Is Invisible Children’s “Stop Kony” video the best philanthropically branded scam since TOMS shoes?

First, organizations like Invisible Children not only take up resources that could be used to fund more intelligent advocacy, they take up rhetorical space that could be used to develop more intelligent advocacy.... And while we’re on the subject of what does and doesn’t help, maybe don’t get photographed fondling big (former) rebel guns. Just saying. - Wronging Rights

As you can guess, the whole “Stop Kony” viral wave pushed some of my buttons. I wish I could say my hesitance with the bandwagon was because of the education I’ve gained while supporting non-profits that are working in Uganda but I’m afraid the bulk of my skepticism was more likely motivated by how little credit I give to the specific friends who first FB’d the video. Sorry guys, but telling me you’ve been moved to tears because your teen (the same teen you’ve described as a slug for the last 4 years) has been inspired to change the world and now the two of you are retweeting a video like mofos, kinda suggests that you can’t find Africa on a map.

Anywho, I opted not to retweet / share / poke or call the Boulder City Council to take action, until I did a little research on my own, and now I’m ready to dive into the social media chatter.

Just for the record, I’m talking about FB friends you don’t know…I swear I’m not talking about you or your fabulous kid.

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