Of Note: Invisible Children

A Note On Kony 2012 --

With over 80 million views, Invisible Children has sparked a movement of young people, through YouTube, social media and highlighted a warlord that has long been wanted by the ICC. Through content made for children with the simplest explanation of Joseph Kony and his atrocities in Northern Uganda, the organization has been able to raise awareness and money to support their cause. They encourage students and viewers to buy media and help make Joseph Kony famous so that Congress will pay attention and help fund military operations to bring Kony to justice. 

But the campaign has not been without criticism. Invisible Children CEO, Ben Keesey and Film Producer, Jason Russell have made a number appearances on NBC, CNN and other media outlets to answer for their intentions. The organization has been drilled over their financial distribution, a perceived western-world driven campaign and even why they're producing a film that has been a story for more than a decade. 

Granted, CNN interviewed Jacob Acaye, featured in the Kony 2012 film who says it's not too late, especially if Kony is still kidnapping children, making them child soldiers and raping young girls. He says the mission is important and he wants justice for he and his brother, who was killed by Kony. While there are Ugandans who support and are part of the campaign and Invisible Children's programs for education and assistance, others are raising a red flag.  

A couple of days ago; the campaign's producer, Jason Russell was detained by police after reportedly being drunk in public and stripping to his underwear in Pacific Beach, San Diego. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and Invisible Children released a statement saying he was hospitalized for "exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday"

So the question remains: was the campaign a good idea? Or were there self indulgent intentions behind raising funds to make Kony famous? Immediately, those defending the campaign would say no. They might blame the projected media attention or the pressure of such a large campaign. 

Interestingly enough, activists in Uganda conducted a screening, bringing thousands of Northern Ugandans, some former victims of Joseph Kony to view Russells film and join the debate, react to the content. And the result, documented by Al Jazeera, was anger and distrust. For some, it comes from the fact that Kony no longer exists in Uganda. Reports indicate that he has gone into the bush somewhere in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For others, they want to call attention to the Ugandan government leaders who allowed the LRA's atrocities and still some feel as if Invisible Children are calling them weak, patronizing them and their pain.

Ultimately: while they may have had some pure intentions identifying a terrible villain to a new generation; Invisible Children seems to have more to answer for; their strategy was to take Joseph Kony and turn him into a celebrity. To a culture who has spent years (and still is) recovering from the fear of this man and his oppression, turning him into a celebrity, putting him on T-shirts and posters, to them, shows an ignorance on the part of the organization. For many Ugandans, Jason Russell is missing the point and doesn't understand their need or their view of justice.  

Ironically, then, the point is: it's important to be open to understanding the customs and culture of people groups that you're trying to represent. One, two or five does not represent an entire country or an entire region. People need to see your humility before their see your capability. Learn from them, then help them. And be honest, as a non-profit organization, you're held at a higher standard, so complete transparency is key. Then again, there must be a balance: don't put yourself so closely in the public eye that even cause is just about an image, and it looses the flavor. Be willing to morph and change when perhaps, just maybe - the means doesn't bring a justified end. 

Will Joseph Kony be caught? Eventually yes. Evil men cannot stand. Will Invisible Children have helped with their awareness campaign? Maybe. 

What happens Next, God only knows, and Time will tell. 

West Bound Road: A Series of Absurd Essays About A Journey to the Coast (6)

Starting Line

New Year, new apartment, and thank heavens only a mile from the clear blue waters of the Pacific. The hustle and bustle of legal paperwork I had to sort through just to get approved for a legit studio California bungalow was enough trouble to make a person go bald by way of pulling all their hair out. 

January 1st - moving day and once again, I'd have to hail a Uhaul to drag my belongings from the dusty house to a smaller space with a pool. But I could live with that, the studio was the biggest I had ever seen. Truly - the living room could have added a wall and a door with room to spare. The long hallway led to a built in vanity at the end next to a walled off bathroom. A separate kitchen with counters and cupboards completed the space and I was set for time being. 

I dragged everything I owned into that apartment: the headboard, the foot-board, the glass iKea desk, the iKea shelf, the dishes, the pictures and well the guitars & cameras. The property manager, Beverly, gave me the keys to the mail box, the gate and my 1-car garage. But, of course, I didn't care about any of that. I just wanted to unload and see how long it would take me to make it to the ocean. I was in a race for the sand between my toes and I wasn't due to be back to work until Monday. 

After about two hours of heavy lifting and probably damaging my back for ages to come, I locked up, hopped in my little Honda and drove down the street, literally - 1.2 miles - to the blue vastness that rushed over my toes. Since it was winter; the ice cold sent chills went up my spine. But I took a deep breath and released. Now, now I felt like I was home with a beach and a sane mind. 

I had no outlook on the new year, I just wanted to get through the first month, earn enough to avoid detaching my arm for expensive California living. And at the moment, I was content enough to be staring across of body of water that doesn't stop until it reaches the next continent. 

What would come next...

Year In Review: The Stories

As the year draws to a close, we gather with family and friends for the holidays and a time of reflection. To date, this has been one of the most adventurous years of my life and I know 2012 will carry it over.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will add my thoughts to the end of 2011 - but to begin, this video put out by Google really hit chord with me. As a journalist, I have touched most, if not all of these stories this year - and I can say with confidence, they resonated deeply with me. People of the world - I celebrate you....

#OccupyWallStreet: Headed for NY

Headed for New York City this week to investigate Occupy Wall Street, where it all began. More coming soon...For now, enjoy the music...

Video & Music - by The Yes Team; Astoria, NY 2011

#OccupyAtlanta: Faces of the Occupation

Following a meeting with local Clergy and the Occupy Atlanta Media group, Tim Franzen and I worked our way down to the next floor for a brief interview about his roll in the Movement. He led me to his office and we swapped introductions. I smiled slyly as I noticed the various propaganda on the wall and cushions in the corner with a pillow and blanket, where I imagine Franzen had spent many nights since the start of the Occupation.

We hadn't really met until now and certainly I was more familiar with him and than he was of me, so I gave him a brief introduction and flipped on the camera.

I don't know that I had any expectations. The Atlanta Journal Constitution [AJC] has presented Tim Franzen as a brazened character who's comments were purposely defiant against anyone who differed from him.

Yet most of the people I had spoken to throughout the camp, up to this point, were generally good hearted people looking for a change - and most revere Tim as someone who really cares about their well-being and the cause. 

Here is some of our Interview...

#OccupyAtlanta: Arrest Aftermath

It was an unusual start to a meeting, a behind the scenes, inside look at the operation behind Occupy Atlanta and their "media coordination." I was waiting to meet with Tim Franzen, the face of Atlanta's Chapter. The hallways were small, and there were written poster board signs indicating various committee rooms (Logistics Committee, Media, etc) and the floor they Occupied looked like it was in the midst of renovations. Picturesque and grassroots.

Before we could start, the Almighty Movement of God Church wanted to address the Media group and ask Occupy to join them in a March next Tuesday. This march was to help people claim back their homes and businesses - for which had been foreclosed in the economic crisis. They would have Civil Rights leaders, Media outlets and the attention of the city, they said, They wanted Occupy Protesters to join them at the court house and stand against the banks and government, in hopes of repossessing the properties.

But what came of the meeting was more than just an announcement for another Protest. The discussion unfolded into the occurrences of Tuesday night when 52 protesters from Occupy Atlanta were arrested. Since then, Mayor Reid has insisted one of the main reasons for the arrest was a man who entered the park that day with an assault rifle slung on his back. I remember seeing him and how nervous the Tactical Peace team was with the man's presence. Others at the camp bantered the man's rights to carry it and their concern for safety.

According to Franzen and others in the room, Occupiers repeatedly attempted to inform the police that surrounded the park, outside of the metal barricades, asking them remove the man or investigate him. But Franzen said, Officers never responded to the complaints. Another young man in the room said he had talked to the gentleman and had ever learned how the gun was obtained.

The Clergy present at the meeting felt that it needed to be brought to media and the public's attention that possibly, the Mayor allowed the man to remain in the park or knew of his presence, which would show his lack of interest in protecting the people of Occupy and Civil Rights icon, Andrew Young who spoke at the park that day. The Clergy expressed concern over allowing the man with the rifle to be within yards of Young.

Ironically enough, no one ever learned the name of the man who showed up, and it is not evident whether he was ever detained or questioned.

Since Tuesday, Occupy Atlanta has regrouped and is planning further demonstrations throughout the city. Some are camping in the park again, while others are camping near the King Memorial and headquarters is being moved down the street. Their drive to move forward is impeccable, and they stand by the statement that they were wrongfully taken into custody during a peaceful protest. Most video that has popped up on the web shows protesters being dragged away silently during the raid and whether or not the public will hear their message about the man with assault rifle is yet to be determined. 

(To Be Continued...)

#OccupyAtlanta: From Beyond the Barricades

Recently Police put fences surrounding the park at Occupy Atlanta. Last night, While waiting to meet a friend for dinner near the site - here is some of what I saw...

#OccupyAtlanta: Social Changes

October 15-16, 2011


The second weekend of Occupy Atlanta proved to be a much different experience than when it began. Emotional, personal, and what started as an outcry for Economic justice seemed to have morphed into a protest, a movement against Social Injustices. Such is the atmosphere in the South, how fitting Atlanta has turned inward and demanding more from their own community. 

The introduction of changing the name of the park from Woodruff Park to "Troy Davis Park," has certainly resonated with many of the protesters as racial injustice, despite that many of them do not know just how convoluted the case of Troy Davis really was. While some, justly, protested the Death Penalty, there are still others who are concerned with what they call an unfair and racist trial for man convicted of ultimately, two murders. But neither here nor there, the passion over this man's life and death was evident among everyone who participated. 

On the day Washington D.C. was dedicating the Martin Luther King Jr. statue, The Almighty Movement of God church joined Occupy Atlanta. They set up a tent for church services and ministry. They held a press conference and attracted local news entities in order to show their support for the protesters. They led a March down to the MLK Memorial singing "We Shall Overcome," and preached the victory of the people in the Name of Jesus. During the speeches at the Memorial, one man stood in the middle circle - and what he said, I will not forget, he stated that he realized not everyone, including himself, was a person of faith, but that there was, "something holy about this place, and it makes me nervous." He went on to talk about the failure of leadership in the US - and King's message about the "urgency of now," and rallied the protesters around the desperateness need for change. Another man called out and shouted, "we are the solution," and urged the younger people to change their world. A young 20 year old said he didn't know much but knew that he wanted to make a better future- eliminating the obstacles of not finding a job, being able to live a life of freedom. Still another man, who was very emotional, admitted he was new to the movement but he didn't understand why the community wasn't working to help prostitutes and put an end to street violence. From eliminating racial tensions to increasing community care and participation - the outcries were not really about economics and taxes and corrupt capitalism. It was about the people. When they left the memorial, they continued to sing "We Shall Overcome," and chant. 

Later, when asked by a local media station, if they were now aligning themselves with the Almighty Movement of God Church and becoming a religious movement, their answer was, simply, was that they were a Social movement that was not aligning themselves with anyone, but accepting the help of everyone who offered to step in. 

Occupy Atlanta has made it evident they do not trust police, authority figures of any kind and are weary of even the kindest Officials - who ironically offered a protective police escort to and from the King Memorial Site. In fact, Sunday night, an announcement was read by a member of their Media Committee - stating that a young 19-year-old had been shot in the back by a Marta Police Officer while running away from a crime scene with his hands in the air-- following a football game. In response; the encampment held an immediate vigil, lighting candles and solemnly commemorating the boy's life. It was as if they had become more determined to fight. Still the Atlanta Police have not made a single arrest at the park. Mayor Reed has extended the deadline more than once to allow the protesters to stay at the park as long as they are co-operative with park cleaning and noise levels. With the social turn of debate it seems the Mayor has extended sympathies to the protesters and a certain report has formed between Occupy participants and City Officials.

But there was something, even more, that stuck out at the Occupy camp this weekend - They had wall, a wooden fence - and written on it were stories of Occupiers, citizens who are in protest of the system. And while some of them described losing jobs or not getting loans from the bank, many many more told stories of broken homes, addict parents, loss of security, homelessness, anger because they couldn't get an education, jealousy, and one even read, "So What's The Point Anymore?" My first thought was, this is Wailing of Wall of Occupy, the desperation of my generation and the one following. As I peered through the lens of a camera, eyes stinging in wonder and sadness, all I read were people who were broken. Sometime later, protesters dressed as zombies, fitting for those who feel dead in the world, spilled fake blood on the wall - and while some were quick to defend that it was ruining artwork, other saw it as a testament to what the words on the Wall read. I did. 

Of all the desperation that proved itself evident over the course the weekend, one thing brought a smile - how many of homeless were actually being taken care of, with jobs in the camp, food, responsibilities and given hope that they were worth enough to be trusted enough to accomplish something and contribute to a society, to a community. 

Occupy Atlanta is beginning to show itself less as an Economic protest against the banks and governmental injustice. Rather it is showing the faces of social and personal needs for a freedom many of them don't have. 

Their continued complaints against political systems are only the mask of far greater issue. As the advocates and protesters continue, one thing is for certain, they are persistent in creating a changed community. The only obstacle it seems is they have yet to define what it looks like when "their work is done." The question still poses, what does the current system and government need to do to show the Occupy movement that they've been heard?

Time will tell. 

#OccupyAtlanta: Observation of the Masses

"MIC check!" ("MIC check!") 
 

The crowd responded with some sort of wild enthusiasm, like that of an allegiance to a great leader, for which none seemed to emerge. It was surreal. But that's the price one pays for not having a proper sound system. 

The call and response, they called it the "People's Mic" and they told me was a way of making sure everyone in the group heard the message. Then again, I kept wondering why they just didn't use the bull horn a little more. By the second night, they had progressed and the Assembly Meeting etiquette was in better use. Not everyone has the ability to form short phrases for the rest to follow along. Still the system required -  follow one, follow all. 

The end of my first night with Occupy Atlanta participants was coming to a close. I had spent the afternoon and the better part of the evening wandering the park, looking to shoot photos and more importantly, seeing just how many of them I could get to come on camera and tell me about why they were living out of tents in the middle of the city. 

A warm Saturday afternoon grazed the skin and a slight breeze reminded me it was fall, as such; there were some who told me it was the "American Fall," a response the "Arab Spring." I was aghast at the comparison. The Arab world - Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria -- all came together against oppressive regimes, not whimsical financially ignorant governments who ran a campaign on hope or war on terrorism. The people's right to protest has never been questioned, nor anyone shot and killed. Perhaps their rhetoric was only meant to draw attention to the masses. Their inspiration to gather in a square, in the city streets and chant - it was coming from peoples across the globe who were brave enough under governments of totalitarian rule. And if they could do it there, why was this generation -- here-- not going out and practicing their very First Amendment Right? I had hoped it was that and not the former.

The Atlanta protesters, following suit with the rest of the country, fell into a movement that started in New York- on Wall Street no less, and their grievances began with the banks. Of course for some, it was the Federal Reserve, others objected to Capitalism itself. The dissatisfied group even went so far as to protest the Death Penalty and the Founder of Coca Cola in the name of anti-racism. 

Their first night out, Civil Rights Activist and Representative John Lewis attempted to address the crowd, even praise them. But after a matter of debate - in form of the People's Mic, and blocks made against a government official addressing them at all; they turned him down. As it were, there has been more outcry against their decision-- than for it - particularly because he was a Civil Rights hero and is esteemed high in this city. Lewis later said he wasn't offended, but then again, he hasn't responded to any other invitation to return. Ironically, a man who understands protesting better than anyone, was unable to offer any alliance. In recent days, even Andrew Young has come out and stated there needs to be leadership among the protesters and that it's an emotional outcry rather than a movement.


The propaganda being used to help rally protesters seems to have questions of its own. While it may be well intended, it seemed to lack a clear message on how to deal with outsiders or critics or even Police officials. In fact, one of the brochures seemed very distrusting and reiterated lines that read, " Police violence isn't meant to provoke us, it's mean to hurt and scare us, " another line read, " "Police can't be trusted. They may be ordinary workers, but their job is to protect the interests of the ruling class. As long as they remain employed as police, we can't count on them." and even lines that had no follow up explanation or 'how to' read, "the United States was founded on the extermination of indigenous peoples...for counter occupation to be meaningful, ... it should embrace the history of resistance extending from indigenous self defense and slave revolts." 

Ironically, there have been no reports of arrests or even stiff threats by any police officers in the area. In fact, most have been very kind, admittedly by many protesters and have only asked them to care for public property in exchange for making the park a camp ground. Even after police forces showed up and rumors that the Mayor would come down himself this past week, there were no riots and the tensions dissipated. Now, sources say, the Mayor plans to evict the protesters Monday evening - the October 17th. And the group's response? While many are determined to stand their ground and stay, Assembly Meetings have proposed inviting the Mayor to stay a night with them, which he told the AJC he was, "praying about it."

The Occupy protests seem to be stumbling forward and trying to govern by the masses. However, there doesn't seem to be acknowledgement that the masses needs representation. While the group works positively to create committees and sub-groups to deal with various problems and concerns, their organization and system of vote could continue to improve. Even major networks have poked at their mannerisms. Their demands are forming and there are groups that know what they exactly what they want, others may not be so sure. It seems divided between older and younger.

There is much to learn from the 60s movement(s) - from the Women's Rights activists to the Civil Rights activists to the Anti-War Activists. Even the Hippies and their psychedelics and music provided revolutionary ideas, that changed the way society was run. And certainly this group might find inspiration from that very era.

I will say this - I find it profound that there are this many people who coming out of the wood work, young, old and recognizing there are changes that need be made. No matter what side of the political line you're on, and even if you're not on one at all, there is always a need for people to be willing to step outside what they think is safe and comfortable to make change happen. It's been 4 decades since the country has exploded with such fervor. While different political lines want to blame each other and point fingers - the people have decided they're done with it, and whether it's a bunch of Hipsters, Gen X-ers or Tea-Partiers: something is happening and it's finally breaking through the surface.

#OccupyAtlanta - First Pictures - Part 1

 

 

 

These were the pictures taken only a day after the first major city-wide rally took place for Occupy Movement in Atlanta. I spoke to protestors and took there pictures. More to come soon, including video and commentary. Stay tuned...

Taken October 8th, 2011. All Rights Reserved Untamed Focus Media

Nostalgia

I have never been to New York City - and now more than ever - I want to go. I dare say, a part of me has always wanted to see "America's City," but since 9/11 ten years ago, I have had a more urgent reason to see this place for which hatred dared to try and destroy.

I remember where I was that day - in a classroom in Kansas City, the middle of the US, watching a grown man cry, classmates express anger, sorrow and weeping. I remember sitting there bewildered and zealous. It was a like a whirlwind had stung the room and I kept wondering, "what's next?"

Hatred lost that day. 

Since then: The world has changed. I have changed. And so has everyone I know. As we've heard the stories, watched families grieve and as a country come together against extremists, there is one thing that remains vital: fear cannot stand for long. This year in particular, the Middle East, in my opinion, is reminding us of just that- dictators are fleeing and this generation is demanding change, peace, love, grace, equality, humanity.

We have a rare opportunity to come together again. This time, in far greater unity than we've ever known. As every news channel runs memorial specials and documentaries discussing the politics and reminding us of what happened ten years ago -- remember who you were then and know who you are now. The greatest hope for change isn't a Black President or a group of Tea Partiers making their way into Congress. Hope for change doesn't come in numbers or statistics. The greatest hope for change is humility. When we realize everything we can do better tomorrow for someone else and when we realize the privilege we have to live limitless and band together for the greater good: change-happens. The world gets a little brighter.

In the end: hatred loses, love wins, grace is found - and we're making the difference. 

back to the earth: high tide

there comes a moment, when one realizes where one began. and at the point of changing seasons, reflection comes about in a most unusual form. such moment stood before me in my observation of the waves...

it's been almost a year since i first stepped onto california soil. and at the time, it was only a visit. then again, more than just that - an inspection, perhaps, one searching for promise.  and indeed, i found what would soon be a necessary escape. 

nearly a year later, the seasons change again - this time - in a post-operative state of mind. this time, ready for challenges beyond the horizon. time to launch a new hope, goal and dream. the blue skies aren't just for dancing pig-tails, they're for anyone who's ready to explore and lift off. and so it is: this new phase of life and other graces, i'll gladly embrace the new day. 

a week into the last month of "summer" - and two weeks until adventure unknown comes my way- and i'm feelin' groovy. 

peace & love to the old. 

peace & love to the new -

merry christmas

Certainly one of the highlights during my trip to state of Ohio was the morning photo-shoot I went out on with my cousin (and her boyfriend), who is from St. Louis. She is also a photographer and it was a unique to experience the sentiment of our home town. We headed down near St. John's Catholic church and explored the neighborhood, where frankly, there were a number of abandoned buildings and interesting corners to be the focus of our artistic sense. I was not only impressed with Meagan's eye, but also with how easy it was to capture her fun and captivating personality. It was definitely one of the most fun and engaging shoots I've been on. There is so much more to come.

genevieve garcia

taken june 11, 2010

untamed focus media - finishing the website

finally, after 6 months of work and teeth pulling, i have a website up. it's paramount to a number of things that i want to accomplish in my life and i'm glad i have something to show for it. the past 3 weeks have been a crunch and many times i almost felt like i was back in college cramming the last of my term paper together in hopes for 'a.'  honestly, it's a breath of fresh air. i will continue to update the photo gallery and films as i shoot, travel and write. it's like another chapter of my adventure begins and i am thrilled. check it out if you haven't... http://untamedfocus.com and stay tuned for all that is to come.

eight days...

...until the official launch of the untamed focus media website. i know what you're thinking, "untamed...what?" it's been a little known secret for a long time, but when i started pursuing photography and film, and old dream of mine began to take shape and i am thrilled at the opportunity to spread my wings a little further. on june 1st, 2010: a gallery a photography, film projects in the making and way for you to contact me and be part.

waves in sunrise

as i stepped out onto the sand, i couldn't take my eyes off of the glistening waves. the morning sun was perched softly over the water and my toes dug deep into the cold sand as if it was the most natural thing to do. i took a deep breath and moved closer. a little prayer. complete admiration. i sighed with relief. i was at peace. it had been too long. i was so grateful for it's presence, almost as if it had been waiting there just for me.

reflections of winter still lingered. i couldn't help but smirk when i saw large blocks of ice floating to the shore. but when i slipped my feet beneath the ocean, it wasn't cold....or at least not that cold. spring was here. it was a warm beautiful day with a slight refreshing breeze to start a perfect morning.

i snapped a few pictures and stood for awhile, clear of all unnecessary thoughts.

the rest of that day would prove to be resourceful, energetic and fulfilling. day three, opening weekend of the thorn. i was thrilled to be part of something, even if only in a small capacity, something that would change a life.

Christmas Skies, Perfect

I gave the last hug and hopped into the rental. it was a dreary cold day and I was headed to the airport to go home. For as much as I enjoyed the Christmas holiday, I was ready to unpack, retreat and sleep under my own covers.

The weekend felt complete. Driving to the airport, I caught a glimpse of the clouded sky. The sun was trying to peek out, as if to finally say hello on the dark Christmas day. It was beautiful.

After I raced to get the car back, trollied to the ticket counter and stripped for security: i boarded the aircraft with readiness and anticipation. Watching the sunset above the clouds was fascinating. Just seeing it made my insides smile.

*taken from my mobile phone*

A Few Things

Over the past month, the focus of my blogs has been that of the beauty in suffering. Ironically browsing the web has brought me to a few items, worth noting, in tune. Take a look.

--James Nachtwey is a name I have only learned recently. He has been a photojournalist known for his graphic images of war torn and devestating places. His pictures tell and heart-wrenching story, on that I hope will inspire your prayers and activism.

--Relevant Magazine recently addressed how to get through those times when it seems our faith has faded. Perhaps b/c of our society, our job, our relationships, whatever the case may be, neverthless, the concluson was encouraging.

--A young woman in Cuba is living in hiding as she boldly blogs her thoughts about the governement for which she has grown up under. Her words make a strong impact:

"No one knows better the mechanisms of censorship in Cuba that few writers in the national newspapers. The press here has become a profession that requires measurements lurid adjectives, weigh the issues and often hide personal opinion in order to keep a job. It's a life decision to be a journalist from the official media, I know, but I also know some who have been caught in the intricacies of complicity, waiting for that day when they can write what they think."

--And finally friends, i leave you hope in the world...