To me, this picture from the Associated Press (via the Guardian) encapsulates the current state of the Egyptian Revolution (or whatever they are calling it these days). What first caught my eye is the look of sheer joy on her face as she sings patriotic anthems (or so I am told), rejoicing at the news that the hated Mubarak has resigned in response to the protests of her and thousands (millions?) of those like her. The weeks of protesting have resulting in bringing Mubarak's corrupt regime to its knees, with Parliament dissolved, and the interim military government promising elections within six months. The revolutionary movement, largely youth-based, around the age of the woman pictured, has won.
The woman is celebrating by singing patriotic songs and waving an Egyptian flag, a very nationalistic exercise. While the protesters have gone against the government that has defined Egypt for the past 30 years (their lifetime), they view it as an essentially patriotic exercise. They aren't going against Egypt, they are protesting for Egypt, against the corrupt government that has brought Egypt down. What I also think is important about this is that the protesters seem nationalistic in nature, not religious. While this certainly bodes well for Western interests, it also is good for democracy. Perhaps this means that Egypt will not establish an Iran-like theocracy, and instead favor a what is best for Egypt as a nation. Of course, as a Westerner, I assume that to be democracy.
Perhaps the photo isn't that perfect, as the protesters have overwhelming been male, but I think that it is quite telling that a woman can be marching in the streets. Egypt is a progressive society when compared to the Middle East-perhaps this progressiveness is one of the reasons why Mubarak has been overthrown.
What I find particularly striking about this photograph is the balance between Islam and modernity: the t-shirt and head scarf. While the head scarf acknowledges Egypt's Islamic roots, the t-shirt (which says 'flirt'-a decidedly un-Islamic concept) counters it, demonstrating the West's pervasive influence on Egypt. This modernity is at the heart of the revolution.
Acute observations. I'm wondering what the role of people like this woman would have in Egyptian politics in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhile there is much speculation of how Egypt will transition into a democracy, and especially how much the Muslim Brotherhood may come to gain power, I remain hopeful. This was, in my opinion, a near pure politically driven movement. As far as I know, the people desired freedom and a democratically elected government that, instead of lining their own pockets, was honestly beholding the will of the people; a people that has become more open and respectful to various ideas. I tend to think that any governing body, whether military or the promised elected one, has these recent events ingrained into their memory and must be wary of not creating the democracy that the people have won. I hope that the military delivers on their commitments and that the people remain patient yet vigilant in the transitional period.
ReplyDeleteWill in the vehicle of time
ReplyDeleteThe morning dew
its eye, gold
youth, spring
rises, The Dawn...