The Revolution in Egypt

I have been wanting to write about following the events in Egypt, and how it made me feel connected to those observers who witnessed the French Revolution, as well as those who witnessed the American. I may still write a nice, scholarly post about it.

This isn’t that post. I read the news on Twitter and Facebook, and confirmed it on the BBC, that Mubarak had finally yielded to the revolutionary voice of the people (mostly peaceful voice!) and resigned. Egypt has a long road ahead, I know, but when I read that news I almost cried for joy.

Growing up a citizen of the United States, you’re taught that people are the voice and seat of power, even if sometimes it feels like no one listens. The world in which I grew up was shaped by popular, mostly pacifistic, movements: I can vote because of the Suffragettes, my schools were integrated because of the Civil Rights Movement, and I played on sports teams with boys thanks to the Feminist movements of the 1970s and 1980s (Title IX!).  I am aware that I am very lucky to live in a country where my right to be heard is acknowledged and codified.

To watch the people of Egypt, whose government considered free speech a gift to be given and not an inalienable right, make their voices heard throughout the world, and then begin to achieve their goals? It is a truly awesome moment, in the traditional sense of the word.

Congratulations, Egypt. You have work ahead of you, but so many people are behind you, supporting you, as you move forward.