Revolution outside Tahrir

All eyes are on Tahrir. It has been – and still is – the focal point for protests, activists and opposition. It has witnessed one of the most peaceful revolutions as well as the bloodiest violence. Hundreds were killed with Molotov cocktails, bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters. Tens of thousands were attacked by camels, horses and batons. People died there, people still stuffer.

Hundreds are still camping in Cairo’s Tahrir square calling for reforms, and trying to push for their demands until this moment.

But the revolution was not only in Tahrir. Protests took and still take place in other provinces in Egypt. And the suffering of people is not confined to squares.

I remember during the 18-days of protests between January 25 and February 11, I went to a hospital nearby Tahrir to try to find out the number of those injured and killed in the camel attack day. There I met the family of one man who died (here is the story I wrote back then http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/features/article_16168...)

But the revolution is not only about suffering. It is about hope and change.

I got this broadcast message few days ago about a young photographer who announced he will be at a bookshop on a certain day and if you want him to take your photo you have to pay 20 Egyptian pounds (which is less than 4 dollars).

Well, he is really good, so I am sure his photo will be worth the money. But the more important is that the money will go to an NGO that is working on better infrastructure and access to clean water in southern Egypt.

This is just one initiative by one individual that is the answer to all those who accuse protesters of hindering local economy and harming the country. Yes, those people in Tahrir and other squares across Egypt are blocking roads and sometimes government buildings in order to press for demands. And they are successful. After one week sit-in, trials of former officials are now broadcast on TV and a cabinet reshuffle took place.

They still have more demands - including stopping military trials for civilians (http://egyjourno.blogspot.com/2011/07/rights-group-10000-civilians-sente...) - and they are still fighting to get them.

But do you really have to blame them for hindering the economy and slowing down the pace of life in the capital because you have to take a longer route if you are heading downtown?

No, you can be the change you want to see in the world. Do something that can complete what they are doing. Another thing they want to achieve is to establish better work rules for workers for example through their protests. But through few individual acts, you can do something to help like this photographer did.

Use your talents, do something you enjoy to help others. This is the revolution. The country will never change in one day. We need years, but the time can become shorter and even more enjoyable if we all do something we are good at and love for the greater good of the society.