Jones (2012) states that due to the lack of economic opportunity combined with an authoritarian regime, the event that took place in Tunisia on December 17th 2010, truly tipped the country over the edge…
A revolution was in the air, and the catalyst was Mohamed Bouazizi (Youtube, 2018). Authorities forcibly shut down Mohameds vegetable stand, harassed and humiliated Mohamed, he then took to the streets, and out of protest, he set himself on fire (Youtube, 2018).
After Mohameds death, many took to the streets to protest the injustice and suffering that was being inflicted on the people of Tunisia due to the authoritarian regime. Through the use of technology, protesters were able to share what was happening to the world, and the revolution was broadcasted globally. Social media spread the uprising so quick, that in just one week, the Tunisian government collapsed and its leader fled!
The Tunisian uprising inspired many other Arab countries under similar authoritarian regimes to stand up and bring about change!
The ‘Arab Spring’ had sprung.
Yet, with the success of the revolution, casualties and suffering were to follow…
Below is a clip from the History channel which briefly outlines the good, the bad and the ugly…
References:
Image sourced from: Creative Commons https://insightontheonlinerevolution.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/andy-carvin-on-twitter-during-the-tunisian-and-egyptian-revolution.
Jones, P. 2012, “The Arab Spring”, International Journal, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 447.
YouTube. (2018). Here’s How the Arab Spring Started and How It Affected the World | History. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgcd5ZcxDys [Accessed 21 Aug. 2018].
New Communication Technologies 1501LHS 