Since December, there has been violent protests geared by the young and well-educated of Tunisia. This North African nation is currently in a hot mess, since the amount of college graduates is growing at a rate out-pacing the slowing economy.
The violence has reportedly claimed the lives of 23 people, but according to BBC.com, opposition activists say the number is at 50.
This situation is rather frightening, but brings up some interesting thoughts about democracy and eerily reminds me of Sarah Palin's "Blood Libel" video. Even though many of the things she said seemed to have lacked any regard or thought (most notably calling the words of those who disagree with her "Blood Libel"), she did mention the right of free speech does not mean violence. If I were in Tunisia right now, and a recent college graduate looking for a job, I would be very upset with the combo of high prices and the lack of jobs and want to know what the hell is going on, but I would also not vandalize or harm a fellow citizen. There are more peaceful but forceful (and legal) ways to get your point out. And like with most laws, there are loopholes.
I am all about getting people angry to the point that they want to be active in making our country the best it can be. However, people need to channel that anger into passionate and tactful discourse to bring better awareness and education. Violence usually just causes more violence and rarely solves anything. For a well educated group of young people, for them not to realize this is ridiculous.
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