It is, in other words, yet another example of the way revolutionary ideals have been aestheticized, repackaged, and commodified by those they’re meant to challenge.

And then remember this: the Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.

It’s not that people don’t recognize that something is seriously broken. But when you combine the effects of manufactured ambiguity with the temptations of ignoring the horrors completely and instead basking in the comfort of a life of entertainment and consumption, the result is revolutionary paralysis.

Similarly, in 2024, the viral, AI-generated “All Eyes on Rafah” graphic dominated social media, but did nothing to stop Israel from leveling the city because all people committed themselves to was resharing a photo.

Kony 2012 was a masterclass in branding. From the eye-catching posters to the bumping campaign soundtrack, all of it was formulated to make people feel powerful. And with the help of YouTube and Facebook, the movement did make Kony famous, practically overnight. But that is just about all the campaign actually achieved. With no long-term strategy... See more