This is a commercial for War Child Canada.¬† It is difficult to watch, although few could argue its brilliant use of satire.¬† The producers of the ad have taken a great leap of faith in assuming that most viewers have a strong grasp of the literary device.¬† Certainly, children viewing this would be confounded by the images and likely completely misinterpret its meaning.¬† While I appreciate the charity’s¬†message and the method to convey it, I don’t necessarily agree that inaction to donate is equal to encouraging children to bear arms.¬† Unfortunately, other issues – completely beyond the control of Canadians – play a much¬†heftier role in creating child soldiers, such as corrupt, unstable governments and tribal wars.¬†

I have, in fact, supported War Child in the past, not because I think I am helping to build armies of child soldiers if I do not donate, but rather because I hope that War Childwill aid kids suffering as a result of wars caused by those very forces that are unlikely to be eliminated by any single person, government, or NGO. 

 

What do you think?