Fad Activism

A few days ago, a friend posted an observation online about the sudden disappearance of all the "Kony" videos and other posts.  They have vanished from common conversation as quickly as they appeared.  The Kony hysteria was a wave that passed over us all, then dissipated without effect.

So, that must mean that this Kony guy has been stopped from continuing to commit further atrocities, right?  Well, no.  It just means that the media hype and activism fad have ended.

In our world these days, billions of people around the modernized world are interconnected through social environments on the internet.  Facebook, of course, is now the largest of these, but they are certainly not the only game in town.  A quick glance at the data listen on this Wikipedia page will give you an idea of just how much a part of our lives these online social environments have become.

In many ways, these digital connections have helped to bring about improved quality of life.  Families and friends who are separated by geography have a simple way to stay in contact.  Scientists and medical professionals can quickly and easily share data with one another across the globe.  People who, because of handicap or illness, have a hard time getting out of the house have a way to connect to the outside world from within the safe confines of their own homes.  Students at all levels of education can access information that they might not otherwise be able to access, and some of them are even taught remotely by teachers who are hundreds or thousands of miles away, interacting through a digital campus.  News travels quickly these days, both the good and the bad, and emergency aid can be dispatched with life-saving speed when a disaster occurs somewhere in the world.

Unfortunately, living our lives at the speed of digital means that we misperceive the seriousness of some situations.  People also misunderstand what is needed to help some situations.  It is very common for people to share videos and news articles among their online social circles, and many of these videos and articles focus on issues that are controversial or need to experience change.  So we read these articles and watch the videos posted by our friends, family, and colleagues.  We get fired up about the issues represented in each, and we decide we want to "do" something to help.  So we repost the link to the video or article, thus sharing it with everyone in our own online social circles.

And all of that is wonderful, except....

It's not enough!

Sure, sharing information is a great way to raise awareness for pretty much any issue.  But awareness must never be mistaken for action!

When we get that feeling of passionate involvement for a cause, it is our responsibility to act in whatever way we are able to help bring about the change we believe is needed.  While many people these days can't afford to make financial contributions, we can all donate a little time or elbow grease.

Are you outraged by the numbers of young families who can't afford a safe home in which to raise their children?  Go volunteer some time with Habitat for Humanity!  Are you distressed by decisions being made or laws being enacted by your elected representatives?  Make some calls or write some letters to the people who represent you!  Everyone can do something other than hit a "share" link, and if an issue is truly important to you, you should be determined to do more.

Most importantly, be honest with yourself and with those around you about your level of emotional involvement with any given issue.  Don't pretend concern for the benefit of others, and don't think that an issue can be the "most important thing in the world" for only a week.