Egypt and the Social Network Revolt: A Youth Perspective
“If two speeches and a social media site is all we needed to spread democracy then why did we invade Iraq? Why didn’t we just, I don’t know, ‘poke’ them.”- Jon Stewart on the “social network revolt” currently taking place in Egypt.
Thousands of Egyptians gather in a protest which was said to be fuelled by youth and social media. Photo credit: ImageShack
Stewart, though obviously speaking sardonically, acknowledges an important issue. That is, social media play a role in the way popular discontent with government is communicated. I doubt many expected that the unrest, which started on January 25 after similar protests in Tunisia, would get to the stage that it is now. But it did. All eyes are on Egypt as Hosni Mubarak, the country’s President for almost 30 years, struggles to control the angry citizens, while refusing to meet all their demands and step down immediately. The time for talk, it seems, is over. Egypt is at a crucial point in its history.
What’s so interesting about the unrest? The two leading forces behind it.
1) The protests were primarily orchestrated by youth. That is, youth who wanted a change. Mostly unemployed and educated youth who have had enough with the archaic, dictatorial governance of their old leaders. Frustrated youth who wanted a better country for themselves and their children. Youth who wanted a say in how their country was being managed. Youth just like you who finally decided to stop the talk and act.
2) It is said that they used social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter along with SMS in the initial stages, to communicate their intentions and galvanise support for their plans. Many persons still haven’t completely appreciated the importance of Facebook and Twitter, but social networking sites are crucial, especially in an increasingly interconnected world. Marketers and businesses, for example, know that to really connect with youth (literally and figuratively), you have to engage them on the platforms they use. Undeniably, social networking sites are a huge source of information.
What’s so awesome about all this?
It worked. How amazing that social media and youth can merge to create something other than the expected mundane status updates about crushes, relationship drama and senseless tweets about what they’re having for lunch. Youth in Tunisia and Egypt are at the helm of a truly historic, life-changing event that has caused countries to stop and pay attention. In four days, the protesters―which include the young, old and middle-aged―did what nobody was able to accomplish in almost 30 years. They forced their leaders to finally pay attention and subsequently attempt to make sweeping changes. On Saturday, Mubarak appointed a Vice President for the first time since the early 80s.That’s monumental. The protests speak to a certain level of frustration, but it also highlights the power of youth and unity. It shows how effective youth in any country can be if they are united for a common cause.
What about you?
You don’t have to plan a national protest or attempt to take over your school. But you have a voice and that voice needs to be heard. Speak out against injustices, discrimination, violence and human rights violations. Join a worthy cause, take action. You are uniquely positioned to force your leaders to take you seriously. Youth in Tunisia and Egypt have already started the process, it’s now your time to act.
Always love your neighbour as yourself and remember to pray, laugh, grow.
Organising anything like this is next to impossible in local culture. Social media simple amplifies the general consensus, it doesn’t great it. Understanding the key factors that lead to a general consensus is difficult but important.
Nice read ker ker
Thanks! Yeah, you have a point. But it’s more than a revolt though. It’s about standing up for injustices of any kind and making your voice heard.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for spreading the word!
Greetings from Egypt
No problem. Thanks for reading! Take care.
Yeah, Internet provides us with a way to speak out, but in many nations where there are more advanced technology and less freedom of speech, speak openly angainst the government will only endanger yourself. I know a good example. One senior 3 student in one of the best schools in a country that I’ll not name has been monitored since months ago, for no reason other than his speech on a website. In some countries the control of speech is more strict than you can possibly imagine.