10 Things Every Lebanese Should Have Learned From The Revolution
It has been an extraordinary time for Lebanon and the Lebanese people all around the globe. Unexpected and surprising is the least that could be said on that revolution. Lebanon has seen in the last couple of weeks a new non-sectarian unified move. People from all age ranges have participated, and they all got something positive out of it.
#1. The real meaning of democracy and freedom of speech
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For the first time, Lebanon knows no taboos. You are free to give your honest opinion on the corrupted politicians without anyone minding. It wasn't the case just a couple of months ago when people used to get judged and even sued and arrested, for saying what they think about the bloodsucking Lebanese politicians.
Lebanese people have been given space to express themselves peacefully. They have learned how to pass on their messages in funny and often sarcastic ways.
#2. Patience and perseverance
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Lebanese people stayed on the streets for 13 days before the resignation of PM Saad Hariri. It is a new kind of dynamic for Lebanon. No force has managed to stop the people from getting off the streets, day after day, no matter how hard they tried to suppress them.
Roads were closed for 13 days to have their demands fulfilled. The Lebanese have been already patient enough to put up with the corruption of their politicians for years now, but this was something else.
#3. Doing the right thing
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The young, the old, the rich, the poor, men, women, kids, Christians, Muslims, Druze. People from all social aspects and statuses went down to the streets with one unifying principle: Getting the corrupted politicians out.
Lebanese were all standing hand-in-hand doing what they are convinced is right for all people despite their differences. Our people have learned that they are all equal in the injustice taking place and they should not stand still, no more.
#4. Getting more informed, educated and cultivated
Via @alternativetourbeirut
Despite the chaos that was going on in the streets of Beirut, universities such as the American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanese American University (LAU), and Saint-Joseph University (USJ) were strongly present. Tents were brought up, and classes were held in streets and old abandoned iconic buildings such as The Egg.
Young people were largely interested in knowing more about the constitution of the country and the solutions possible. There was even a class about how to maintain mental health during such hard times. Lebanese people have learned that knowledge is the key to change.
#5. You don't have to be on the streets to take part in the revolution
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A lot of people were not able to go down to the streets due to several reasons. They participated despite their inability to be physically present. Social media sure helped them a lot. Painters, actors, activists, writers, singers and even priests.
It is no surprise since a lot of famous artists were part of the resistance at some point in history. Lebanese people have learned alternative and creative ways to resist and express themselves.
#6. Ecofriendly attitude
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"More trash has been recycled in the past 13 days than in the history of the government!" That is what some people have claimed happened in this revolution.