Invisible Scam

Look at these fashionable hipsters. Aren't they cool? Slightly edgy, unique, on their way to the top? Do you recognize them? They are the triumvirate of Invisible Children, a "charity" organization created with the intention of helping people in Uganda. Noble cause, yes?

I've always had a problem with them.

Compare these upstanding young men with this

photo of them in action in Africa.

Here's the same three do-gooders modeling for

the cameras. See a difference? The sweet, almost feminine feel to these wonderful guys is lost

in a humid swarm of machismo and potential violence. Look at the intensity with which they hold their weapons. Note the almost thug-life gangster attitude Laren (center; sporting the fabulously curly locks) emotes as he fondles his tube of human destruction. You can tell he has a dark side, born on the mean streets of sunny San Diego. The bandana is such a delightful accessory; icing on this vanilla white cake of charitable intention.

My problem with Invisible Children, has always been the feeling that they wanted my money. They are privileged, silver spoon, white kids from high class suburban neighborhoods; using their means to promote their own pampered lives in the name of charity.

Apparently Invisible Children started out as a school project about water shortages in Darfur, Africa. Where most American high schoolers would be hard pressed to write a 5 page essay on the subject, these over-achievers took off on an international flight to get their grades. During the process, water shortages must have seemed too simple a problem for them to tackle, so they shifted their focus to the armed, bloody conflicts of Uganda.

To support their habit, they have set up a "Not For Profit" organization called Invisible Children. Basically, they recruit high school graduates or young college students, and send them packing in a slick, rock star, tour bus around the United States, hawking their wares at local high school campuses. Amazing strategy, and quite effective. You have to figure, at a school of 2000 kids, you could probably wow enough to make substantial donations, and they have. Kids gobble this crap up. Slick videos, a real live groupie on stage telling how awesome it is to travel around the country, and the tease that maybe you too can join the movement, and win a trip to Africa, IF you raise enough money.

I read recently that Jason, one of the co-founders, makes nearly $80,000 for his film making prowess. Umm, what happened to non profit? A graduate of USC cinema school, Jason was recently caught, naked, in broad daylight, freaking out on a San Diego street corner. Apparently the stress of his hit KONY2012 video had gotten to him. Hmmm, give me that stress. I'd like to try walking in those $80,000 shoes, premier photo shoots, Fall Out Boy style, and all expense paid trips to Africa. Keep it together Jason, you and your friends have a lifetime of Esprit/Guess style photo shoots lined up if you can keep the ball rolling.

Invisible Children needs your cash. Donate. Come on, you high school kids can get some dough from mommy and daddy. Be hip, someone a world away needs your help. If you give, you're part of the movement, don't be left behind. By the way, the next big planned event is coming in April, 4/20 to be exact. Why on earth would they choose that day? I'm sure PC schools across the nation are proud to be affiliated with this fine, upstanding organization. So much better than raising and donating money to a local cause.