MEDIA AND TERRORISM

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time is now."

For the first media log, we were assigned the theme, media and terrorism, hence the title above. The material given to us to analyze is a viral YouTube video entitled "KONY 2012"*. This video was created by Invisible Inc. and is about finding a way to stop a terrorist named Joseph Kony, who is said to have been kidnapping children for slavery, prostitution and creating an army which he calls the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). This issue is in Uganda and not everyone is aware of this situation. The creators of this video decided that using the internet media to spread Kony's wrongdoing will gain enough attention from the members of the community and will raise some awareness all around the world that the American government will be forced to act upon this issue.

The short film was posted on YouTube last March 2012 and has now gained more than 93,000,000 views as of October 2012. The creators' technique of showing their message through a short film was smart and creative, and the way they edited the whole film made everyone who watched it aware of the message they were trying to send. The manner in which they communicated with their targeted audience was simple and the scenes they used have perfectly captured the essence of their message, which is to save the Ugandan people from Kony. And since the film is in YouTube, almost anyone can watch it and therefore makes their mission of making the subject of the video (Kony and his heinous crimes), famous. This message has been proven to be effectively sent because now, more people are aware of this issue.

The video itself, for me, was very informative and detailed, and the effect it gave me was that of pity and the need to help those oppressed by Kony. It made me feel that I have not been aware nor did I have any concern for the different social issues happening around the world. Not everyone is aware of this situation and honestly, this is the first time I have seen it and it made me feel a little guilty that I haven't watched it sooner. I might not have given any form of solicitation even if I watched it sooner but the thought that I could have seen this video earlier and made others aware of it too, might have made a difference.

But even so, the video gave me the encouragement that even if I'm not popular or powerful, I can still give a contribution to society. It also showed me the power of media, that it can affect the view of millions of people and if something needs to be known, the modern day technology can help spread these issues and the effect it can give us can contribute to the welfare of society.

The only thing that confused and somehow dismayed me was the last part of the video wherein they asked for money or to order for "action kits" in order for this message to be known. For me, this wasn't a big deal because it's really up to the viewers if they give solicitation or not, but it made me feel concerned for others who watched it, that the message they were trying to send may come with other motives. 

Other people see this whole video as a scam because of the donations being asked in the latter part of the film and others think that using funds or donations to make a criminal popular instead of giving the money to the Ugandan people for them to cope with their lives, is a bit naive. But I think that this message of making this terrorist popular is what will be more beneficial and more valuable for the people of Uganda because then, more people would be willing to help out with their situation. And at least the members of Invisible Inc. are doing their best to help out those in need and to show to the world the issues that need to be brought up, because the last time I checked, not everyone really cares for something that doesn't concern or affect them.

How about you?

Have YOU ever gone out of your way to help others?

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

**images came from the internet, I do not claim ownership over them