I still write poems about summers long ago
and like to think that they’ll come back if I give them words
Package them up in separate boxes, labelled and filed away in a bottomless closet.
I’m not stuck, I just don’t know where else to go.
And it’s easy to settle into the ideas you savored for a coupla years, it really is.
I’ve been mentally wrestling with the Kony 2012 campaign over the last 12 hours since I watched the film and got involved.
While watching the film at first, I felt vulnerable in empathy. The film itself did an incredible job in appealing to the “I-want-to-save-the-world” ethos that lies in many youth. I was pulled in by brilliant editing, the director’s son’s big blue eyes, and the intrinsic (or extrinsic, perhaps?) force in me that wants to change the world. After watching it, like a sheep I sped to their website and ordered 25 posters and signed up for a monthly donation.
Kony 2012 is a brilliant advertising campaign. It worked.
The impressive thing about the campaign, no matter what anyone has to say about its credibility, is that above all else, it provided a tangible way for youth in any city in the US to make a difference, or feel like they are. Step by step, it calls for action in specific and inexpensive ways—Kony2012 knows its audience indeed.
So let’s look deeper at what this Pop Philanthropy means to our growing global network.
Okay, so I’ve identified Kony2012 as an advertising campaign, and I stand by that.
The thing that I can’t revert on is that I don’t see a problem with advertising for philanthropy.
So yeah, it’s marketing and maybe it leaves out significant facts or doesn’t show what the people of Uganda most need right now from foreign aid.
But.
How bad is it really that thousands of youth are being empowered to action? Kids are calling senators, writing letters, postering their cities—they are being called to their civic duty as global citizens (which we all now are, let’s face it).
So tell me, what’s so wrong about an advertising campaign that shows kids how to tangibly make a difference in the global political sphere?
There have been articles discussing the outdated facts regarding Invisible Children’s call to action.
With the internet as the main source of information today, who knows what we’re actually facing. We have to trust the sources that look most credible, from the foundations we’ve heard of for a while.
The problem with Kony 2012 is not that the facts are outdated, or that perhaps Joseph Kony is not even in power. The problem is that, like any fad, support can dwindle and followers will be lost to the next call to action.
The problem is that it makes philanthropy into a marketable concept like Levi’s or McDonalds. The issue is that I can’t take this problem too seriously because of this: why wouldn’t we want our youth obsessed with a viral video about how to change the world?
It’ll be the day when I find someone who can care for me more than I will be tempted to care for them (him). And only then will I be fully okay with with myself in a relationship I think.
“Those two are so mismatched…it’s like a china-bowl and a decoupage lamp.” -Two gay guys gossiping about their coupled friends.
“You know how you’re supposed to save yourself if you fall into the ocean and the boat doesn’t come for a while? You swim for a little towards land and then you just let the current take you. Sometimes you just have to take a break.”
TRUTH, WISE STRANGER!
Lighting a candle and setting an intention for my day.
Smiling at strangers
Embracing the power of the Polo
Hugs…so many hugs
Good talks with my RA…and Steve the Couch
Back rubs
Adele
Eat Local Week at C-Street!!
All my amazing professors
Freshman seeking guidance
New crushes and the giddiness that tags along!
TA Review Sessions
My reading glasses
Fleet Foxes
Tea Time Tuesday.
Well, Avett Bros, if only it was that easy!
There are some days when it’s good to realize that we truly are alone in everything we do, in all our existence.
I just tried on all your shoes.
Oh, and then I got lonely so I put on my sandals and now I feel better walking around your bare floors. At least my feet have friends now!
I cannot stop listening to this.
It radiates a simple poignancy and calms me like the best lullaby.
Buddy, you’s a champ.
