Fourth Year Hon. Mention: Resistance as Storytelling: Spreading Hope and Frustration in The 2011 Egyptian Revolution

HUMA 4160, Storytelling, Multicentered Worlds, & Resistance. Course Director: Sherry Rowley

Abstract

“Resistance as Storytelling: Spreading Hope and Frustration in The 2011 Egyptian Revolution” tells its story of how artists, activists, and protestors fought against oppression to create the world anew through storytelling in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. The author takes great care in integrating a great number of primary and secondary sources to present a comprehensive picture of the direct storytelling efforts, illustrating their influence and significance. The essay looks at many different expressions (from graffiti to poetry to embodied protest) and their place and force within the revolutionary moment. From these examples, the author is able to balance the revolutionary expression with an analysis of its deeper theoretical foundation and value. A strength of the essay is in how the author clearly and passionately shows the different ways these counter-narratives effectively opposed state control while offering a space for this community to optimistically imagine a world otherwise. The essay is a compelling snapshot of how individuals might collectively raise their voices against oppressive regimes. In an age where state oppression is all too common, the author reminds us of the power we each harness to speak back against such forces and imagine a better world, and more hopeful alternative stories in it.