Can virtual advocacy pass the reality test?
If you're a regular visitor to Facebook or use other social media sites, it is likely that you've heard about Invisible Children's Kony 2012 video. With over 75million views on YouTube, Kony 2012 has become an internet phenomenon.
It is an attempt to raise awareness of Joseph Kony, the leader of a Ugandan guerilla group called the Lord's Resistance Army, who currently sits at the top of the International Criminal Court's indictment list. In addition to numerous war crimes, Kony is responsible for the abduction of countless children to turn them into soldiers and sex slaves. The video also shows how Invisible Children succeeded in pressuring the US government to deploy 100 advisers to Uganda last year.
The last few minutes of the video summarise the current campaign's purpose: to put an end to the atrocities, Kony needs to be found and arrested; this, however, requires the continued assistance of the US advisers, and, thus, the continued support of the American government.
Though successful, the campaign has been subject to scepticism for its crude portrayal of the situation. Many have pointed out that, although the campaign places emphasis on Uganda, Kony hasn't been there for years and the Lord's Resistance Army currently operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Others have chastised Invisible Children for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Africa by characterising its people as helpless.
The fact that the video has received such an overwhelming response is testament to the power of social media and the good will of people around the world. April 20 marks the date on which Kony 2012 will cross the threshold from virtual viral hit to reality; Invisible Children has advocated a 'night sweep' in which streets will be 'covered' with posters highlighting the Kony problem.
It is interesting to note that the majority of viewers of the video were young adults, who might not necessarily care that much about global politics, but are embracing social media and trends.
Yet, whatever happens on April 20, it is unlikely that things are going to change in Uganda without broader support and a more nuanced understanding of the context.
The uncomfortable reality of the use of force - and loss of lives - that this may require is not something that the makers of Kony 2012 are necessarily willing to engage with. Kony may be No1 on the international court's indictment list, but his Lord's Resistance Army colleagues, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen (2nd and 3rd place, respectively), stand ready to take his place.
Rachel Tsang is a PhD candidate and has taught political theory at the London School of Economics
