Illustration by Niels Hoyle-Dodson
People like to argue at length about the proclaimed “most viral video in history,” but only one thing is generally indisputable—its creator, Jason Russell, probably meant well.
Russell really does care about the plight of Uganda. He made a beautifully crafted and edited film. The video has inspireda lot of debate among students concerning the nature of our foreign policy and the plight of the less fortunate, that would not have happened otherwise.
However, there are some problems that can’t be ignored. For one, it’s almost entirely devoid of facts. Just a couple minutes are devoted to explaining Kony and Uganda’s violence, which has years of history that needs consideration. The rest blasts us with images of Invisible Children, indignant Americans, and sad Ugandans while providing no context.
It’s essentially an advertisement, pandering to emotions and guilt of young people. Commercials are for shampoo, not genocide.
By popularizing awful actions of a warlord, Russell inadvertently cheapened the issue. Will anyone remember next year that mass killings exist someplace many people can’t even find on a map? Or will they discard their posters and stickers and bracelets the minute April ends?
Aiding this cause is an honorable thing. But give to the International Rescue Committee, or some organization that gives directly those in need. Don’t fall for an ad that perpetuates our commercial culture.
Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the newspaper staff. This month:
• 30 staff members agreed
• 0 staff members disagreed
• 10 staff members did not vote
Thanks for the blood, guys
Our school has a history of being the top school blood-donating in the region. About 213 students donated as many pints of blood in March of 2011, which helped save up to 639 lives, since the blood goes to three people each. This time around, students broke their own records, giving enough to save 750 lives. It is a great tradition we have going, and the partnership between the Puget Sound Blood Center and Timberline. Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to contribute directly to those in need.
(29 staff members agreed; 0 disagreed; 10 did not vote)
School on Saturday? No way!
Sorry, it’s not a sick April Fool’s joke from our teachers. The state plans to make up snow days for seniors on our precious weekends, once in April and once in May, since the graduation day is set. This is a pointless and ineffective move. Don’t be surprised when no one shows up except kids with attendance low enough that they risk not walking on June 9, and even then, they’ll know a farce when they see one. Virtually no work will be done, and students and teachers alike will sit in a bitter, apathetic haze. Senior skip day, anyone?
(27 staff members agreed; 2 disagreed; 10 did not vote)
