January 25th. This day, one year ago, this date
became a global symbol of a wave of change that reached out across from Arab
nations, to the Eurozone, the Americas, Asia and places across the globe where
once silent voices learnt to roar. January 25th, the day Egyptians
took to the streets, the day Tahrir Square became a physical and psychological
home for millions seeking a future in their homeland, and the day the world’s
cameras put the zoom lens on the seeds of global revolution.
One year on, and the power of the people is redefining the
people in power, in political, economic and religious centres across the world,
redefining where nations are going.
Defining ‘next’, however, begs the question: where are we
now?
Changes are underway in nations that had their foundations
shaken and shattered in 2011. Once again, Egypt provides a global window
through which to view progress and potential of the region. As happened
smoothly in Tunisia at the end of 2011, slowly, step by step, the political
processes are unfolding, with Egyptians now standing up and stepping forward to
make their mark on the new blueprint of the nation. Temperatures have risen,
tempers have flared and tests to stability of the process have occurred. Still,
slowly, slowly, the process moves forward.
If 2011 taught us anything, it is this: democracy demands
participation, revolution demands patience, leadership demands faith, and revolution demands taking
responsibility. These truisms cannot be
left behind as part of last year’s learnings.
Why? Because the revolutions that occurred in 2011 were not
the end, they were only the beginning. And, importantly, there is no guarantee
of their outcomes.
The millions who took to the streets in Egypt year ago,
swiftly and successfully overthrowing their well-entrenched ruler of over 30
years, now look to the future questioning what will become of their country
should the democracy that they fought for vote in leaders that they did not put
their ‘X’ beside. What will happen to freedoms of expression, participation,
recreation and identity? What if moving forward ends up taking us back?
The same questions can be posed when looking across the
globe at other locations of protest. What if the 1% step back and let the 99%
take the reins? Are the 99% prepared to deal with the ‘what next?’ Are the Greeks prepared to start paying taxes? Are
the Americans prepared to stop living off of credit card based wealth. Are
watchful eyes observing illogical financial activity prepared to give their
grey hair and gut feelings a voice?
Clearly, protesting is one thing. Participating is quite
another.
Across the map, through 2012 , the path to reform, recovery
and real stability is just starting to show its first footprints. With each
step, careful consideration of consequences is critical. A new rhythm will be
found, one that feels right. Especially if we all stand up and face the music.
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012
Posts
