Egyptian Unrest

So current events in the Middle East have taken a sharp departure from the norm latelyand Egypt in particular has had a crazy couple of days. President Hosni Mubarak has been in power for the last 30 years and been the leader of 10 different governments in Egypt. Now, the young people of Egypt have started a revolution to oust him, using the internet as a driving and organizing force. Last Tuesday, a march in Tahrir Square drew over a million people, and many groups have also chosen to question authority, siding with the young people.

To me, one of the most significant aspects of this revolution-in-progress is the fact that the Egyptian government, under the orders of President Mubarak, has shut down cell phone and internet services to the entire country. Egyptians have had to create new ways to spread information and communicate with each other in order to stay organized. Personally, the thought of a government-mandated crackdown on the internet seems impossible, especially in the United States. So what I want to know, is if the United States could ever undergo something like what has happened in Egypt, or if the US is too big (geographically or otherwise) for a shut-down to be effective.

If any of you are interested, here are some more articles on the revolution, including a timeline that’s constantly updated.

Why Should We Question Authority?

Okay so when I was thinking about what to write for the blog this week, the thing that came to mind is "why?" Why should we question authority? Are there times when we should not question authority and obey the government or other authority?

After reading Dr. Faustus, I couldn't help but think about his motives in questioning authority. He began to seek higher power by questioning the authority of God and making a pact with Lucifer. I feel like Faustus' civil disobedience was unnecessary and the power he gained became a corrupting influence. When Faustus actually gains the limitless power that he desires, his plans and ambitions are lowered. By gaining absolute power Faustus ends up performing meaningless tricks instead of the"great" things he planned before. Do you all think that Faustus questioning authority of God was for selfish reasons as well? When I think of Thoreau or MLK questioning authority, I feel like they had legitimate reasoning that would benefit more than just themselves. Are there any examples of individuals that have questioned authority for personal or selfish reasons?

Questioning Authority: Lysistrata

Hi class. Now that I've let Lee make the first move, I guess its my turn to post something!

Although Lysistrata is a comedic play, it deals with some very serious issues. Some of which still exist today. As we decided in class, however, a sex strike to stop a war would probably not be quite so successful in modern society. However, are there any contemporary situations where such acts of deprivation could work? If not sex, then is there anything else which could be withheld to convince society of something? MLK Jr and Ghandi are two very famous examples of where peaceful strikes have succeeded, are there any other examples recent times? Also, as modern capitalists, what would you be willing to give up for a cause and what could be taken away from you to make you support a cause?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8025457.stm

Thanks for reading, I look forward to reading your responses!

And just for fun, Extra Credit if you can guess what animal this is:
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Questioning Authority Post from Lee

Hey guys, this is Lee. I was just thinking about what my topic should be, and I think this question may spark a lot of debate. Many people have started blaming the Tea Party for "encouraging" Jared Loughner and others like him to act out violently against those that disagree with them.

While these comments may or may not have basis in fact, it raises some interesting questions about the very rights we as Americans hold near and dear. What should be the limits, if any, of freedom of speech? Is there a point where questioning authority is not healthy for society and/or the individual?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. :) Enjoy!

Revised Blog

Hello, all!

Excellent first discussion class today. I just wanted to pass on how happy I am that you are all so engaged and enthusiastic!

As I mentioned, Cori is no longer taking this class. So, I need to move the blog schedule around a bit. Instead of having Bridget and Jane post on February 3rd, I'm going to move Jane to April 7th. Also, Group Two, she's obviously no longer in your group. :)

Please let me know if you have any questions about this!

Thanks!

Groups

Hello!

Below are the groups and the texts/themes they have chosen so far:

Group One: Bridget, Christian, Mariana, Eric, Jimmy
Text: Night, Elie Wiesel
Theme: Questioning religion

Group Two: Jane, Cori, Carly, Miranda, Amanda, Sam
Text: TBA
Theme: TBA

Group Three: Jesus, Meagan, Ben, Lee, Amy, Tony
Text: A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini
Theme: Questioning gender roles

Blog Schedule

Hello, everyone!

Below is the blog schedule:

January 27: Lee and Sam
February 3: Bridget and Jane
February 10: Mariana and Meagan
February 17: Amanda and Jesus
February 24: Miranda and Carly
March 3: Eric and Jimmy
March 10: No blog (spring break)
March 17: No blog (spring break)
March 24: Christian
March 31: Tony
April 7: Cori
April 14: Amy
April 21: Ben
April 28: Kathryn