Jun

Watching CNN, lately, has been bordering on intense. I’m glued to the television this morning, waiting to hear more news on the “illegal” Iranian protests scheduled for today. I almost wish I lived there, so that I could join and show my support for those who want their right to a voice in how their country is run. The determination of the masses, despite being threatened with violence from police and military presence, is nothing short of admirable and dare I say… heroic.

I remember watching almost this exact same situation unfold, nine years ago, in the Federal Republic of Yugoslav. At the time, I was living in Europe, so it was receiving around-the-clock news coverage. From a beaten-up recliner in my tiny living room, I spent countless hours watching a revolution unfold. It started out as passionate protesting, with large groups making their way through Belgrade toward federal buildings. Eventually, due to police and military involvement, things turned violent. Windows were smashed, cars were set on fire, punches were thrown, everyday objects became projectiles.

One of the key turning points of the afternoon was a police station being breached by the crowds. At that point, the news reporters went from all business to joining their audience as intrigued observers, who could just sit back and watch as a revolution became emboldened enough to oust a corrupt government, who gained position through fraud and oppression. We watched as something, which had been building for years, finally boiled over and spilled into the streets. And we watched as the world changed, during the course of an afternoon.

Due to a nearly 100% media blackout from within Tehran, imposed by the Iranian government, the information is sparse and the media coverage is very much unlike the situation in Belgrade. What little information that IS getting out is purely citizen journalism, thanks to the power of social media and mobile technology. Pictures on Twitter, messages on Facebook, narratives in 130 characters via SMS. Uncensored, unfiltered, and as it happens.

Having been part of the social networking/media movement for more than a decade and having worked in the mobile technology sector – directly related to social networking – it makes me so proud to be part of something so important. Even though I have only played a minuscule role, in the development and usage of social media, it makes my heart do backflips to see the way in which it’s being used. So many people dismissed social networking as kids’ stuff and mindless vanity, but here it is… at the forefront of showcasing a rapidly changing world and providing the sole clear window into a situation which our grandchildren will be reading about in history books.

So, while I may not have that beaten-up recliner in that tiny living room or live video from a country’s capitol as an enormous show of dissent takes place… I am still glued to the television and am able to hear reports from the scene, not just from those observing, but from those who are directly involved and determined to have a voice, no matter what the obstacles or price may be.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Jun

Thanks to a nifty app on my iPhone, I can now post from anywhere, at any time. This is being used as a test post to see if the app even works… but if it does, that means I will more than likely start actually using this blog. What a concept!