As Egypt howls and history tweets

The quote “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a well-known one attributed to the British historian Lord Acton (nineteenth century). What is rarely discussed after someone quotes these words are the different ways that power can and does corrupt.

The assumption is that too much power diminishes an individual’s capacity or inclination to render “good works” on behalf of others. At the same time, it increases his or her capacity or inclination to generate malice in the world.

When watching TV reports and reading Internet posts about Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s attempt to stand down protesters calling for his removal, the 82-year-old does not come across as someone whom power has enticed to consciously wreak havoc in the lives of people he claims to love and serve. Writing from this distance of many miles across the Atlantic Ocean, it seems more as if power has convinced him that he is doing the one most important thing he can do on behalf of his country by struggling to hold on to a position he has occupied for nearly 30 years.  But from the images of people weeping, dying, and shouting in the streets of Cairo, Alexandria, Mansoura, and Aswan, it is clear that history is begging—and in many cases tweeting–– to differ.

Chaos or Revolution?

The headlines at the bottom of the screen on CNN television reports on the protests in Egypt describe it as “Egypt in Chaos.” However, when the New York-based Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy spoke on one of those broadcasts, she said the following:

“This is an historic moment in the history of my people. I urge you to use the word ‘revolt’ instead of ‘chaos.’” In accordance with her request, that is the term which will be used in this column.

As he battles to make good his vow to hold on to power, President Mubarak creates the image of someone looking at the world through the window of one century while those he was elected to govern are assessing their place in that same world through the window of a newer century. It is a strangely terrifying and yet thrilling episode to watch.  His view from the window of the previous century came into focus following the assassination of President Anwar Sadat in 1981. It is colored by the blood spilled at that time, by honored traditions, by unchallenged forceful authority, and by fear.

The view through the window of the new century has been formed by the inevitability of time: in a country of 80 million people, more than half are under the age of 40 and do not know how to accept the social structures which seemingly have been kept in place by a single person, and which for them have not led to prosperity or progress or genuine peace. In a Global Village where connectivity via social networks has all but erased geographical boundaries, they reject the idea that they must live in perpetual poverty and cultural isolation in order to remain true to their faith.

An Evolved Vision of Possibilities

The Internet, as valiantly represented in the media by Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks did not create the new century but has played a major role in the evolved vision of possibilities for this century. And there is no doubt, that unlike some authority figures in the world, it has empowered that vision of possibilities in some extraordinary ways. The ability to connect provided by the Internet enhanced the ability to communicate. The ability to communicate enabled the ability to act en masse.

Ironically enough, it was just under two years ago that U.S. President Barack Obama address the people of Cairo with a speech that included several passages that could be interpreted as predictions of the moment at hand. One such passage was this:

“…All people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights…”

And as so many throughout history have demonstrated in countries around the world–– just as the people of Egypt are demonstrating at this moment–– they are rights that inspire human beings to struggle in order to claim them.

by Aberjhani, National African American Art Examiner
founder of Creative Thinkers International
and co-author of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance

More Notes on the Global Village in January 2011

• Articles by Mona Eltahawy
• Black History Month Enhanced by International Year for People of African Descent
• Report on 2011 International Year part 2: the quest of Patrick Lozes
• Blogs by Patrick Lozes
• Download the UN Resolution on the 2011 International Year for People of African Descent