In 2012, after the beginnings of the Arab revolutions, Paul Mason, editor at BBC’s Newsnight programme, wrote a book called “Why It’s Kicking Off Everywhere – The New Global Revolutions”. Mason pointed out that social neworks, a newfound sense of self-reliance, and a disjuncture between the young and an old political order are ushering in a new age of discontent.
He may well be right. Today, while the Arab world continues with its political somersaults, the street in Thailand, Ukraine, Brazil and Turkey and elsewhere is alive with protest. Foreign Policy magazine has put together a timeline highlighting that demonstrations have indeed significantly increased globally over the past 20 years.
Why are people going out on the street to address their woes? It’s an act of courage and determination that can land you in jail, one far more difficult than simply casting a vote in the ballot box. What has changed?
via The age of dissent – Opinion – Al Jazeera English.
Idler on a hammock 