New protest method against dictators

Protesters in Minsk

When flash mobs started up a few years back, there was concern by repressive governments that they could be a vehicle for government protesters to organize. That has proven very true during this year's Arab spring and summer. So what's the next thing? How about clapping protests or cell-phone protests?

Read this Times article about how protesters in Russia and Belarus are gathering and then showing their disdain for their government by clapping. The police are aware of the tactic and are arresting people for even these ludicrous reasons, causing the protesters to resort to protesting by having their phones ring simultaneously.

What does this leave us with? Repressive governments arresting people for having their phones go off! It is an interesting form of free speech and non-violent protest that results in people being charged with...what exactly? I like the trend. Keep it up people!

Social Networks Fueling Protests

When I first read about flash mobs back in 2003 I was amused. But hidden in the article was a question of whether this technology could be used for protests. Seattle's anti-globalization protests were one of the first to use it. I'm sure lots of repressive governments saw the potential at the same time and started preparing. NY Times 2003 flash mob article

But the biggest show of using social networks to protest a dictatorship is still going on in Egypt.

Wael Ghonim, a Google marketing man, just got out of an Egyptian jail after 10 days of blindfolded imprisonment. He admitted to being one of the people who set up the Facebook page protesting the death of Khaled Said, who was beaten to death by Egptian police while in custody. No wonder Egypt has shut down Facebook and Twitter.

There is a new type of leader emerging. Reluctant, perhaps, but still powerful. Let's see how this works out.

Video of Wael Ghonim discussing the protests:

Watch him here addressing the crowds. Not much of a rabble-rouser but he brought the crowd together. To what end?

Here's an article about Wael Ghonim setting up the facebook page: NY Times article about facebook page

And here are some of my favorite flash mobs. Enjoy!

Hallelujah Chorus:

Grand Central Freeze: