Kony 2012 vs. Backlash Culture

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. 

Yes, this statement represents the bottom line of physics – but it’s also fast becoming the mantra of today’s society. Internet and social media has made it easier than ever for anyone to publically voice their opinion on people, events or anything else they like instantly, and sometimes anonymously. This has lead to the rise of the backlash, which it seems impossible to escape. 

By my reckoning, the extent of the backlash correlates with the scale of the phenomenon. The most obvious example I can think of is the Kony2012 campaign, which went viral about a week ago. If you’ve been living in a dark cave with no WiFi for the last week, you won’t know that the Kony2012 campaign stemmed from a thirty minute Youtube video urging the public to spread Joseph Kony’s name and encourage governments to fund his capture. The video spread across social networking sites faster than chlamydia in fresher’s week, and it seemed that for once, an internet phenomenon may have united and inspired everyone – for five minutes at least.

 Slowly but surely the backlash began as the brave few began to criticise the video, and before long the reaction to the video became increasingly negative, to the point where those slating the campaign outnumbered those supporting it. Whilst it’s fair to say that the charity behind the campaign does look a little questionable, the majority of the backlash was aimed at the idea that spreading the video could make a difference – memes such has the one the the left started popping up left right and centre, poking fun at those like me who had shared the video. Why should I or anyone else be made to feel embarrassed that we felt moved by a video that is clearly thought provoking? Are images of mutilated children not enough to make anybody think? As far as I can tell, the concept of the video – to get people talking about Kony and make them aware of their crimes – is difficult to argue with. If you don’t agree then it’s very easy not to share the video, but there’s no need to belittle those who have. And yes, I’m well aware that sharing a Youtube clip on Facebook doesn’t make me a social activist – and that’s why I didn’t post it with the caption, “I’m sharing this video because I’m a social activist”. 

In short, it doesn’t matter whether you agree with the Kony2012 campaign or not, but if you have nothing nice to say, maybe you should say nothing at all. If you shared the video like me then I hope you don’t regret it since the backlash began, because there’s no shame in caring about the issues that it raises. Anything or anyone that captures the public’s imagination, from Kony2012 to Lady Gaga, is going to suffer a backlash – c’est la vie. The shame lies in allowing the mob to influence which side of the fence you sit on.

I'm sure a great deal of people reading this will disagree with me, so please feel free to post a comment down below (no need to leave your name).