Blog 21 - Fifth Integrated Quote: “On the Arab Street, Rage Is Contagious.”

Revolutions are often very infectious to surrounding or similar countries. The Tunisian Jasmine Revolution has sparked a series of revolutions throughout the Arab world including Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and other Arab countries. These revolutions all started with a Tunisian street vendor who self-immolated himself, which inspired many people to rebel against political corruptions. This event influenced Egyptians to post on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. People shared stories of their experience with country's political oppression and later, with help with Google Executives, organized peaceful protests against their government corruption. In response the government blocked any access to Facebook and Twitter but it was too late because the outraged protesters were already marching down the streets of Cairo. Different than usual, the police's initial reaction permitted the crowd to go down to the capital and express their wrath. As thousands congregated in Liberation Square, the heart of downtown Cairo, police started becoming anxious and impatient. The police would beat their shields to show they mean business and proceed to move in with their batons. Eventually, tear-gas shells were used and protestors retreated but then was later reinforced by hundreds of protesters pouring into the square from side streets and bridges. The protesters would yell chants and at one moment the Arab protesters threw tear-gas back at police. A young teenager with gas-induced tears going down his face explained that not every protester is afraid of standing up for change. “There were plenty of frightened people in the presidential palaces of the Arab world.” (Hauslohner, Paragraph 14) Rather than protestors being fearful, corrupt governments throughout the Arab world should be scared of this contagious outcry for justice because this revolt is not over yet.