An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Ah, my poor beloved, earnest, do-gooding, farina-brained Americans. By now everyone in Portland has probably heard that contrary to their initial impression, it is not cool to wear a wristband and raise awareness about Kony, and in fact doing so is a sign that you may be racist, colonialist, and quite possibly terminally afflicted with the dread White Man's Burden, or perhaps just a fatuous, fashionable twit. This must be very confusing to people in Portland. Max Fisher explains it all to Portland in the Atlantic. Quite right he is, too.
It's the exchange on Twitter that followed that brightened me so:
From Teju Cole, who affords me shy hope for future of the English language:
The banality of evil transmutes into the banality of sentimentality. The world is nothing but a problem to be solved by enthusiasm.
This world exists simply to satisfy the needs—including, importantly, the sentimental needs—of white people and Oprah
I deeply respect American sentimentality, the way one respects a wounded hippo. You must keep an eye on it, for you know it is deadly.
Fisher responds:
Cole is not wrong, even if his language is soaked in resentment, that sentimentality has driven some of the Western world's worst abuses, and that behind this sentimentality is an assumption of the rightness of privilege. Paternalism, after all, is a way of casting oneself in a loving and familial role that also happens to exercise power over someone else, who is cast as subjugate whether they want to be or not.
But Cole makes the same mistake as Invisible Children, reducing an entire culture to his interactions with it and a few easy stereotypes, a monolithic mass to be judged and maybe even solved.
And then Cole:
Huh? I’m as American as you.
Game, set and match.
I refer you now to my friend Christy Quirk, a woman whose wiseness I have come to cherish more and more with every passing year in Turkey. She explains why Facebook campaigns hurt democratic movements--and would twice as certainly have no effect on the fate of Kony, in as much as the LRA is no longer in Uganda. In any event, the LRA is much smaller than previously thought. It does not have have 30,000 or 60,000 child soldiers. The figure of 30,000 refers to the total number of children abducted by the LRA over the past 30 years. In October last year, Obama authorized the deployment of 100 US army advisers to help the Ugandan military track down Kony. There is in fact no threat to remove them.
As Christy tartly observes,
There are lots of things about Facebook that annoy me (mostly how it went from being a useful way to find out what your coolest friends were doing, listening to or reading to becoming an echo chamber of your most annoying friends’ scores on idiotic quizzes, but that’s a different blog post on a different blog) but the thing that bothers me most these days is all the groups and petitions devoted to “supporting” various democratic movements.
Moldova introduced itself to hundreds of thousand clicktivists earlier this year. Then there was Iran. (The online response to China’s cracking some Uighur skull has been, at best, muted, at least in my network. I suspect it’s because there aren’t as many hot girls involved). The most recent example comes from Baku, where two Azeri youth activists were beaten up by sportsmenki and tossed in jail for doing little more than having dinner at a downtown Baku restaurant.
Since this happened, I have been invited to no fewer than six groups that express support for them, but have not joined one. I feel bad about this, but the only things less effective than Azeri youth activists are the Facebook groups set up to “draw international attention” to their situation. (Harsh? I know from Azeri youth activists). Furthermore, they fail to achieve even that amorphous goal: the tepid support most of the groups receive does little but illustrate what is already screamingly obvious — very few outside Azerbaijan care what goes on there. And after generating all the international attention, then what?
Like Twitter, Facebook democracy support groups bug me for several reasons.
First, Facebook groups prolong the illusion held by many in opposition movements in the Former Soviet Union that democratic change can come from anywhere but inside the country. One of the Azeri opposition’s favorite strategies for achieving power was writing lots of letters to foreign leaders, taking expensive junkets to Brussels and beseeching visiting OSCE diplomats plaintively. Really, who can blame them for wanting to spend more time in Vienna than Yevlax? However, challenging despots requires hard, risky groundwork, convincing skeptical voters in your own country that you’re responsible enough to be trusted with the reins of power and that it’s worth the risk to join you.
Second, it prolongs the illusion that organizing is as easy as clicking a button. It’s a lot more fun to organize several thousand Europeans and Americans to support your “cause” than it is to mobilize IDPs still living in train cars 14 years after the oil-rich country lost a war. It’s a lot easier to broadcast a Twitter to the universe than it is to go out and talk to people in Lenkoran who don’t have electricity, much less internet, face to face.
Third, it diminishes the stakes. If people in Azerbaijan truly want to boot the kleptocrats (and there is plenty of evidence to suggest most don’t), they have to join civil society organizations or political parties or labor unions that oppose the government. They have to volunteer to monitor elections. As a result, jobs will be lost, university places sacrificed, nights spent in jail and heads cracked. The idea that it can be done any other way is an insult to the people who have tried and succeeded (or, tried and failed).
The situation in Azerbaijan right now is terrible. It was terrible before Facebook and will continue to be terrible long after Facebook joins Friendster and MySpace in the dust-bin of social networking history. If you’re going to click, click on something like Daily Puppy or your favorite porn site. It will have about as much impact on Azerbaijan.
Save the wristband, though, my loves: I'm sure it will come in handy when next you adopt an adorable pet cause. Care2Care greeting cards suggests many fine causes to me every day. Perhaps you'd care to join this cause for legalizing chickens? A modest goal, entirely within your reach.
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Apr '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
"Claire ... she plays a deep game."
Nah, j/k. But I had to read it a couple times to understand it. (I think I understand it, although I ignored the spasm, like many others.)
Oct '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Mothership_Greg: This is a priceless sentence:
Do they pay Atlantic writers extra for ramming as many assumptions and nebulous abstractions into a sentence as they possibly can? As Rick Santorum might say, it makes me want to throw up. · 6 hours ago
There is not much difference if you compare the 100 years of Western dominance with the 60 years of Independence, you could check Africa Betrayed .
Claire Berlinski, Ed.
Yes, Mao, it's exactly the harm that comes from young people deciding they must "save the planet," "stand up against corporations," or "condemn Israeli apartheid." It's the harm that comes from a vague awareness of a problem and the instant adoption of a fashionable cause unmatched by any seriousness. · 3 hours ago
Isn't this is a case of selfish altruism ? ie you want to do go feel good about yourself, not because you care about others.
Apr '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
The banality of sentimentality applies to domestic policy as well.
The LBJ's War on Poverty, the current structure of public education, the Broader, Bolder educational initiative - are examples of how White People "save" Black People here in the US of A. Don't you understand????!! It's for the CHILDREN!!
How does the saying go? The road to hell is paved with good intentions?
Nov '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
I'll take dumb kids buying wristbands and putting ridiculous drivel on Facebook over Serious Journalists making vague generalizations about an entire continent's history any day. Which two hundred years, again?
Aug '10
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
I'm with you.
Fatuous outpourings of feckless sentiment in the name of "making a difference" from sheltered, spoiled youth is at least par for the course. And this crusade isn't even as fatuous as it easily could be.
Nov '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Maybe the problem all starts when we teach toddlers that they must always share.
Their healthy natural instinct is to say, "Mine!"
Isn't that a beautiful instinct?!?!! "It's mine, dern it, get your hands off!"
Instead of teaching kids to share everything indiscrimately, we'd do better to teach each one exactly what's "mine," and what's "not mine," and how to take care of the former and keep hands off the latter.
Thumos (a strong and protective sense of "what's mine") keeps the world glued together, one piece at a time:
me
my wife
my family
my friends
my neighborhood
my church
my city
my country
my world
We can't be connected to the world unless we're first connected to a family and a community, and then work our way out from there. God loves everybody, but we humans, being limited, can't. If we attempt the divine feat, that love becomes vague and thin, and changes into hubristic moralistic busybodyness. Instead of trying to save the whole world, it's better to stick to being human, understanding what's "my own," and tending to it.
Charity begins at home.
Oct '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Strangely I saw a lot more internet rage pointed at the statistically challenged, poorly conceived, marketing campaign. than I ever saw directed at the mass-murdering, child stealing, tyrant. Then I checked my handy, dandy 2012 "Whitey's Social Awareness Flow Chart."
1.If your unaware of what's going on in some place you've never been and have no intention of going to- You're a bubble-living, over-privilege, reality tv watching, know-nothing.
2. If you're aware of an atrocity and want to let others know of said atrocities- You're a preening, self-satisfied do-nothing, looking to profit by way of attention or donations.
3. If you actually go to the other side of the world in an attempt to help out- You're an ignorant, opportunistic colonialist, with imperialist tendencies, and you're probably just looking to poison a culture you know nothing about with western sentiment or (GASP) Christianity! Oh yeah, and you're probably the most racist of all three as well.
There's only one socially acceptable response in the modern, multicultural, world political arena- just to stick to complaining about how lame, ignorant, self-satisfied, "white people" are.
Nov '10
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
N.M. Wiedemer: Strangely I saw a lot more internet rage pointed at the statistically challenged, poorly conceived, marketing campaign. than I ever saw directed at the mass-murdering, child stealing, tyrant.
. . .
1.If your unaware of what's going on in some place you've never been and have no intention of going to- You're a bubble-living, over-privilege, reality tv watching, know-nothing.
2. If you're aware of an atrocity and want to let others know of said atrocities- You're a preening, self-satisfied do-nothing, looking to profit by way of attention or donations.
3. If you actually go to the other side of the world in an attempt to help out- You're an ignorant, opportunistic colonialist, with imperialist tendencies, and you're probably just looking to poison a culture you know nothing about with western sentiment or (GASP) Christianity! Oh yeah, and you're probably the most racist of all three as well.
There's only one socially acceptable response in the modern, multicultural, world political arena- just to stick to complaining about how lame, ignorant, self-satisfied, "white people" are.
I want to be able to like this 1000 times.
Nov '10
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
I have just been reading a book called Kisses from Katie about a young girl who went to Uganda for a one-year mission trip and ended up moving there permanently, starting a nonprofit organization to pay for school fees for a whole lot of kids, and becoming foster or adoptive mother to 13 or 14 young Ugandan girls. The book is imperfectly written, but most people who read it come away profoundly impressed by the girl. If you look around at reviews of the book, however, there is the occasion bit like this: "the hysterical tone of the religious language and the patronizing attitude toward the Ugandans she works with was disturbing." It's a perfect illustration of N.M. Wiedemer's point.
Jul '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
I linked this thread to friends of mine in Durbin SAfrica, as well as my buddy who works for the US setting up agriculture in various countries including Uganda. The man from Durbin said Americans with some information are funny creatures and more importantly, my farming buddy said every story you see should be interpreted in the light of resource attainment by outsiders and local government corruption.
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Frankly, although I"m not into monocausal theories of anything, "local government corruption" explains more of the international news (in my experience) than any other three words.
Nov '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
1.If your unaware of what's going on in some place you've never been and have no intention of going to- You're a bubble-living, over-privilege, reality tv watching, know-nothing.
2. If you're aware of an atrocity and want to let others know of said atrocities- You're a preening, self-satisfied do-nothing, looking to profit by way of attention or donations.
3. If you actually go to the other side of the world in an attempt to help out- You're an ignorant, opportunistic colonialist, with imperialist tendencies, and you're probably just looking to poison a culture you know nothing about with western sentiment or (GASP) Christianity! Oh yeah, and you're probably the most racist of all three as well.
There's only one socially acceptable response in the modern, multicultural, world political arena- just to stick to complaining about how lame, ignorant, self-satisfied, "white people" are. · 2 hours ago
Winning.
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
I only read the book jacket, but anyone disturbed by that story can rot. When I say that it's morally empty to wearing an armband to be fashionable, I am contrasting that in my mind not with "doing nothing" but with "doing that," which is about as admirable a life as I can imagine. I've met people like that around the world--it's a very distinct personality type. If people want to donate money to help in very poor parts of the world or conflict zones, find the people like her, and support their (usually small-scale) projects. (Small projects means less waste.) That does help.
Aug '10
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Claire , three words= brilliant !
Jello Biafra says hunh !
Edited on March 11, 2012 at 5:10amNov '10
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Claire Berlinski, Ed.
I only read the book jacket, but anyone disturbed by thatstory can rot. When I say that it's morally empty to wearing an armband to be fashionable, I am contrasting that in my mind not with "doing nothing" but with "doing that," which is about as admirable a life as I can imagine. I've met people like that around the world--it's a very distinct personality type. If people want to donate money to help in very poor parts of the world or conflict zones, find the people like her, and support their (usually small-scale) projects. (Small projects means less waste.) That doeshelp. · 4 hours ago
Thanks, Claire.
Nov '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
N.M. Wiedemer: . . . "Whitey's Social Awareness Flow Chart."
1.If your unaware of what's going on in some place you've never been and have no intention of going to- You're a bubble-living, over-privilege, reality tv watching, know-nothing.
2. If you're aware of an atrocity and want to let others know of said atrocities- You're a preening, self-satisfied do-nothing, looking to profit by way of attention or donations.
3. If you actually go to the other side of the world in an attempt to help out- You're an ignorant, opportunistic colonialist, with imperialist tendencies, and you're probably just looking to poison a culture you know nothing about with western sentiment or (GASP) Christianity! . . .
4. What if, You're reasonably well informed about the situation, aren't happy about it, but feel no obligation, compulsion, or inclination to do anything about it?
Mar '12
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Remember the 'brewhaha' when Obama announced the sending of troops into Uganda last October? It was all due to S.1067 - Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009.
The timeline of the voting is most telling for the fact that it was passed during the trifecta of Democratic controlled Congress/Senate/White House passing with Unanimous Consent.
S.1067 TIMELINE
5/12/2010 6:34pm:
Mr. Engel moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
5/12/2010 6:34pm:
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3409-3416)
5/12/2010 6:34pm:
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1067.
5/12/2010 7:02pm:
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3409-3411)
5/12/2010 7:02pm:
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5/12/2010:
Cleared for White House.
SUMMARY: The current viral video is either drumming support for the intervention or providing Democrats justification for the action (which was not voted for/passed without a vote)in presenting it as humanitarianism, not warfare.
Mar '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Ok, I am late in coming to this conversation but I missed it last week. I find most of this thread extremely ignorant. Listen I have issues with a lot of NGO's however Invisible Children is one of them.
My brother happens to work for them as their Animator. He previously has worked with or in 3 other international Christian mission organization that are involved in aid and 2 domestic non-profits.
His history was these non-profit while doing some good things always look at lot better on the outside verse in. However, he said he was blown away, Invisible Children actually looks better on the inside verses out.
Now don't get me wrong I have had long discussion with my brother and quite a few interns in the organization and they quote the company line which has some nieve and somewhat dangerous ideas (we have to come up with new ideas (verse learn from History), the international court needs police powers so they can stop Cony and other men like him in the future).
Cont.
Edited on March 14, 2012 at 7:17pmMar '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
Cont.
However, they know good intentions are not enough and can cause harm, it is ingrained in their culture. There is indications the leaderships is going away from these ideas (or at least put it on the back burner). Also they don't care what the solution is as long as they can meet their goal and they will change to do it. For example they thought Diplomacy might work talking with Cony for a peace deal is a solution, they found out after a year or two that was a ignorant idea and now criticize anyone who thinks that is the solution. This organization was started by three very young College students, who lacked a lot of experience so the organizations pass mistakes really appear to be related to inexperience more than anything else.
From what I can glen he leadership now realize this is a Military problem not a police or Diplomacy problem and needs a Military solution. Uganda only has one working Helicopter so they don’t have the mobility to take out the LRA leadership.
cont.
Edited on March 14, 2012 at 7:18pmMar '11
Re: An Exquisite Footnote to the Kony2012 Sentimentalism Spasm
cont.
However, there is actually a more important consideration. Southern Sudan, there is all indication that Sudan is reeling at the bit to attack the south. Uganda is not going to stand by if this happens and will send troop to defend this border country. When you look closer it appears the 100 military personal for training are actually more for this potential Sudan conflict than to hunt the LRA leadership now.
Uganda actually has maybe the best if not a top three government for Africa. Yet it has issues but it is improving.
Edited on March 14, 2012 at 7:19pm