You are all brilliant! Yes it is so ironic that they use computers and cell phones, the communication and activist platform of of our day, to try and prevent the deaths of thousands! In fact... destroy all cell phones and computers! That oughtta do it! Brilliant!
The congo? I havent heard about that in about 200 years. BUt anyway, these elements are indeed used in computers, and by telling us to use computers to share this information is contradicting their very purpose. I mean wtf guys
Okay so there are these minerals and these minerals end up in cell phones, and this video is telling us to pressure companies to "clean up their supply."
Yet they show no proof that the majority of their minerals or even what percentage of minerals is from the Congo.
It's stupid, any money going into the country is beneficial to a certain extent, the evil warlord people still need to pay people to do their stuff, who then spend money, etc. A boycott would be far worse
@johnnydlux - I had a similar thought.Why just cell phones? It sounds like two of these chemicals are actually used in all electronics including iPods. They should really mention that, iPods are the devil (and probably billions sold).
Also, the only chemical used primarily in cell phones for vibration is Tungsten. I don't know why they just tell us it is an issue with cell phone manufacturures. What other interests do they have that make them focus on those companies?
So, even if we were to all use different elements for our phones, 95% percent of those 3 elements would still need to be produced to be exported for other uses acrooss the globe.
Government sanctions on trade with those nations will be more effective than not buying cell phones. And a video promoting the production of more videos instead of proposing a real solution to the problem seems silly.
I think that as a 'superpower' (Im in the US) that we shoudl be helping them AND Darfur instead of being over in Iraq. I just annoys me that the rape of hundreds of women are not seen as a big deal. I am white, and I know that if that was going on in Europe, we would be all over that. Ugh...I hate Bush
Obama has been in office for 6 months now and still no change in foreign policy. When will you people start realizing that the Democrats make empty promises? When will you stop supporting their lies?
You're ignorant. You think Bush is at fault? Seriously, that's one of the most stupidest things I've ever heard. You can't blame him for cell phones. They've been around before he was even president. Use your brain. That's what it is there for.
wow, seriously man? if you havn't noticed, i'll let you in on a little secret, bush isn't in office anymore and cellphones were around long before he was in office. and i agree with aplang4ever
yeah all we have to do is make cellphones out of something else and all the corruption and warlords in the Congo will just go away. the problem is not cell phones. That country was riddled with corruption long before cell phones and will continue to be regardless of anything to do with cellphones.
w-t-h im so confused, they always phrase things differently and its making them mean different things. in one of the others that said "the deadliest war SINCE world was 2" in others it doesnt...
I get this, and it's terrible - but they are telling us to make a video about it, when don't video cameras need some of the other basic things a cell phone does? Such as the elements they showed examples of.
Well, people with no moral value will not stop killing or raping, whichever the case, if the aforementioned minerals become controlled without corruption. Those kinds of people will just move on to something else.
Also, the decline of people with morals in the United States (not fact, my opinion), trying to help people seems contrary to what I have experienced. This feels indoctrination just like public education.
I am not the smartest person in the world, but I think it is more likely for the diamond mines they are fighting. If were just for those cheap metals, I do not think there would be all that much heavy fighting.
the phone company and other big businesses are depending on people to think "it's not that serious" so that little to no attention will be given to the actual death and destruction it causes in underdeveloped countries. diamonds are cheap too, actually they are free. but, since they are'nt found everywhere and people have monopolized the sell and trade of them they are very expensive/exclusive meaning that people are willing to rob, steal and kill for them.
I'm pretty sure his point was that diamond mines in DRC are more profitable than Coltan (Tantalum ore) mines. The conflict is in eastern Congo, where diamond mines don't exist. Also DRC produces less than 1% of the world's tantalum, and an even less noteworthy amount of Sb and W ore, so if you refuse to buy cellphones (or any electronics), 99% of that damage will be felt by legitimate producers.
Sorry, this video is awful, reactionary crap. The problem is real... the link to electronics is not.
I don't understand....the solution to this issue is to create a video? I thought when I clicked on this I would find something meaningful, but instead I found a video that focused on rape because of using "conflict minerals"? Why isn't there more focus on the government of the congo instead?
We need action not just videos... People will ignore all evidence anyways so why present it. Ever looked at our country we have poor, starving, and victums in it as well... Start with America then try to help others!
this is stupid there trying to raise awareness about how cellphones are killing those innocent people then in the video the lady says "you can even film it on your cellphone" IRONY....... Now with that being said those 3 elements are used for all sorts of items. This video fails major. But it does suck for the innocent people who have to experience it and for that they have my sarrow
I will go with, the only thing that will actually work is to pressure the companies. But this isn't something new - there are at least a billion people working in conditions that are attrocious or are underage for working - Its disgusting. Unfortunately, I think making a large venue and flying someone out to California is unneccesary. It could better be spent being sent to groups that deal with things like this in Asia and Africa.
plant a tree.... blah blah blah, heard it a million times & guess what ?!?! Tyranny is still here and always be because mankind's natural instinct is to consume and destroy at all costs! Fighting for peace is like #$^&ing for virginity! Yay we're all aware of the minerals coming from Congo & Boo we will not do without them as long as they keep coming from the victims dumb enough to mine them. Yeah I know they might die if they don't! Then die for a cause, rather than whine for pointlessness!
This video doesn't make sense. How does the raping of women help Africans gain the territory where these metals are mined?
From a quick 2 minute wikipedia search it appears only the mineral containing Tantalum is fueling the war with Congo, and probably not that much compared to other minerals.
Also the war isn't being fought over minerals, but probably for political and socio-economic reasons.
to add on, im not trying to throw water on your project. i think this is a good thing. however, as long as we wont give up our advanced post-industrial technological society (and we wont) we need to get resources from somewhere. if were going to convince companies not to use conflict resources, presenting a non-conflict alternative would be good.
theres alot of nasty fighting and atrocities in africa. ive heard of conflict diamonds before, which come from the carnage in africa, it makes sense that theres a similar situation with other resources.
my question is, if we dont use resources from africa, where should we get them from?
How is it the Cell Phone companies fault that armed groups are fighting over the mines? Exactly what is the Come Clean 4 Congo's agenda? The fight between warring factions over minerals won't end if U.S. companies stop purchasing them, I don't even think the U.S. manufactures Cell phones that happens in China and Mexico. Even if minerals are no longer purchased from Congo, war will still continue. You are trying to create a simple solution for a very complex problem.
Seriously? This video goes from something horrible and serious, rape, to some really fun campaign contest to make and sumbit a video and win, that's not right
I think you're preaching to the wrong crowd. America's brains are on idle; they don't even care. They just want their phones to take good pictures and make good noises. If you're looking for intelligence, I'd try Brittain or Canada.
good job producers using a logical fallacy!!! our cell phone use is not causing rape. you think these regimes wouldn't fight over anything else? good joke...this just happens to be the easiest solution at this point. the underlying problem of warlords controlling money making machines won't be solved by just ending cell phone use...
Unfortunately, the countries of Africa are in a serious mess trying to control these armed forces whilst dealing with their own corrupt governments. If you want to kill a weed, kill it from the root upwards. In other words, we need to aid in government reform before anything can be done to curb these mineral wars.
When the sanctimonious ivory tower denizens behind this video stop using THEIR cellphones, camcorders, computers, private jets (with electronic components)...maybe I'll consider it.
The hypocrisy of the world's most conspicuous consumers pointing their bony fingers of indignation at every day citizens is astounding! When is America going to wake up and kick Hollywood to the rubbish heap?
This is a nice example of an ad homminem attack. You're not saying anything about the message, just the sender. Nowhere in the video is anything said about not using cell phones, quite the opposite in fact. They just want you to use the phones to try and do something positive. If you want to debate the efficacy of their methods I'm all for it. Just try to contribute something worthwhile in your argument.
Rape itself, is the result of it being lawless, which is the result of having horrible governments, which is the result of governments like us exploiting it. This video isnt very deep, they just dont want to hurt too many peoples feelings.
Shouldn't we work on all the problems we have in our own country? You can't save the world unless you save yourself first. We've got the starving, the raped, the homeless, depressed, etc. all right here at our own front door...why do we need to step over our own people, ignore them to save someone else?
World War 2 has that title. According to the IRC, the conflict in Congo has racked up a total of 3.9 million deaths since 1998. That's 11 years. Compare that to World War 2, which only lasted 6 years and caused the deaths of roughly 70 million people. If every single person in Congo was killed - it would still only add up to a fraction of those who were killed in the last great war.
While I don't support what people in these countries are doing, I won't support this initiative. I agree with Margatroid, edsdouglas, Neongenisisfan and the others who share similar sentiments. This won't stop the companies from using the minerals, and won't end the fighting. Sorry, just not one I'm going to promote.
Thanks for spreading awareness on this issue. Wars can be ended when enough politicians and corporate leaders are publicly embarrassed. Political image is very important to these people. Our consumption habits HAVE to change, and making our dollars count as votes is just as important as going to the ballot once in awhile; maybe more so.
Wars r also sometimes necessary. Imagine if nobody would've fought in WWII. The world would be being ruled by the Nazi's. The Nazi's would be doing worse than this video to people evryday. I'm not saying I support mindless killing. I don't. I'm a Christian that believes in equal rights for everybody... which is also why I believe wars are sometimes necessary. look in the Bible for example. There was war all through it. It wasn't glorified but it wasn't looked down on either. Do u kno wht i mean?
this video makes no sence at all the groups would still be fight even if the minerals wernt in the congo, the war is about power and money, its true that the minerals make tons of money but the minerals are also found elseware in the world this video makes it seem like the congo is the only place on earth that has the minerals required to build cell phones its dumb war happens just cuz cell phones it happens because PEOPLE
Unfortunately I am dependant on mobile technology. The problem is not the companies using the minerals, the problem is the people that are trying to control the country. They are illiterate and violent. If the companies stop using the minerals they will find another reason to rape, pillage and plunder. This is Africa. It has always been like that and will stay like that, unless they are all suddenly educated and civilized.
Im Sorry for saying this, but.. Cellphone+Minerals+Miners=Rape? so.. miners are mining a minerals.. and while they're mining.. women are being raped? that doesn't add up.. what does raping a women have to do with mining.. unless the women are the ones mining, i can understand that... plus.. it's not the cellphone company's fault that theres a war or raping going on in thier country.. all they do is buying the minerals from the sellers in congo.. (at least it think...)
Arguing to stop buying Congolese resources to stop the violence is tantamount to saying "Take all their money away." But poverty and scarcity fuels violence just as fast as greed. It will NOT solve the problem. Educate these people for christ's sake. Employ them. Give them a life and hope.
it still wont stop the war you'll just make it harder for the people once the war stops. you dont need money to rape also there is a religious or tribal part too and that wont go away if you stop buying their minerals. all this does is hurt the countries government and its people. having a partially functioning democracy is better then anarchy.
what you should be making, is a movie pressuring the companies to pressure the western and far eastern governments to do something.
You got it right.. We need to stop buying those minerals so the people stop eating out of their effort and die, that way others can occupy the zone and get even cheaper minerals, so on and so forth..
The multinationals could make a positive difference in these countries but its cheaper for them to just back the wrong people knowing well what kind of consequences this has thereby empowering people like Charles Taylor, Robert Mugabe and the like. Also they create a need for new products while they could easily produce goods that could last for at least 10 years by lowering the durability and creating trends. And people are naive and vain enough to follow these trends.
Congo supplies less than 1% of the worlds supply of Tantalum, a small fraction of Tungsten, and 40 metric tons of Tin in 2003. In case you are counting that is just a blip in the world market. That is also close to no tin at all. I can name single small companies that use more.
Yes very bad things are happening in the Congo. Take away what little revenue they have and it will get worse. I'm certain my Canadian made, with Asian parts, cell phone doesn't have anything from the Congo in it.
why does this seem so important to everyone. this one country's people that's doing this when other countries are doing the same. why aren't we helping them. why just the Congo when there are others in need of help. are we just going to sit back and do nothing for these other countries whose women and children are being raped. Is it because the Congo is the only place that is supplying the US and others with materials. I don't think so. Need to get a broader view
why is rape a "weapon of choice" when the problem is war over mining? The armies don't consist of women, so what good would raping do? Wouldn't guns be the weapon of choice?
Funny how nobody in the U.S. talks about quitting their drug use to stop the violence in Mexico..did you know that more heads were chopped off in Mexico that in Iraq?
i believe we all have the same question..HOW is my cell phone fueling war?, even when i dont share this idea the question should be HOW is the production of cell phones fueling war?
It is just that video is not well done, and really is not informing in a right way, I completely understand why people are reacting like "WTF" after watching it, even if I agree with whole idea. Whole "Rape" thing is oversimplified... Video should explain connection between getting raw materials cheap and interest in keeping the war going on because of that to average Joe...
"—the 3 Ts— that end up being used in our electronic devices. " If they are being used in our 'electronic' devices, why are you only targeting cell phones? I have more television sets than I do cell phones. In fact, I only have one cell phone. Tungsten is used to make filaments for incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs AND television bulbs. Tantalum is used to make very fine wires, since it is so ductile.
"Your cell phone is fueling the deadliest war in the world"...really? And this whole time I thought their lack of order and leadership was the result of the deadliest war in the world...I must be dumb.
It's not so much to stop using minerals from the Congo as to stop getting and managing them in the horrendously corrupt, stupid, and destructive way they are currently being gotten - massive cultural destruction for largely foriegners' short-term profit.
BTW there's plenty of good information on wars in Africa. With fewer modern weapons, yes, rape is a weapon of war - especially if you put your HIV-positive soldiers on the front lines like they used to do in Uganda.
if we stop using the minerals from the congo, what are those miners going to do now. Theres not a whole lot of other carrer choices in the rural areas there besides working in the mines. We should be looking to stop the human rights violations in the congo, not to put a dent into their economy
You people who think this raises more questions than it answers are desperately short on understanding the world. Rape or any other form of violence or intimidation is used to coerce entire communities in order to control the land they reside on. Cell phones are made out of minerals that are abundant in Congo. The point is stop using Congolese minerals because their purchase fuels these wars, just like Blood Diamonds. Get a few clues, folks, these comments are pathetic.
People need to be realistic when it comes to helping others. Billions of people in world & only so much time and money. Every moment helping others if one less moment helping myself. Every dime to others is one less dime I have. Ultimately, never enough time to help everyone and, if we spread money around to everyone, all will be in poverty.
Regardless, if entertainment industry is so keen to help, perhaps they should lead the way by truly giving all their time & money.
I know cellphones are more appealing than politics but I think in this case politics may be a more logic, effective and professional way to deal with problems like these. Buying some less cellphones evil cellphones won't stop it or so I expect. If the country would have a capable government with sufficient means, this would not be possible in the first place.
hey how is the congo war the deadliest? it is probably the most sickiest or immoral but deadliest? little OVER dramatic if the weapon of choice is rape to provide labor then it is definetly wrong but it is hardly killing ne1. i am not saying i approve of this war (i certainly do not) and im not saying that ppl dont die there. But can u really call it a war? it is more like the arm forces is a disease. We had swine flu here and they hav armed forces there. Can this b called a war?
Cellphones use the same materials as all other electronic devices. So let's stop using MRI scanners, computers, televisions, pheotal monitors, pace-makers, cars, aircraft everything electronic!
Or make films about how belly-button causes war and famine!!
is a specific language to be made this video or is any language permited. I mean, I live in a spanish speaking country, so can I make it in spanish or in quechua or yanomami, or i must make it only in english?
WTF? So if this is true, you really think even if they get them to stop buying the materials from that country that rape is going to stop? I highly doubt it. You need more information to support your cause. Are you going to say that I should make a video to gm because they are taking food from the starving ethiopians?
wait do those minerals come ONLY from the congo. cuz i didnt hear a exclusive. jus get it somewhere else or synth the minerals or jus find new ones. but i also agree that it wont help. they will turn to something worse to make money like mass drugs and other things. we need to think of a better solution to the problem instead of rushing in and making things worse
Wait...What if people are infact using cameras with the same minerals as in cellphones. Some people will go out and buy them. This is a lose situation. I do want the violence in Africa to stop but this is not the way.
How can you blame the cell phone?? Their government should be doing more to stop it. I'm sure those people who "rape" the others would just find another reason to do it sadly...
How incredibly simplistic... The problem is POVERTY, not cellphones and minerals. If you take away mineral export revenue, I hardly think it's going to make the Congolese LESS DESPERATE, or less willing to kill (and rape? please explain how rape is used in mining--isn't it just another horrifying byproduct of a climate of violence?) and maim.
It's fine to help make people aware of what's going on in the Congo, but the solution is to criminalize and duly prosecute the human rights violations.
The millitias are finaced by multinationals who take most of the profit.
The idea is just to stop giving money to the companies that finance millitia and give it to companies that can proof they don't do it. It is hard to achieve but it is better than do nothing.
You didn't answer the ONE question I need answered - is MY cell phone contributing to this? I don't care to make a video or be flown to LA (seriously?), but I WILL switch companies if MY cell phone is using conflict minerals? Why don't you tell this USEFUL information?
its every cell phone, it said that a cell phone needs those minerals to work, and because all cell phones you buy have to work, then its every cell phone that is contributing
Why would you switch cell phones If the one you CURRENTLY own WAS made with materials that CAME from Congo? Does throwing said cell phone in the recycling bin undo the profit gained from the materials used in that cell phone? Nope. Cdaah's response below me is dead on in my opinion. Wonder if a video made to contradict the idea that cell phones are the chief contributor to war and rape in congo would be admissible in this contest.
Well short and dramatic is the only thing that captures the attention of most people like you. You'de think you could do something as basic as simply googling "Congo and Rape"rather than making fun of the video for not providing the information that any relatively normal person should know or at least would try to find out more about. They're talking about rape as a mean of psychological warfare. Its a form of both torture and a means of creating subservience.
this is the basic IDEALOGY of mankind, 'if it aint happening to me(us), then i can make up excuses NOT to help the people who are suffering. wut ive been readin from most comments, is that 'cellphone usage may be adding fuel to this war, but it's not the scorce of the issue', i can go on and on..excuse after excuse..
but the reality STILL stands. we force these manufacturers to do this the CORRECT(right) way..
faheemthedream2007, the problem is not these cell phone minerals, its greed. A government that does not look after the people. The ones killing and raping these people are not only the foreign militants, the very police and military that is supposed to protect them. The change needs to happen in the government before it happens anywhere else. The people will still not be protected. What happens when the greedy become the desperate?
Unfortunately, this clip brings up more questions than it answers. The basic thought in my mind, "their weapon of choice, rape"... I am having trouble getting my head around this idea. Ok, so they rape women to make them work? This needs clarification. Also, what is the industry's other alternative to using these 3 minerals? Thank you.
two things. first, the way to fix this is not to destroy cell phone use, its to fix people morality. second, id really like to understand how rape is used as a weapon for attaining minerals... sounds like an interesting mining process
No one said anything about "destroy cell phone use" whatever that even means. The idea is that companies should aquire the minerals to make their cell phones from legal mines that aren't commiting human rights abuses.
They are buying these minerals for extra cheap from people who are exploiting a poor and desperate work-force - and using terror tactics like repetitive mass rape to manipulate the population
Is it too much to ask that the companies pay regular market prices minerals?
hossboss96, rape is not used as a weapon to attain the minerals. It is used as a weapon against the people. Many men in the Congo will leave their wives after they have been raped because they fear for disease. They will either leave their homes or force the wife to leave. Your right, the problem is not cell phone use; it's a government that will not protect its people.
Some people is forgetting the reason of this contest. It is a way to pressure cell industries to stop using minerals from Congo. Minerals and related are fuel for different types of war. Do not forget that one reason to invade Irak was to get control of the petroleum. So, you see, minerals and even natural liguids can be an argument for a war.
Missing the oil from that war, carlosaldm. Speaking of oil, should we presser our selves to stop buying oil form Arab countries until they stop trampling women's rights? Or maybe if we stop buying products from China, it will make the lives of sweat-shop workers better. People get wronged every day, but being angry at certain companies will not change it.
those people are going to fight with or without those minerals making money thats not saying that we should use those minerals but simply not using them will not stop this they will just find something else to fight kill rape and murder for
i am not sure of this, but due to the similar components found in cell phones and computers, i feel confident saying that these minerals are used in computers too.
But who are the top cell phone manufactuers exactly? This video does not explain the internal process, like who the mineral buyers are, who are the miners and how they are "raping" women. I find this video very confusing and lacking more important facts.
So what you're saying is that in order for these people to earn money buy selling us minerals we later use for cellphone production,they must rape thousands of women and girls?
There aren't any conflict-free industries, why should electronics be any different? This is the price some people pay so that you and I can have cheap goods. If you really want to help the victims of the materials trade, then stop getting a new cell phone every year.
But by not using confluct mines we would in turn wipe out jobs...but worse...CREATE MORE CONFLICT! cant the cell phone companies set up a list of demand s from the mines in which the minerals are coming from and possibly have them watched over by those companies.?
i understand what this video is saying because i already know about the congo situation, but i highly doubt the average youtube-er does...especially judging by the comments. this video is way too vague. important topic, but no detail in here at all to explain the whole cell phone/rape connection
Third world countries are lawless, period. If a company stop'd buying minerals tomarrow not much would change.
They would probley just kill there slaves. I hate videos like this of people being inslaved. The real way to slow this is put tariffes on minerals. Take in to account everything we do has some impact on the world. Pray for peace and god's will and recycle your junk.
this war will exist with our without our cell phones. its been going on for many years and will just shift to some other resource. whatever brings in money will become the next target. look at diamonds. do you see the diamond market screeching to a halt because of all the people who have died to obtain them?
You're all very short sighted. They're not asking you to make any dramatic changes to your life, leave your privilaged lifestyle, or abandon your addiction to electronics. They are simply asking that YOU ask the people who YOU will fork thousands of dollars during your lifetime to simply be responsible and ensure that the materials they use in YOUR products aren't stained with blood (metaphorically). They are just asking that you use your voice as consumers and end your complacency.
People wake up, what they are trying to do is stop the flow of minerals that have been mined by militias. It's the same idea behind conflict diaminds from Serra Lione. Asking companies to stop using minerals that are being contested over in certain areas would have an impact on the rape that is used as a weapon of terrorism, the sale of black market weapons, and also the use of child soldiers. If you think that your WTO free market policies are better for the world then you are sadly mistaken.
my question is how does rape= control over minerals? last i checked women are not a primary source of minerals.... this video while good in meaning is unclear and well make a better one maybe with the effects of militias on locals a seperate opinion in the same video and not convoluted with the actual statement your trying to get across.... which is cell phones are fueling wars in africa? correct me if i am wrong.
Yes i realize i took some peoples comments, i added to them, and these are the ones I agree with. I am only 11, so its not that good. Without my laptop, how would I even know that it's wrong to have a laptop? Your using a laptop and computer too, i bet your computer uses minerals and stuff from Congo too.
The way of the world will never change. We're still buying blood diamonds, pumping oil out of iraq, manufacturing vehicles in mexico, and Dell computers has their entire tech support tree in india.
Why? Money talks. America is the most obese country in the world. It takes more money and time to make a salad then to wait in the drive thru for a cheeseburger.
If Samsung, Nokia, and other providers can get minerals for cheaper, they won't care. More profit for them
This video isn't clear. How is rape in the Congo tied to the use of cellphones again? Militia in Sudan also used rape as a weapon of war and that had nothing to do with minerals. This seems like a noble cause but the use of sexual violence as a weapon is not going away even if we lessen technology use.
In fact, if it hadn't been for Internet, I would have never heard of this issue. Also, it's hypocritical to ask us to make a video using technology to decry the rampant use of technology.
Seriously, don't make the consumer out to be the bad guy, it is obviously a huge issue that we need to play a part in fixing it, but if you're telling me that if we stop using cell phones the war will be over then you are out of your mind.
Ok, my opinion. Probably not popular, but oh well. They aren't saying get rid of cell phones. They're saying that we should put pressure on companies who make cell phones to be responsible in where they're getting their materials from. Kind of like you would (hopefully) not want to buy an engagement ring that's made with blood diamonds. These minerals add to the conflicts in this country: not the whole cause but a definite part. I admire the fact that this organization is trying to do something.
Its a shame another export that could bring money just like diamonds to Africa is bringing violence. If they 're government could find a peacful way of distributing these things they would be blessings. I should'nt have to feel bad about it. I hate to see people suffer as much as anyone. The prob isnt the product or that we buy it. Its the way they do business
No my phone isnt fueling war to solve a problem you go for the throat and stop the violence in congo not throw stupid "Save the earth" notes at the big companies
that's not true, the war would not be going on without the minearl mining situation- because without mineral mining there wouldn't be any money to fund the war. Wars are expensive.
Just like diamonds huh? Diamonds are supposed to be conflict free and what not yet most of them still come from that market. It's cheap labor and it keeps prices lower. I'm not for it but still. Why don't we learn to clean our on yard before we go into others?
if this actually does help, even though cell phones are probably one of the smallest users of these minerals, we would just be taking money away from the people who need it to live. Anyways why would a lack of guns make the rape stop? this doesnt make much sense
What about all the people who will lose their jobs in the mine and won't have money to support their families. This video is sexist, only considering the women. What about the other workers who have to support their families?
I am sure some women have been raped repeatedly, because they go back to work at the same mines, but they do it because they know they HAVE to continue working, otherwise they will die without the money they earn from working in the mines.
Yes! Stop buying these minerals from the Congo and then the Congo can be peaceful like all the other African countries. It's an easy step to make!
paulluvz269xxx 2 years ago
You are all brilliant! Yes it is so ironic that they use computers and cell phones, the communication and activist platform of of our day, to try and prevent the deaths of thousands! In fact... destroy all cell phones and computers! That oughtta do it! Brilliant!
InsertUsername0 2 years ago
Its pretty Ironic and contradicting how they say that we can use our cellphones to make the video...
seifer93 2 years ago
The congo? I havent heard about that in about 200 years. BUt anyway, these elements are indeed used in computers, and by telling us to use computers to share this information is contradicting their very purpose. I mean wtf guys
bsdudeownzu 2 years ago
Here is the flaw:
Okay so there are these minerals and these minerals end up in cell phones, and this video is telling us to pressure companies to "clean up their supply."
Yet they show no proof that the majority of their minerals or even what percentage of minerals is from the Congo.
It's stupid, any money going into the country is beneficial to a certain extent, the evil warlord people still need to pay people to do their stuff, who then spend money, etc. A boycott would be far worse
territhemayor 2 years ago
Aren't those minerals used in computers, like the ones every person that saw this video used?
johnnydlux 2 years ago 2
@johnnydlux - I had a similar thought.Why just cell phones? It sounds like two of these chemicals are actually used in all electronics including iPods. They should really mention that, iPods are the devil (and probably billions sold).
Also, the only chemical used primarily in cell phones for vibration is Tungsten. I don't know why they just tell us it is an issue with cell phone manufacturures. What other interests do they have that make them focus on those companies?
c0l0jar0 2 years ago
So, even if we were to all use different elements for our phones, 95% percent of those 3 elements would still need to be produced to be exported for other uses acrooss the globe.
RyneUrbanik 2 years ago 2
Government sanctions on trade with those nations will be more effective than not buying cell phones. And a video promoting the production of more videos instead of proposing a real solution to the problem seems silly.
BigDeezNU 2 years ago 3
I completely agree!
lestersggirl 2 years ago 2
celebrities get all the good intel
moviedude22 2 years ago
I think that as a 'superpower' (Im in the US) that we shoudl be helping them AND Darfur instead of being over in Iraq. I just annoys me that the rape of hundreds of women are not seen as a big deal. I am white, and I know that if that was going on in Europe, we would be all over that. Ugh...I hate Bush
fearisfertile14 2 years ago
Your logic is flawed. Bush has been out of office since January.
ibringlife 2 years ago 2
Obama has been in office for 6 months now and still no change in foreign policy. When will you people start realizing that the Democrats make empty promises? When will you stop supporting their lies?
aplang4ever 2 years ago
Uh no, Obama has not been in office for six months.
c1o2l3l4e5e6n7 2 years ago
Oh, you're so smart! Its only been like 5 months and 3 weeks. Of course its not possible that he was rounding up or anything.
othello2846 2 years ago 2
democrat hater and a bad counter? not 6 months yet =/
TheXog 2 years ago
You're ignorant. You think Bush is at fault? Seriously, that's one of the most stupidest things I've ever heard. You can't blame him for cell phones. They've been around before he was even president. Use your brain. That's what it is there for.
r0bott360 2 years ago 4
wow, seriously man? if you havn't noticed, i'll let you in on a little secret, bush isn't in office anymore and cellphones were around long before he was in office. and i agree with aplang4ever
inlovewithadonai 2 years ago
Hmm, there's a lot more people at fault here than people who use cell phones. Try them first, actually make a difference.
MagnesDrachen13 2 years ago 4
yeah all we have to do is make cellphones out of something else and all the corruption and warlords in the Congo will just go away. the problem is not cell phones. That country was riddled with corruption long before cell phones and will continue to be regardless of anything to do with cellphones.
digitaldown 2 years ago 3
ubuntu linux is also supporting this war
boycott ubuntu!
DoctorShumacher 2 years ago
w-t-h im so confused, they always phrase things differently and its making them mean different things. in one of the others that said "the deadliest war SINCE world was 2" in others it doesnt...
DaYdReAmNiGhTmArEs 2 years ago
I get this, and it's terrible - but they are telling us to make a video about it, when don't video cameras need some of the other basic things a cell phone does? Such as the elements they showed examples of.
LindseyNoelleCullen 2 years ago
Congo resources needs synthesis
Beadbud5000 2 years ago
Well, people with no moral value will not stop killing or raping, whichever the case, if the aforementioned minerals become controlled without corruption. Those kinds of people will just move on to something else.
Also, the decline of people with morals in the United States (not fact, my opinion), trying to help people seems contrary to what I have experienced. This feels indoctrination just like public education.
legoflamb 2 years ago
I am not the smartest person in the world, but I think it is more likely for the diamond mines they are fighting. If were just for those cheap metals, I do not think there would be all that much heavy fighting.
NotThemEither 2 years ago
the phone company and other big businesses are depending on people to think "it's not that serious" so that little to no attention will be given to the actual death and destruction it causes in underdeveloped countries. diamonds are cheap too, actually they are free. but, since they are'nt found everywhere and people have monopolized the sell and trade of them they are very expensive/exclusive meaning that people are willing to rob, steal and kill for them.
takethat2thebank 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure his point was that diamond mines in DRC are more profitable than Coltan (Tantalum ore) mines. The conflict is in eastern Congo, where diamond mines don't exist. Also DRC produces less than 1% of the world's tantalum, and an even less noteworthy amount of Sb and W ore, so if you refuse to buy cellphones (or any electronics), 99% of that damage will be felt by legitimate producers.
Sorry, this video is awful, reactionary crap. The problem is real... the link to electronics is not.
cknapp2 2 years ago
The most "deadliest war in the world"
anyone remember Word War 2?
MightyTrebor 2 years ago 14
You know, videocameras need those to work, too.
Wow. If I could, I would give this no stars at all. That's just horrible.
MistressofDarkness 2 years ago
I'm not for one second going to think that by purchasing a cell phone I'm allowing females in Congo to get raped.
bduyanovich 2 years ago 6
I don't understand....the solution to this issue is to create a video? I thought when I clicked on this I would find something meaningful, but instead I found a video that focused on rape because of using "conflict minerals"? Why isn't there more focus on the government of the congo instead?
steven18179 2 years ago 7
We need action not just videos... People will ignore all evidence anyways so why present it. Ever looked at our country we have poor, starving, and victums in it as well... Start with America then try to help others!
krondor007 2 years ago 2
this is stupid there trying to raise awareness about how cellphones are killing those innocent people then in the video the lady says "you can even film it on your cellphone" IRONY....... Now with that being said those 3 elements are used for all sorts of items. This video fails major. But it does suck for the innocent people who have to experience it and for that they have my sarrow
gilcritch 2 years ago 6
I will go with, the only thing that will actually work is to pressure the companies. But this isn't something new - there are at least a billion people working in conditions that are attrocious or are underage for working - Its disgusting. Unfortunately, I think making a large venue and flying someone out to California is unneccesary. It could better be spent being sent to groups that deal with things like this in Asia and Africa.
meleniumshane90 2 years ago 2
Actually the thing to do is to deal with the governments and local police forces that ALLOW the mistreatment of human beings.
i8246i 2 years ago
plant a tree.... blah blah blah, heard it a million times & guess what ?!?! Tyranny is still here and always be because mankind's natural instinct is to consume and destroy at all costs! Fighting for peace is like #$^&ing for virginity! Yay we're all aware of the minerals coming from Congo & Boo we will not do without them as long as they keep coming from the victims dumb enough to mine them. Yeah I know they might die if they don't! Then die for a cause, rather than whine for pointlessness!
MrRickleeharris 2 years ago
What the hell? Why would you want us to use our cell phones to record the video if it's supposedly causing all these problems?
penguinpooo 2 years ago
Okay, we have problem, and I'll agree that it is a serious one.
But I'm confused as to what we should be trying to get cell phone companies to do? What do you mean by "Come Clean?"
DoomHippie 2 years ago
Comment removed
snowman5689 2 years ago
This video doesn't make sense. How does the raping of women help Africans gain the territory where these metals are mined?
From a quick 2 minute wikipedia search it appears only the mineral containing Tantalum is fueling the war with Congo, and probably not that much compared to other minerals.
Also the war isn't being fought over minerals, but probably for political and socio-economic reasons.
snowman5689 2 years ago 2
to add on, im not trying to throw water on your project. i think this is a good thing. however, as long as we wont give up our advanced post-industrial technological society (and we wont) we need to get resources from somewhere. if were going to convince companies not to use conflict resources, presenting a non-conflict alternative would be good.
xcalibur9874 2 years ago 5
theres alot of nasty fighting and atrocities in africa. ive heard of conflict diamonds before, which come from the carnage in africa, it makes sense that theres a similar situation with other resources.
my question is, if we dont use resources from africa, where should we get them from?
xcalibur9874 2 years ago 4
All modern solid state electronics use these metals. I guess we are guilty for even having the internet.
Txman1996 2 years ago 4
some obvious contradictions aside, glad to see that someone is TRYING to help
zazunzas 2 years ago 3
How is it the Cell Phone companies fault that armed groups are fighting over the mines? Exactly what is the Come Clean 4 Congo's agenda? The fight between warring factions over minerals won't end if U.S. companies stop purchasing them, I don't even think the U.S. manufactures Cell phones that happens in China and Mexico. Even if minerals are no longer purchased from Congo, war will still continue. You are trying to create a simple solution for a very complex problem.
Zujfsn 2 years ago
Seriously? This video goes from something horrible and serious, rape, to some really fun campaign contest to make and sumbit a video and win, that's not right
TheFadedGuitar 2 years ago 7
"cellphones are causing a deadly war...film a video to help rais awareness!..you can even use your cellphone" lmao
MakeDamnSure21 2 years ago 10
Someone made a good point.
Grab a camera (most people will use tyhe ones on their phones) which is 'fueling' the war?
What's going on it all sounds very hypocritcal to me, anyone else?
xjaix2kex 2 years ago 10
I agree we need to stop trade with all of Africa.
SeigleM 2 years ago
I think america should take over!
There has been alot of suffering there in Africa....
210lrsanchez210 2 years ago
I think you're preaching to the wrong crowd. America's brains are on idle; they don't even care. They just want their phones to take good pictures and make good noises. If you're looking for intelligence, I'd try Brittain or Canada.
SpiffyNips 2 years ago
good job producers using a logical fallacy!!! our cell phone use is not causing rape. you think these regimes wouldn't fight over anything else? good joke...this just happens to be the easiest solution at this point. the underlying problem of warlords controlling money making machines won't be solved by just ending cell phone use...
thingermahjig 2 years ago
im in
silentassasin108 2 years ago
Unfortunately, the countries of Africa are in a serious mess trying to control these armed forces whilst dealing with their own corrupt governments. If you want to kill a weed, kill it from the root upwards. In other words, we need to aid in government reform before anything can be done to curb these mineral wars.
Sierra026 2 years ago 10
That's a pretty good idea. Hope this works out :)
Sammaron 2 years ago
When the sanctimonious ivory tower denizens behind this video stop using THEIR cellphones, camcorders, computers, private jets (with electronic components)...maybe I'll consider it.
The hypocrisy of the world's most conspicuous consumers pointing their bony fingers of indignation at every day citizens is astounding! When is America going to wake up and kick Hollywood to the rubbish heap?
elvisjulep 2 years ago 12
This is a nice example of an ad homminem attack. You're not saying anything about the message, just the sender. Nowhere in the video is anything said about not using cell phones, quite the opposite in fact. They just want you to use the phones to try and do something positive. If you want to debate the efficacy of their methods I'm all for it. Just try to contribute something worthwhile in your argument.
aric418 2 years ago
Word
reesinator 2 years ago
Ok maybe I'm just really slow... but how does us getting/using the minerals...and armed forces trying to control "forces"... result in rape?
xevitabell 2 years ago
they rape the women so they will fear them and work in the mines
silentassasin108 2 years ago
Rape itself, is the result of it being lawless, which is the result of having horrible governments, which is the result of governments like us exploiting it. This video isnt very deep, they just dont want to hurt too many peoples feelings.
Doughnut189 2 years ago 4
Shouldn't we work on all the problems we have in our own country? You can't save the world unless you save yourself first. We've got the starving, the raped, the homeless, depressed, etc. all right here at our own front door...why do we need to step over our own people, ignore them to save someone else?
ForeverInLuvRA 2 years ago
Sooo, why use your cell phone to make a video when its the problem for this war?
blackdogs200 2 years ago 7
"The deadliest war in the world"? Not even close.
World War 2 has that title. According to the IRC, the conflict in Congo has racked up a total of 3.9 million deaths since 1998. That's 11 years. Compare that to World War 2, which only lasted 6 years and caused the deaths of roughly 70 million people. If every single person in Congo was killed - it would still only add up to a fraction of those who were killed in the last great war.
OttOmancer1212 2 years ago
I agree. While rape is a horrid thing, there are also other horrors going on there that should have been shown in this video.
xXAnorexiaNervosaXx 2 years ago
Why would anyone mark a low rating on this video? I suppose there exists people who support slave labor and blood resources. Sad... very sad
drawuin 2 years ago
yes its sad :(
Thatsnicelikeice 2 years ago
While I don't support what people in these countries are doing, I won't support this initiative. I agree with Margatroid, edsdouglas, Neongenisisfan and the others who share similar sentiments. This won't stop the companies from using the minerals, and won't end the fighting. Sorry, just not one I'm going to promote.
quatreryukami 2 years ago
Thanks for spreading awareness on this issue. Wars can be ended when enough politicians and corporate leaders are publicly embarrassed. Political image is very important to these people. Our consumption habits HAVE to change, and making our dollars count as votes is just as important as going to the ballot once in awhile; maybe more so.
KnightBiologist 2 years ago
Wars r also sometimes necessary. Imagine if nobody would've fought in WWII. The world would be being ruled by the Nazi's. The Nazi's would be doing worse than this video to people evryday. I'm not saying I support mindless killing. I don't. I'm a Christian that believes in equal rights for everybody... which is also why I believe wars are sometimes necessary. look in the Bible for example. There was war all through it. It wasn't glorified but it wasn't looked down on either. Do u kno wht i mean?
knight19283 2 years ago
this video makes no sence at all the groups would still be fight even if the minerals wernt in the congo, the war is about power and money, its true that the minerals make tons of money but the minerals are also found elseware in the world this video makes it seem like the congo is the only place on earth that has the minerals required to build cell phones its dumb war happens just cuz cell phones it happens because PEOPLE
NeonGenesisfan15 2 years ago 4
Unfortunately I am dependant on mobile technology. The problem is not the companies using the minerals, the problem is the people that are trying to control the country. They are illiterate and violent. If the companies stop using the minerals they will find another reason to rape, pillage and plunder. This is Africa. It has always been like that and will stay like that, unless they are all suddenly educated and civilized.
Heinvz09 2 years ago 4
Im Sorry for saying this, but.. Cellphone+Minerals+Miners=Rape? so.. miners are mining a minerals.. and while they're mining.. women are being raped? that doesn't add up.. what does raping a women have to do with mining.. unless the women are the ones mining, i can understand that... plus.. it's not the cellphone company's fault that theres a war or raping going on in thier country.. all they do is buying the minerals from the sellers in congo.. (at least it think...)
blazing619 2 years ago 4
that's what I'd like to know. I'd like to know everything if I'm going to make a video
ZeroReligion 2 years ago
Arguing to stop buying Congolese resources to stop the violence is tantamount to saying "Take all their money away." But poverty and scarcity fuels violence just as fast as greed. It will NOT solve the problem. Educate these people for christ's sake. Employ them. Give them a life and hope.
a7i20ci7y 2 years ago 3
it still wont stop the war you'll just make it harder for the people once the war stops. you dont need money to rape also there is a religious or tribal part too and that wont go away if you stop buying their minerals. all this does is hurt the countries government and its people. having a partially functioning democracy is better then anarchy.
what you should be making, is a movie pressuring the companies to pressure the western and far eastern governments to do something.
gmaloney5 2 years ago 14
You got it right.. We need to stop buying those minerals so the people stop eating out of their effort and die, that way others can occupy the zone and get even cheaper minerals, so on and so forth..
The power of propaganda at its maximum..
Vultur321 2 years ago 8
The multinationals could make a positive difference in these countries but its cheaper for them to just back the wrong people knowing well what kind of consequences this has thereby empowering people like Charles Taylor, Robert Mugabe and the like. Also they create a need for new products while they could easily produce goods that could last for at least 10 years by lowering the durability and creating trends. And people are naive and vain enough to follow these trends.
Arahant707 2 years ago 2
I like the vids so far keep up the good work make sure you swing thru to see the new updates be sure to comment
AGAME404 2 years ago
So I'm suposed to use my phone,which caused this peoblem in the firstplace, to make a video to stop it?
I should buy a new, better more uptodate phone to make a better quality video...
Bilstrodamas 2 years ago
Congo supplies less than 1% of the worlds supply of Tantalum, a small fraction of Tungsten, and 40 metric tons of Tin in 2003. In case you are counting that is just a blip in the world market. That is also close to no tin at all. I can name single small companies that use more.
Yes very bad things are happening in the Congo. Take away what little revenue they have and it will get worse. I'm certain my Canadian made, with Asian parts, cell phone doesn't have anything from the Congo in it.
justonemori 2 years ago
So they defend the mines by raping women? I'm sorry I don't get what this video is trying to explain.
Theorignalshadow 2 years ago 7
why does this seem so important to everyone. this one country's people that's doing this when other countries are doing the same. why aren't we helping them. why just the Congo when there are others in need of help. are we just going to sit back and do nothing for these other countries whose women and children are being raped. Is it because the Congo is the only place that is supplying the US and others with materials. I don't think so. Need to get a broader view
Dragon86spy 2 years ago 2
why is rape a "weapon of choice" when the problem is war over mining? The armies don't consist of women, so what good would raping do? Wouldn't guns be the weapon of choice?
ZeroReligion 2 years ago 2
Funny how nobody in the U.S. talks about quitting their drug use to stop the violence in Mexico..did you know that more heads were chopped off in Mexico that in Iraq?
fernfeyes 2 years ago 12
i believe we all have the same question..HOW is my cell phone fueling war?, even when i dont share this idea the question should be HOW is the production of cell phones fueling war?
francoMag87 2 years ago
if cell phones need these minerals then how could companies make cell phones without these minerals...
bigmac27712 2 years ago
This is a question. If I was running a company that I knew where the resources came from would I still follow with it ?
Rad10H3ad 2 years ago
It is just that video is not well done, and really is not informing in a right way, I completely understand why people are reacting like "WTF" after watching it, even if I agree with whole idea. Whole "Rape" thing is oversimplified... Video should explain connection between getting raw materials cheap and interest in keeping the war going on because of that to average Joe...
TriggerVideo 2 years ago 5
"—the 3 Ts— that end up being used in our electronic devices. " If they are being used in our 'electronic' devices, why are you only targeting cell phones? I have more television sets than I do cell phones. In fact, I only have one cell phone. Tungsten is used to make filaments for incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs AND television bulbs. Tantalum is used to make very fine wires, since it is so ductile.
Extessi 2 years ago
Wait, their weapon of choice is raping woman? How the heck does that fight for control of the mines?
Justin13L 2 years ago
"Your cell phone is fueling the deadliest war in the world"...really? And this whole time I thought their lack of order and leadership was the result of the deadliest war in the world...I must be dumb.
SupermanLugo 2 years ago 10
I never wanted a cell phone.
this is an even better reason, why I don't use a cell phone
BossJ03L 2 years ago
Well maybe if the UN did their job. There would be no wars in the Congo. I seen how the UN worked in Haiti (inaction)
KDP3200 2 years ago
Dont forget diamonds and gold and other exports. They kill for those things too.
Redemptioner123 2 years ago
It's not so much to stop using minerals from the Congo as to stop getting and managing them in the horrendously corrupt, stupid, and destructive way they are currently being gotten - massive cultural destruction for largely foriegners' short-term profit.
BTW there's plenty of good information on wars in Africa. With fewer modern weapons, yes, rape is a weapon of war - especially if you put your HIV-positive soldiers on the front lines like they used to do in Uganda.
msbfd 2 years ago
I advise you all to look at the connections of big business and human misery.
newyorkbushi 2 years ago
if we stop using the minerals from the congo, what are those miners going to do now. Theres not a whole lot of other carrer choices in the rural areas there besides working in the mines. We should be looking to stop the human rights violations in the congo, not to put a dent into their economy
EEETH37 2 years ago
Am I supposed to feel guilty for having a cell phone, I don't get it
MatthiasGarner 2 years ago
You people who think this raises more questions than it answers are desperately short on understanding the world. Rape or any other form of violence or intimidation is used to coerce entire communities in order to control the land they reside on. Cell phones are made out of minerals that are abundant in Congo. The point is stop using Congolese minerals because their purchase fuels these wars, just like Blood Diamonds. Get a few clues, folks, these comments are pathetic.
JustinMShaw 2 years ago
People need to be realistic when it comes to helping others. Billions of people in world & only so much time and money. Every moment helping others if one less moment helping myself. Every dime to others is one less dime I have. Ultimately, never enough time to help everyone and, if we spread money around to everyone, all will be in poverty.
Regardless, if entertainment industry is so keen to help, perhaps they should lead the way by truly giving all their time & money.
stewartx5 2 years ago
please explain how rape is used to acquire the minerals. I highly doubt raping people who don't mine would cause a war.
ninetyfourgoalie 2 years ago
I know cellphones are more appealing than politics but I think in this case politics may be a more logic, effective and professional way to deal with problems like these. Buying some less cellphones evil cellphones won't stop it or so I expect. If the country would have a capable government with sufficient means, this would not be possible in the first place.
mdilligaf 2 years ago
hey how is the congo war the deadliest? it is probably the most sickiest or immoral but deadliest? little OVER dramatic if the weapon of choice is rape to provide labor then it is definetly wrong but it is hardly killing ne1. i am not saying i approve of this war (i certainly do not) and im not saying that ppl dont die there. But can u really call it a war? it is more like the arm forces is a disease. We had swine flu here and they hav armed forces there. Can this b called a war?
TySewell 2 years ago
Cellphones use the same materials as all other electronic devices. So let's stop using MRI scanners, computers, televisions, pheotal monitors, pace-makers, cars, aircraft everything electronic!
Or make films about how belly-button causes war and famine!!
Tubbs66 2 years ago
is a specific language to be made this video or is any language permited. I mean, I live in a spanish speaking country, so can I make it in spanish or in quechua or yanomami, or i must make it only in english?
jpuert 2 years ago
WTF? So if this is true, you really think even if they get them to stop buying the materials from that country that rape is going to stop? I highly doubt it. You need more information to support your cause. Are you going to say that I should make a video to gm because they are taking food from the starving ethiopians?
compromizer 2 years ago
You win wars by rape?
Blademaster65 2 years ago
wait do those minerals come ONLY from the congo. cuz i didnt hear a exclusive. jus get it somewhere else or synth the minerals or jus find new ones. but i also agree that it wont help. they will turn to something worse to make money like mass drugs and other things. we need to think of a better solution to the problem instead of rushing in and making things worse
1987Challenger3 2 years ago
how come i never knew this?
Twooperz 2 years ago
Wait...What if people are infact using cameras with the same minerals as in cellphones. Some people will go out and buy them. This is a lose situation. I do want the violence in Africa to stop but this is not the way.
Bmanstudios101 2 years ago
How can you blame the cell phone?? Their government should be doing more to stop it. I'm sure those people who "rape" the others would just find another reason to do it sadly...
levi989 2 years ago
so is my cell phone helping war
can u just put a list or something of the sort ?
Turulup 2 years ago
Great contest! Similar rules and issues as the Cannes Young Lions Contest.
Check out my Cannes Lions contest video in my profile.
Seeya in L.A.
Cannes2009 2 years ago
How incredibly simplistic... The problem is POVERTY, not cellphones and minerals. If you take away mineral export revenue, I hardly think it's going to make the Congolese LESS DESPERATE, or less willing to kill (and rape? please explain how rape is used in mining--isn't it just another horrifying byproduct of a climate of violence?) and maim.
It's fine to help make people aware of what's going on in the Congo, but the solution is to criminalize and duly prosecute the human rights violations.
cdaaah 2 years ago 54
Brilliantly said. Another international problem misconstrued and misidentified by the media.
DigitalMidnight 2 years ago
That is not the point.
The millitias are finaced by multinationals who take most of the profit.
The idea is just to stop giving money to the companies that finance millitia and give it to companies that can proof they don't do it. It is hard to achieve but it is better than do nothing.
donnomar 2 years ago
By prosecuting them, you won't accomplish anything. Just more people will turn to violence.
Changing the situation and POVERTY will.
Good points though!
Kirilltraceur 2 years ago
Thank you.
jettssolo 2 years ago
how in the world does a cell phone,have to do anything with rape. please inform me...
taylorluckeroth 2 years ago
You didn't answer the ONE question I need answered - is MY cell phone contributing to this? I don't care to make a video or be flown to LA (seriously?), but I WILL switch companies if MY cell phone is using conflict minerals? Why don't you tell this USEFUL information?
tfleming 2 years ago 37
its every cell phone, it said that a cell phone needs those minerals to work, and because all cell phones you buy have to work, then its every cell phone that is contributing
McQuizzy 2 years ago
The mineral is called coltan and it is used in almost every cellphone so I'm pretty shure yours has it too.
DivingPige0n 2 years ago
Why would you switch cell phones If the one you CURRENTLY own WAS made with materials that CAME from Congo? Does throwing said cell phone in the recycling bin undo the profit gained from the materials used in that cell phone? Nope. Cdaah's response below me is dead on in my opinion. Wonder if a video made to contradict the idea that cell phones are the chief contributor to war and rape in congo would be admissible in this contest.
FALCO64125 2 years ago
What do you mean by rape? Could you elaborate more rather than just making a short but dramatic video?
kaikahitonari 2 years ago 43
Well short and dramatic is the only thing that captures the attention of most people like you. You'de think you could do something as basic as simply googling "Congo and Rape"rather than making fun of the video for not providing the information that any relatively normal person should know or at least would try to find out more about. They're talking about rape as a mean of psychological warfare. Its a form of both torture and a means of creating subservience.
sevkanavsegda 2 years ago
this is the basic IDEALOGY of mankind, 'if it aint happening to me(us), then i can make up excuses NOT to help the people who are suffering. wut ive been readin from most comments, is that 'cellphone usage may be adding fuel to this war, but it's not the scorce of the issue', i can go on and on..excuse after excuse..
but the reality STILL stands. we force these manufacturers to do this the CORRECT(right) way..
peace! and love!
faheemthedream2007 2 years ago 3
faheemthedream2007, the problem is not these cell phone minerals, its greed. A government that does not look after the people. The ones killing and raping these people are not only the foreign militants, the very police and military that is supposed to protect them. The change needs to happen in the government before it happens anywhere else. The people will still not be protected. What happens when the greedy become the desperate?
Wysiwyg2012 2 years ago
Unfortunately, this clip brings up more questions than it answers. The basic thought in my mind, "their weapon of choice, rape"... I am having trouble getting my head around this idea. Ok, so they rape women to make them work? This needs clarification. Also, what is the industry's other alternative to using these 3 minerals? Thank you.
mypacemaker 2 years ago 11
two things. first, the way to fix this is not to destroy cell phone use, its to fix people morality. second, id really like to understand how rape is used as a weapon for attaining minerals... sounds like an interesting mining process
hossboss96 2 years ago 7
No one said anything about "destroy cell phone use" whatever that even means. The idea is that companies should aquire the minerals to make their cell phones from legal mines that aren't commiting human rights abuses.
They are buying these minerals for extra cheap from people who are exploiting a poor and desperate work-force - and using terror tactics like repetitive mass rape to manipulate the population
Is it too much to ask that the companies pay regular market prices minerals?
curien1000 2 years ago
hossboss96, rape is not used as a weapon to attain the minerals. It is used as a weapon against the people. Many men in the Congo will leave their wives after they have been raped because they fear for disease. They will either leave their homes or force the wife to leave. Your right, the problem is not cell phone use; it's a government that will not protect its people.
Wysiwyg2012 2 years ago
Some people is forgetting the reason of this contest. It is a way to pressure cell industries to stop using minerals from Congo. Minerals and related are fuel for different types of war. Do not forget that one reason to invade Irak was to get control of the petroleum. So, you see, minerals and even natural liguids can be an argument for a war.
carlosaldm 2 years ago
if you can't even spell *Iraq* i doubt anything you said is true
shadowxxxz 2 years ago
Missing the oil from that war, carlosaldm. Speaking of oil, should we presser our selves to stop buying oil form Arab countries until they stop trampling women's rights? Or maybe if we stop buying products from China, it will make the lives of sweat-shop workers better. People get wronged every day, but being angry at certain companies will not change it.
banzai7america 2 years ago 2
those people are going to fight with or without those minerals making money thats not saying that we should use those minerals but simply not using them will not stop this they will just find something else to fight kill rape and murder for
luckey86 2 years ago
i am not sure of this, but due to the similar components found in cell phones and computers, i feel confident saying that these minerals are used in computers too.
kneelb4zod6 2 years ago
But who are the top cell phone manufactuers exactly? This video does not explain the internal process, like who the mineral buyers are, who are the miners and how they are "raping" women. I find this video very confusing and lacking more important facts.
ambygirl1008 2 years ago 9
Also:
Demand for minerals+mining=rape?
WTF I'm lost.
So what you're saying is that in order for these people to earn money buy selling us minerals we later use for cellphone production,they must rape thousands of women and girls?
o_O
d3thomega 2 years ago
How many people that are in an "uproar" about this still use cell phones?
HGTheory 2 years ago
The Enough Project is not asking for consumers to stop the use of cell phones.
ENOUGHproject 2 years ago
Yes they are.
VictoriousGamer 2 years ago
how in the world does a cell phone,have to do anything with rape. please inform me...
taylorluckeroth 2 years ago
There aren't any conflict-free industries, why should electronics be any different? This is the price some people pay so that you and I can have cheap goods. If you really want to help the victims of the materials trade, then stop getting a new cell phone every year.
methbox20 2 years ago
Ha,so to stop violence fueled by electronics,we must use our laptops to make a video requiring us to use more electronics?
d3thomega 2 years ago
Thank you.
jettssolo 2 years ago
But by not using confluct mines we would in turn wipe out jobs...but worse...CREATE MORE CONFLICT! cant the cell phone companies set up a list of demand s from the mines in which the minerals are coming from and possibly have them watched over by those companies.?
LuckyToHaveU 2 years ago
Great that you put this online.
wsohigian 2 years ago
i understand what this video is saying because i already know about the congo situation, but i highly doubt the average youtube-er does...especially judging by the comments. this video is way too vague. important topic, but no detail in here at all to explain the whole cell phone/rape connection
acapulco214 2 years ago
Third world countries are lawless, period. If a company stop'd buying minerals tomarrow not much would change.
They would probley just kill there slaves. I hate videos like this of people being inslaved. The real way to slow this is put tariffes on minerals. Take in to account everything we do has some impact on the world. Pray for peace and god's will and recycle your junk.
My two cents on this video.
egn83b 2 years ago
this war will exist with our without our cell phones. its been going on for many years and will just shift to some other resource. whatever brings in money will become the next target. look at diamonds. do you see the diamond market screeching to a halt because of all the people who have died to obtain them?
Gameboi81 2 years ago
You're all very short sighted. They're not asking you to make any dramatic changes to your life, leave your privilaged lifestyle, or abandon your addiction to electronics. They are simply asking that YOU ask the people who YOU will fork thousands of dollars during your lifetime to simply be responsible and ensure that the materials they use in YOUR products aren't stained with blood (metaphorically). They are just asking that you use your voice as consumers and end your complacency.
savetheblueskies 2 years ago
People wake up, what they are trying to do is stop the flow of minerals that have been mined by militias. It's the same idea behind conflict diaminds from Serra Lione. Asking companies to stop using minerals that are being contested over in certain areas would have an impact on the rape that is used as a weapon of terrorism, the sale of black market weapons, and also the use of child soldiers. If you think that your WTO free market policies are better for the world then you are sadly mistaken.
Transitions91 2 years ago
Is there ever really anything that is "conflict free?"
ajlepisto 2 years ago
this was a serious video?
coolguy5726 2 years ago
my question is how does rape= control over minerals? last i checked women are not a primary source of minerals.... this video while good in meaning is unclear and well make a better one maybe with the effects of militias on locals a seperate opinion in the same video and not convoluted with the actual statement your trying to get across.... which is cell phones are fueling wars in africa? correct me if i am wrong.
prikasky 2 years ago
Yes i realize i took some peoples comments, i added to them, and these are the ones I agree with. I am only 11, so its not that good. Without my laptop, how would I even know that it's wrong to have a laptop? Your using a laptop and computer too, i bet your computer uses minerals and stuff from Congo too.
Goddessmomo 2 years ago
Honorable cause...but
The way of the world will never change. We're still buying blood diamonds, pumping oil out of iraq, manufacturing vehicles in mexico, and Dell computers has their entire tech support tree in india.
Why? Money talks. America is the most obese country in the world. It takes more money and time to make a salad then to wait in the drive thru for a cheeseburger.
If Samsung, Nokia, and other providers can get minerals for cheaper, they won't care. More profit for them
lightningslp77 2 years ago
This video isn't clear. How is rape in the Congo tied to the use of cellphones again? Militia in Sudan also used rape as a weapon of war and that had nothing to do with minerals. This seems like a noble cause but the use of sexual violence as a weapon is not going away even if we lessen technology use.
In fact, if it hadn't been for Internet, I would have never heard of this issue. Also, it's hypocritical to ask us to make a video using technology to decry the rampant use of technology.
Dogstar1985 2 years ago
soo next they will be trying to take away our cell phones or say we cant use them unless we are in our homes only
skysoffun 2 years ago
Seriously, don't make the consumer out to be the bad guy, it is obviously a huge issue that we need to play a part in fixing it, but if you're telling me that if we stop using cell phones the war will be over then you are out of your mind.
vtshwheels77 2 years ago
Ok, my opinion. Probably not popular, but oh well. They aren't saying get rid of cell phones. They're saying that we should put pressure on companies who make cell phones to be responsible in where they're getting their materials from. Kind of like you would (hopefully) not want to buy an engagement ring that's made with blood diamonds. These minerals add to the conflicts in this country: not the whole cause but a definite part. I admire the fact that this organization is trying to do something.
eruanna317 2 years ago
and...?
underthebildin 2 years ago
tungsten huh well im glad we use it mostly for phones and not for lightbulbs that have been around for decades...o wait
hotrocketsauce 2 years ago
Its a shame another export that could bring money just like diamonds to Africa is bringing violence. If they 're government could find a peacful way of distributing these things they would be blessings. I should'nt have to feel bad about it. I hate to see people suffer as much as anyone. The prob isnt the product or that we buy it. Its the way they do business
Tizme210 2 years ago
No my phone isnt fueling war to solve a problem you go for the throat and stop the violence in congo not throw stupid "Save the earth" notes at the big companies
Themigratorman 2 years ago
that's not true, the war would not be going on without the minearl mining situation- because without mineral mining there wouldn't be any money to fund the war. Wars are expensive.
zenforaday 2 years ago
Just like diamonds huh? Diamonds are supposed to be conflict free and what not yet most of them still come from that market. It's cheap labor and it keeps prices lower. I'm not for it but still. Why don't we learn to clean our on yard before we go into others?
jorly210 2 years ago
if this actually does help, even though cell phones are probably one of the smallest users of these minerals, we would just be taking money away from the people who need it to live. Anyways why would a lack of guns make the rape stop? this doesnt make much sense
YOmamasugly 2 years ago
What about all the people who will lose their jobs in the mine and won't have money to support their families. This video is sexist, only considering the women. What about the other workers who have to support their families?
I am sure some women have been raped repeatedly, because they go back to work at the same mines, but they do it because they know they HAVE to continue working, otherwise they will die without the money they earn from working in the mines.
glacko2021 2 years ago