Free

Rereading the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 on Wiki once again reminded me of the time when I had to do research on the Rwandan genocide, although, of course, they are two completely different events. Last night, right after I finished my previous post, news that Hosni Mubarak, president of Egypt for about 30 years finally stepped down after the uprising increased in immensity, and the death toll (of protesters and officers alike) reaching over 300 deaths, spread throughout the mass medias all over the world, especially the Internet, which was also the place I found out about the news, from a tweet by BBC News shown above.

I still cannot get over the fact that for the past two weeks, while I led my too-tedious-even-for-a-documentary-film life, going to school, coming home, attending tuitions, complaining about homework, complaining about Add Math etc, in Egypt, everyone was roaming the streets and there were chaos everywhere and teenagers my age were probably taking part in the protests and demonstrations as well, their lives at potential risk, while in another frame scene, the president was sweating and worrying about the downfall of his regime. How is it that anyone else can continue with their daily routines in life, completely untouched by something as huge as an uprising? (Everytime I type the word ‘uprising’ I am immediately reminded of The Hunger Games, which is basically coming to life in Egypt.)

Out of all the photos circulating around the Internet for the past two weeks, this photo and its caption moved me and my tear glands as well:

Christians protecting Muslims during their prayers.

According to Wikipedia, this scenario occurred on the 6th of February, also dubbed the “Sunday of Martyrs”. Apart from the scene above, this also happened: “Egyptian Christians held mass in the morning in Tahrir Square to counter claims by state television that most of the anti-Mubarak protesters are members of the Muslim Brotherhood. Copts wanted to show that they are a part of Egypt’s popular uprising and share the same grievances as the rest of the country. Christians started their Sunday Mass in Cairo’s Tahrir Square as Muslim protesters formed a ring around them to protect them during the service. Crowds in Tahrir Square chanted “We are one, we are one” ahead of prayers held at noon for those killed during the protests. [source]”

I haven’t heard anything as beautiful as this for such a long time. Humanity still has hope. Other countries should really take this as an example from these admirable Egyptians. These people honestly give me hope. (Cheesiness aside, their courage and perseverance is truly wonderful and laudable.)

If you’ve been observant, you’ll notice there is this SocialVibe widget on the right sidebar and it would do me and a whole lot of other LGBTQ youths a great favour to click it. Once you do, you’re required to play a very simple and brief game, and that’s it! Your click will not be in vain as every click helps and supports The Trevor Project. Honestly, how hard can it be? Your help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

…I’ll also write down an appreciation list for the people who helped. Just comment or in any other way possible tell me that you did and I’ll write long praises for you and tell you how much I love you. Just do it, people!