Invisible Children Want to Displace You

[Jason Tate]

Invisible Children (http://www.invisiblechildren.com/) are running a "Displace Me (http://www.invisiblechildren.com/displaceMe/)" campaign.
When Hurricane Katrina hit this country, we saw for the first time what a displaced American looks like. Now we’re asking you to voluntarily become displaced, leaving the comforts of your homes, to imagine for 24 hours what it’s like for the millions of people in Northern Uganda who have been displaced for more than ten years.
Submitted by ZoSo1886

[soulineyes]

thanks for posting this!!!

[thatwasamoment]

im down

[fuhleesha]

i will be at displace me in orlando

[Hainzey X]

Totally support this organization, but im very blessed and thankful for it and I'd rather not leave the comfort of my home for 24 hours. I do feel for the unfortuante indivisuals who do suffer displacement. So shitty.

[Ender217]

"When Hurricane Katrina hit this country, we saw for the first time what a displaced American looks like."

So doesn't that mean we should do more to help our own country?

[RememberFminus2]

"When Hurricane Katrina hit this country, we saw for the first time what a displaced American looks like."

So doesn't that mean we should do more to help our own country?

dumb fuck


america's colonial practices fucked up Africa, ignoring problems we started isnt going to solve anything.

[keeplioving]

lol, better a little late than never.
I really hope that this is another success this year. I'm sure it will be.
it's such an amazing thing to be involved with.

I'm actually getting (every member of) Brand New to autograph an acoustic guitar tomorrow at the New Orleans show and then I'll be auctioning it off on eBay. Invisible Children has already agreed to help me out with promoting the auction as well as setting up the account to where the money will go directly to IC (for anyone who will wonder if the money really is going to them). hopefully AP will be able to post something about this for me once it's up.

anyways, the way I see it...a shitty Squier Pete Wentz bass that wasn't even autographed went for a shitload of money. I'm really hoping that this auction goes well.

[azrielen]

I love this cause and the people involved in it...but what does this "event" really do? So a ton of spoiled American youth are going to spend a night living in a field or something. Guess what, I did that every summer as a kid. It's called open-air CAMPING, and it was FUN.

These kids could be better put to work in homeless shelters and soup kitchens and those sorts of places that need volunteers and actually directly help people. Get them to join some sort of revitalized Peace Corps or start organizations to harness America's growing youth concern over world events and actually go out and DO something about it. (And no, I don't have any specific ideas, but I'm sure there are people who are experts in this that could lead the way.)

But then again, would American youth actually volunteer for something that doesn't amount to a massive sleepover party in a field?

Seriously, people. Oh boy, let's all go live in a field for a night! I feel like I've really HELPED someone now.

I understand that this is sort of a publicity stunt for the organization and that SOME good could come of it on the back end, but just .... Ugh. This all makes me ill.

[keeplioving]

I love this cause and the people involved in it...but what does this "event" really do? So a ton of spoiled American youth are going to spend a night living in a field or something. Guess what, I did that every summer as a kid. It's called open-air CAMPING, and it was FUN.

These kids could be better put to work in homeless shelters and soup kitchens and those sorts of places that need volunteers and actually directly help people. Get them to join the Peace Corps or start organizations to harness America's growing youth concern over world events and actually go out and DO something about it. (And no, I don't have any specific ideas, but I'm sure there are people who are experts in this that could lead the way.)

But then again, would American's youth actually volunteer for soemthing that doesn't amount to a massive sleepover party in a field?

Seriously, people. Oh boy, let's all go live in a field for a night! I feel like I've really HELPED someone now.

I understand that this is sort of a publicity stunt for the organization and that SOME good could come of it on the back end, but just .... Ugh. This all makes me ill.

I understand what you're saying, but the main thing behind this event is to bring more awareness to the cause. you may think that everyone knows about this, but the truth is most people don't. and it was successful last year in bringing more attention to it, so I'm sure it will this year too.
this isn't the only thing IC/people involved with IC do though. it's just one tiny part of it. so before you continue to bash this, look more into everything else that actually goes on other than what you're calling a "sleepover".

[azrielen]

I understand what you're saying, but the main thing behind this event is to bring more awareness to the cause. you may think that everyone knows about this, but the truth is most people don't. and it was successful last year in bringing more attention to it, so I'm sure it will this year too.
this isn't the only thing IC/people involved with IC do though. it's just one tiny part of it. so before you continue to bash this, look more into everything else that actually goes on other than what you're calling a "sleepover".

Oh no no, you misunderstand. I wasn't clear. As I said, I LOVE this organization. I feel that the other things they do are amazing and really aim to help this situation. I've promoted for them in New York and been to their events in the past.

It's just THIS event that I'm questioning. And I'm questioning it because it's getting a lot of publicity and this DEEP, MEANINGFUL thing. when frankly it's just plain not getting much accomplished. (Besides the ruining of some perfectly good fields with all the trash these kids are probably going to leave behind. LOL)

As I said, I understand the publicity. But all the same, maybe if they could get a couple thousand kids to do something more direct and helpful than sleeping in a field in nice tents for one night, it would still bring a ton of publicity and it would also get some genuine HELPING done.

[markymark]

i'm hitting this up in Austin. Everyone should support this, especially if you've seen the movie.

[punknskakid722]

I'm doing this in chi-town, great to see that Jason posted this...

[hubbabubbal3ts]

"When Hurricane Katrina hit this country, we saw for the first time what a displaced American looks like."

So doesn't that mean we should do more to help our own country?

invisible children actually sent a team to louisiana to assist what was going on there. yes, they are helping out people in our own country. take time to watch the video and find out what the event is actually trying to do before you criticize.

heres the direct link. http://www.invisiblechildren.com/displaceMe/

[mariaftw]

I'm doing the one in DC!

[Fuce]

dumb fuck


america's colonial practices fucked up Africa, ignoring problems we started isnt going to solve anything.

When did America colonize Africa? We weren't even a country when that started, and besides Liberia, I can't really think of anything we've done. I'm actually fairly sure the United States was one of the key players in pushing for decolonization in the 80's.

If I'm wrong, let me know. I'm not being sarcastic, it never hurts to learn new things.

Anyway, although displacement is definately a problem, I don't really think this is going to work. Anyone who would volunteer for this program is probably already aware of what's going on. The people who don't care are going to stay inside and continue not caring.

[doubletrue]

dumb fuck


america's colonial practices fucked up Africa, ignoring problems we started isnt going to solve anything.

:nono: most of the "colonial practices in Africa" you are talking about are from Britain and Western European countries, not the U.S.

before you jump down somebody's throat, read a book.

[FOBPrettyNPunk]

My school is going to sleep in tents on the football field, to simulate this. We have a whole Invisible Children club and have rasied a ton of money.

[ZoSo1886]

even though its not really the same, there are certain restrictions like a box of crackers anda bottle of water per person, you get a sleeping bag and some cardboard to make a hut, or get together and make a hut. it really isnt the same, but maybe experiencing kind of what its like would get someone more aware of this. also hopefully it will get the attention of the government and maybe help make a change.

[joelibyan]

while america didnt have "colonies" per se, as did england, france, portugal, spain, germany, holland, belgium and italy, we (americans) certainly contributed economically to the exploitation of the continent. things like rubber and cocoa came from africa in great numbers, using slave and/or low wage labor to harvest it. also, it was henry morton stanley (welsh born but american by residence and cultural values) that was the first to cross one side of africa to the other, essentially opening up the continent and setting the precedent for the europeans to draw the colonial borders. henry shelton sanford was also an american businessman with deep ties to the king of belgium and his horrendous human rights record in what is today congo...
poverty is a worldwide problem that doesnt respect color, sex or religion. consider also the fact that the poorest of the poor in america (at least in terms of income) would probably be a part of the middle class in places like uganda or bangladesh.

[summeroflike]

this is a great cause.

this is a pretty cool video pete wentz did for it: http://blondesaresoout.buzznet.com/user/links/32845/

[DRUMMERGIRL121]

i signed up yesterday
i'll be displaced in new york!

[amyanne]

I'd love to take part in this but there's no Canadian cities involved.

[Rise]

If you want to see the film.
watch it here.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v2242925hJ5RJyX?searchId=45ba27db16 7cb5ca

This film left me in awe and disbelief. I really have no words to say... other then please watch and most importantly, educate and participate

[CWeezer2]

Invisible Children has pretty much become our school's cause for the year and you would be SHOCKED at how many people have become involved. our school has hosted benefit concerts and sold a ton of things, with all profits going to the organization. it's literally involved every kid in our school, so yes, it is working and raising awareness. displace me isn't a giant sleepover out in a field. it's one night in your life that you don't have the option of sleeping in your own bed. how many other nights do you spend out in a park or field with a ration of food under a cardboard tent? it's one night people are choosing to see what it's like to be on other side of the millions of images we see every day of these kids in Uganada. i really fail to see how someone could be dissatisifed with the idea of it.

[NationalProduct]

im doing it, im down with IC, i plan to make my trip to Uganda as soon as i can. Id love to be a part of something so selfless. If you havent seen the DVD, let me know and ill get one to you.

Danny@npmusic.com

[fire on my lips]

dumb fuck


america's colonial practices fucked up Africa, ignoring problems we started isnt going to solve anything.

irony

i'm going to the one on the Mall

[MegH]

Unfortunately, I have commitments that weekend that prevent my participation. I've been spreading the word and posting flyers, though.

Almost 40,000 signed up to take part in it already. Good to hear. I think last year's GNC had about 80,000 participants in over 100 cities.

[Kracky]

ill be on vacation :( it sucks cuz iu really wanted to do this

[Ender217]

invisible children actually sent a team to louisiana to assist what was going on there. yes, they are helping out people in our own country. take time to watch the video and find out what the event is actually trying to do before you criticize.

heres the direct link. http://www.invisiblechildren.com/displaceMe/

Well said, much better than the guy rambling about colonization.

I love this cause and the people involved in it...but what does this "event" really do? So a ton of spoiled American youth are going to spend a night living in a field or something. Guess what, I did that every summer as a kid. It's called open-air CAMPING, and it was FUN.]


But I sorta agree with what azrielen said. The event doesn't seem to be worth much. It gathers attention (and I wasn't familiar with this before today) but I feel like, if you wanted to be involved with activist stuff like this you would already be.

Personally, I'm just not a fan of our government getting involved in stuff we have nothing to do with.

[NationalProduct]

Well said, much better than the guy rambling about colonization.




But I sorta agree with what azrielen said. The event doesn't seem to be worth much. It gathers attention (and I wasn't familiar with this before today) but I feel like, if you wanted to be involved with activist stuff like this you would already be.

Personally, I'm just not a fan of our government getting involved in stuff we have nothing to do with.

Yeah but in order to be involved you have to be aware and in order to be aware you have to have organizations like IC that are creating awareness to give the people who care to involved the opportunity to be involved. I dont think the majority of the world, or even almost ALL of the world wakes up and goes "fuck man, im really fortunate/blessed/lucky/whatever term you use to define your situation in life and says " im gonna go help others and make it a life work or just a year work, or fuck, even a day work"

Saying that you dont think our government shouldnt be involved in outside issues is debatable. Is it a war that we can fix by mediation NOT VIOLENCE? Then yes, we should and you want to know why. Its about HUMAN being existing on this planet together and its about having love for others thats bigger than yourself. Bigger than your city, bigger than you state, bigger than country. We exist on one big fuckin spinning ball of dirt and if people choose to turn backs, their fuckin cowards. I am in now way, giving you shit, please take this with an open mind. I know others will read this. I just feel it is my job in life, to do as much as I personally can and I capitalize "I" not just because my firefox's spell check does, but because I hold myself accountable, to wanting to inspire change and help others. Thats why awareness is important. On that same note, i use my band as a tool to whatever extent i can big or small to raise awareness for charities as well as disabilities because at the end of the day, just because you dont have cancer now, doesnt mean you wont later, just because your not in a wheel chair doesnt mean your brother sister mother friend whatever may not be in one. In a sense, its about showing the world that disability is not something that just comes from a disease, or a deformity. If your heart and mind is closed to these things and you are not aware, then in fact your heart and mind are disabled. Make sense?

With tons of love and respect dude.
- Danny

[untilnextwinter]

I really wanna do the one in San Francisco.