February 2014, what a month for the world - seemingly everywhere you looked there's been unrest. Economic meltdown's, corrupt politicians, people standing up against dictatorships and oppressive regimes, or protesting the need for a major sporting event and the financial drain it brings in a developing country, struggling with crime and poverty. In South Africa alone we've seen so many protests in the last couple of years (many turning violent) that in a way it almost feels normal to see images like these; in a way it almost feels like 'we're not alone'. I wrote a piece on the 'culture of violence in SA' - which is something that many public figures have voiced concern over, but looking at the unrest in the world, it seems like that culture permeates all over, because when pushed to the edge, its only message politicians seem to hear.
Here's a flash look at what's been going on, spanning across 4 continents.
*Warning: Some images contain graphic material that may offend sensitive viewers.*
Ukraine, Kiev: - What a difference a couple of weeks can make... innocent victims, a deposed president, and if outside forces (Russia) get involved, this will turn into a civil war:
Here's a flash look at what's been going on, spanning across 4 continents.
*Warning: Some images contain graphic material that may offend sensitive viewers.*
Ukraine, Kiev: - What a difference a couple of weeks can make... innocent victims, a deposed president, and if outside forces (Russia) get involved, this will turn into a civil war:
--- >>> "5 Reasons why Ukraine is Rioting"
A peek inside the palatial estate of deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych
Bosnia and Herzegovina: "After 22 years of being bullied Bosnians are desperate, and must protest... Since the war we have been told to accept our status as victims. Now we are demanding change – and an end to corruption"- "The 85 wealthiest oligarchs in the state are collectively worth $9bn: this "wealth" was looted either via corrupt laws or by siphoning off money from the international community designed to prevent a return to conflict." - theguardian.com - this in addition to the economic crisis.
Brazil: the posters say it all
Thailand: Anti-Gov protests apposing the ruling party (dictatorship) which has won the last 5 elections.
Venezuela, Caracas: "Caracas protesters vow to turn Venezuela into another Ukraine"
Libya, Benghazi: "The killings of two more policemen in Benghazi on Wednesday (February 26th) sparked protests by angry young residents."
[Image Credits: buzzfeed.com, thechive.com, theguardian.com, presstv.ir, dailymail.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, msnbcnews.com, latino.foxnews.com, ibtimes.com, youmiddleeast.com, latimes.com]
From these images we're reminded again of how similar we all are, with the same desires and motivations... and how corruption is rife the world over. Here in SA, as in much of the world, those in power still fail to heed these old quotes
“People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
― Alan Moore, V for Vendetta
“A government afraid of its citizens is a Democracy. Citizens afraid of government is tyranny!”
― Thomas Jefferson
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