Internet Freedom

I used to think of the world as this happy place and that everyone gets to enjoy their freedoms and do what they please. As we read this week, Egypt has had anything but freedom of the press, speech, and more. The words of their people are suppressed and their beliefs are shattered. The people Egypt had and continue to have limited rights in what they say and do. The government calls upon its people so neighbors spy on neighbors and brothers tell on brothers. It is a horrible cycle that leaves people few to trust. But that is where the internet comes into play. In this instance, the internet is doing all the right things. It is providing a space for people to come and share information, organize gatherings, and speak for the people who have been shut out. It provided the Egyptian people a place to feel safe, even if only a little. They were able to organize and protest the wrongful death and imprisonment of dozens. Quickly the government caught on and began to shut down many internet pages, but the people found a way to connect. It’s a beautiful thing that people can join together and help one another. The internet gave them a sense of freedom they never have in the outside world. I thought hard about what would happen if American officials decided to begin imprisoning on faulty charges, cutting off our right and ability to free speech, and oppressing us. I wonder if we would simply lash out in looting, stealing, and ruining the cities? Or would we do as the Egyptians did and gather online to begin our fight? In this situation, I like to think I would stand up and join the people online, but the thought of a lengthy prison sentence and interrogation is scary. As an American, I have never really had to think about this and it puts my privileges in check. I am blessed to have the freedoms I do and I am thankful I can speak out both online and off. We live in a place of great opportunity that allows us to say what we want and do as we please. Imagining living somewhere that would fight against those basic rights is terrifying and I hope to never have to know those pains.