Revolution in the Streets

On Tues., Nov. 15, Dr. Whitney Howarth presented a lecture titled "What's Going On? Revolution in the Streets", as part of the International Education Week celebrations here at Plymouth State University. The lecture focused on youth movements, making change in the Middle East as well as in the United States. Relating the Arab Spring movements to the Occupy Wall Street movements, Dr. Howarth's presentation examined what it is in today's world that is making young people strive for change.

Uprisings in Middle Eastern countries have seen massive media coverage; the Arab Spring itself is essentially the drive of the Arab people to go against oppressive leadership and promote more democratic ideals and a drive for liberalization.

The recent Arab Spring is caused by social injustices in the area as a result of oppressive regimes as well as economic hardships that are being faced by virtually everyone in the global community. Widespread political corruption, corporate mismanagement, poverty, censorship, and state-sponsored violence against citizens are just a few problems that spurred the Arab Spring into a revolutionary movement in some Middle Eastern nations.

The movements in the Middle East started as demonstrations and protests. The public outrage in Tunisia peaked when Muhammad Bouazizi, a 26-year-old man, lit himself on fire in response to the confiscation of his vegetable cart, the man's only source of income. The act was a result of frustration towards the Tunisian government and fueled the protests of Tunisian citizens. The role of women in the Arab Spring was also critical to success, breaking common western stereotypes; women play an important role in the protests in Middle Eastern nations.

Since the Arab Spring started, almost a year ago, three oppressive regimes have been taken out of power. Revolutions occurred in Tunisia, Egypt, and most recently in Libya. Protests and angry demonstrations of civil disobedience are generally met with harsh retaliatory measures by the Middle Eastern government. The people of Syria are struggling as the government lashes out at them for protesting. Committing serious human rights violations against his own people, Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad has no intention of stepping down.

Dr. Howarth explained the U.S.' interest in the Middle East and its reasons for providing support to revolutionaries in Libya, but not those in Syria, saying, "There are a lot of things the U.S. must consider when deciding to get involved... including resources, trade relations, and geopolitical relationships... it is all complex."

The lecture relates the Arab Spring to the Occupy Wall Street movement that is now taking place around the nation, even here in Plymouth. Fed up with problems in both the political and financial systems, people are taking to the streets. While the group lacks a true coherent message or demand, it's clear that they're upset with the corporate influence over politics and the media.

"Many are not politically informed or engaged in this nation," Dr. Howarth said, "and many do not feel empowered anymore.  If 1% of the people control 40% of the power and wealth, is this a full and functioning democracy? If large multi-national corporations have a greater influence on political decisions than we do, we are losing something. "

Dr. Howarth tied the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street together as two separate but similar displays of the people demonstrating their dissatisfaction with nondemocratic political practices. Quoting Ralph Nader, Dr. Howarth said as a reminder to students, "Half of democracy is showing up," explaining the importance of an educated, active voting population in a working democracy.

The use of organized nonviolent civil disobedience is critical to the success of any demonstration. Protesters are able to make their point without becoming the enemy. In the recent protests, social media has played a very important role in the success of youth movements that are taking to the streets.