An assignment for school:
Social media use combined with civilian unrest has sparked a revolution in Tunisia.
Frustrated with the bleak job outlook, media censorship and government corruption, young Tunisians took to the Internet to let their voices be heard. Individuals organized protests via Facebook, promoted their cause on Twitter, and even started blogs to describe the oppression they faced by the Tunisian government. These citizen journalists caused uproar across all social media platforms, and the crumbling government tried and failed to disrupt the online chatter of protesters. The continued uprising has now overthrown Zine El Abedine Ben Ali, their former ruler, and continues to gain supporters and momentum each day. The following video is a jarring account of the demonstrations that are now taking place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHs4gJKc4GU
The citizens of this nation viewed their access to social media as an opportunity - an outlet for expression - and a call to action. They utilized this freedom to address problems previously ignored or overlooked. How can this sort of individual empowerment shape politics and communication in the future? Does the use of social media create a more democratic society? If yes, do you think this Westernization and move toward being a “global village” has any ramifications?
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