The Collective Evolution III: The Shift
This is the third part of a series on collective evolution, in which the authors claim that there is a rebellious wave that is shaking every aspect of our planet. People are waking up, they are taking to the streets, they are being educated, they are demanding change. As we grow weary of our current habits, the days of silent citizenship seem numbered. In 2011, Time magazine selected the “protester” figure of the year.
As they themselves explain in their cover story, “massive and effective street protests” was a global oxymoron until—suddenly and shockingly—exactly a year ago, it became An iconic trope of our time. Protesters are historians again.
Since 2000, millions of people in more than 100 countries around the world have protested for reasons ranging from economics to the truth about 9/11. In some cases, peaceful protests have even led to the overthrow of governments in power. Just to name a few notable protests: In 2010 and 2011, more than 600,000 people protested against new austerity measures in Greece. Dissatisfied with unemployment and the state of the economy, the Greek people decided to take to the streets to vent their anger.
In 2011, the Occupy movement emerged, bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from more than 95 countries to raise awareness about wealth inequality, political corruption, and corporate influence in government. Also in 2011, more than 6 million people demonstrated in Spain due to political and financial unrest. It was a month-long protest.
In 2011, Egyptians continued this trend and rebelled against voter fraud and other socioeconomic factors. Millions took to the streets, effectively overthrowing their government. In 2013, Egyptians got involved again, this time in protests over economic and security issues. Once again they succeeded in overthrowing their government to bring about change.
Turkey also saw a massive uprising in 2013, with protesters demanding the protection of Taksim Göz Park, hoping to raise awareness about police brutality and freedom of expression, and to urge the government to step down. 2013 was also home to a march against Monsanto. More than 2 million people from 52 countries participated.
These are just some of the unprecedented protests that have taken place in recent years. That’s not to say that protests are the solution to the world’s problems, but we’re seeing clear signs that people are tired of the status quo. Ordinary people defend themselves and demand change.
