Activists Quote by Wadah Khanfar
“The Arab spring that began in 2010 was driven by the educated youth who were connected to the outside world. They had visions of liberal politics derived from social networks. They used innovative means to spread awareness and to network among activists.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Al Jazeera, "The Arab Spring: Youth and Technology", 2011
Educated, connected youth sparked the Arab Spring using social media to envision and spread liberal ideas.
In simple terms: Youth used tech to push political change.
Key Takeaway
Leverage networks for social impact.
Themes
youth
technology
political change
Mood
analytical
hopeful
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- protests
- online campaigns
- grassroots organizing
Key Concepts
social media
activism
liberalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can movements stay resilient without constant connectivity?
- What role do offline networks play?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on tech can limit reach in low‑connectivity areas.
![“These [Arab] youth who have been inspired by universal values are idealistic enough to imagine a magnificent future and, at the same time, realistic enough to balance this kind of imagination and the process leading to it - not using violence, not trying to create chaos.” quote by Wadah Khanfar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c4/wadah-khanfar-19418_activism_these-arab-youth-who-have-been-inspired_837868.jpg)
![“Some kinds of activists are more willing to try stuff out, see if works and think on their feet, but some of the people who are working on [change] find that very difficult: They've been schooled into thinking you have to come up with the perfect plan in advance. It has become a bit technocratic.” quote by Duncan Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d17/duncan-green-20105_activist_some-kinds-of-activists-are-more-willing_57391.jpg)
