russell hinted that Invisible Children was also an evangelizing effort, and during his talk Russell coached Liberty University students on what could be characterized as extremely low-key, or stealth, evangelism.

Joining Russell onstage during his November 7 Liberty University appearance was Alex Harris, credited with playing a key role in driving Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential bid. At 20:20 into the 39 minute discussion, Harris received a question from the Liberty University student audience - "What is the greatest challenge to the millennial generation, in impacting the world for Christ ?"

Jason Russell fielded the following question from the audience which was, as characterized by Johnnie Moore, Liberty University Vice President of Teaching Projects,"How do you motivate hypocritical, apathetic Christians to, kind of, `get in the fight'? "

What was "the fight"? The message was ambiguous. Earlier in the discussion, Jason Russell had stated his goal of "ending genocide" and capturing Joseph Kony, but that goal seemed framed within the larger project of evangelizing the nations. During the discussion, as a backdrop, hung a blue curtain that proclaimed, "Liberty University: 40 Years of Training Champions For Christ".

The lineup of notables on Liberty's Fall Convocation speaker roster also included Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Christian history revisionist David Barton, and pastor Jim Garlow, who spearheaded the project of organizing evangelical pastors in California, in the 2008 campaign to pass the anti-same sex marriage Proposition Eight (both Barton and Garlow also have ties to the Gingrich presidential campaign effort).
Jason Russell, co-founder of "Invisible Children"

Question: How do you motivate hypocritical, apathetic Christians to, kind of, `get in the fight'?

Russell: People are scared. Of Liberty University. [Addresses graduating students] You guys know this. They're scared because they see the power and potential in this room, the conviction you have, the connectivity you have. And they look at this arena and they go, "that's scary - if they realized what they could do, it would revolutionize the world." That's why you're here.

And so I think that it is that insecurity or that realizing, "I don't have what it takes" - but you DO. We DO. And, the trick is to not go out into the world and say, "I'm going to baptize you, I'm going to convict you, I have an agenda to win you over."

You agenda is to look into the eyes, as Jesus did, and say, "who are you? And will you be my friend?" - Like he did to the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the fisherman. The biggest mistake that we make is to saying, we make a line and we say, "black, white, are you in or are you out?"

I just, I have a hard time digesting that mentality. And I think that's why a lot of people fear Christians, they fear Liberty University, they fear Invisible Children because they feel like we have an agenda. They see us and they go, "You want me to sign up for something, you want my money. You want, you want me to believe in your God.

And it freaks them out.

So figure out a way, you know - I have totally been there. I have been there so many times. I'm like, "I wonder if they know?" I wonder if they're in the group." And it's like, "No! That is judgment itself." "

http://www.alternet.org/news/154477/kon ... angelizing_

[jbock13]

Yup. Those Christians are scary people.

Just as long as there's not white Christian males leading a movement, you're good to go. Of course unless you're Jewish. Then the liberals hate you too.

As many of you know, these are the sorts of issues I feel strongly about. We cannot as Christians take these sorts of lies anymore. We must speak up. We must push back. Liberalism trumps religion. The reason why liberals hate Christianity is because of all the charitable good that it does. Because liberals desire that government take over that responsibility, they destroy Christianity. Liberalism is their religion. And it's time we stop caring who's offended when we stand up for our faith. I know I don't care. Will you join those of us who are will to be unapologetic for our faith and salvation?

The reason they hate Invisible Children, is because it is not a government initiative, but rather, a Christian organization. Thus, it is the target of scrutiny, because the left dare not give any sort of charity, rather, it is YOU who should be coerced to do so, while they kick back and take benevolent credit for something that they had no basis in solving.

[flamesfan30]

yea. i was at that convo, and i actually came away thinking he didnt talk enough about his faith and the mission.

here's my complete thoughts on the issue.

http://cultureandthegospel.tumblr.com/

[Purple Haize]

But here's my point. It's all over facebook. So who's actually going to go do it?

I think this guy has a better chance

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1586752/

[Humble_Opinion]

I don't want to appear as though I'm questioning people's faith, but it just baffles me how a person could be both a 'liberal' and a Christian at the same time. I guess it's possible for one to have some liberal leaning ideas - but to be classed entirely as a liberal and be a Christian?

What if it were Jewish group doing this? Chances are the Liberals still complain. How about a Muslim group? They probably keep their mouths shut and not say anything.

Going outside the realm of specific religions - if you don't believe in a God, why is there a need to run such a rescue of these kids anyways? At that point it doesn't matter when or how one dies, or whether one lives at all. I just don't get their logic...

[jbock13]

Most liberals hate Jews (see Helen Thomas).

[Purple Haize]

Yet most Jews are liberal. See Alan Dershowitz,

[jbock13]

Yet most Jews are liberal. See Alan Dershowitz,

It truly is an astounding irony isn't it?

[Humble_Opinion]

Liberals =

[LUconn]

Is it a good idea to make this guy famous? There are plenty of villains throughout history who are glorified, made into heroes, or made stronger for no other reason than receiving the spotlight.

[jbock13]

Just saw this posted on a friend's facebook

It's time to start painting the town red. Go to our online store and download free templates of KONY 2012 posters to print out & hit the streets. Use common sense in your decorating - ask permission before you plaster. We strongly discourage illegal activity & cannot bail you out of jail.

Uhm, okay. Kony is a really bad person!!! And if you don't post this on your facebook, you must like him!!!

Now, still, who's going to Africa to serve justice? Oh, that's right. Nobody. And that's the sad thing about all of this.

[Humble_Opinion]

Maybe he could hire a mercenary force like Black... oh wait they shut down.

Well I suppose I could step in and fill the need by starting my own Private Military force. We will successfully privatize African peace.

[Purple Haize]

HELLO
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1586752/

I posted it a little as tongue in cheeck but look at who the Bad Guys are!

Blackwater is now DBA Xe Services.

[thepostman]

Just saw this posted on a friend's facebook

It's time to start painting the town red. Go to our online store and download free templates of KONY 2012 posters to print out & hit the streets. Use common sense in your decorating - ask permission before you plaster. We strongly discourage illegal activity & cannot bail you out of jail.

Uhm, okay. Kony is a really bad person!!! And if you don't post this on your facebook, you must like him!!!

Now, still, who's going to Africa to serve justice? Oh, that's right. Nobody. And that's the sad thing about all of this.

I get what you are saying here and agree to an extent. Most people won't do much aside from what is free, but how many average people can go to Africa to serve justice?? Not many...

[SuperJon]

Invisible Children is an advocacy group. That's what they've always been and that's what they claim to be.

The most annoying part of this whole thing is that 1) people are trying to talk smack about them because they don't do enough and 2) people are actually thinking they're going to do a bunch to physically stop all of this.

Invisible Children is all about telling people what's going bad. They'll give some to actually fix it, but they are messengers. If, in your heart, you feel led to support and advocacy group to get the word out then by all means, do that. If, in your heart, you feel led to support a group that does more of the on the group work then by all means, do that. Just do something. Most of the people running Invisible Children through the mud do absolutely nothing for any other organization.