The recent uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and several other countries in the Middle East have not only triggered a miraculous emancipation from oppressive regimes, but have also rained inspiration on all of us who were paralyzed by cynicism and a lack of hope for a better world. What we can learn from this glorious moment in history is that our actions can be meaningful in bringing about positive change. No one person or even one group can claim the success for the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. It was the combined efforts of millions of passionate people. We learn from this, that every voice matters, and that the message is stronger when voices are united. Without the unity of Egyptians from all social classes, political parties, and religions, the revolution could not have succeeded.

I am overwhelmed with disbelief but also with pride when I watch the images of protesters in the Middle East. I never thought Arabs had it in them to unite and stand up to monstrous tyrants. I don’t think anyone would have believed this was even a remote possibility but today we watch the powerful voices of the people bring down the most oppressive of regimes.

But what about our freedoms? What about our love for democracy?

It bewilders me and saddens me when I watch people who claim to cherish freedom sit by and do nothing as they watch leaders attempt to crush a revolt against oppression. We have come to expect this double standard from the leaders of the western world, but what about you? What about the everyday person? Why aren’t we raising our voices in solidarity with those fighting for freedom? Why aren’t we demanding from our leaders that they denounce the murder of protestors on the streets? Why aren’t we speaking up for freedom and democracy now?

In graduate program, we discuss the ideas of freedom and democracy at length and with such passion, and so I was shocked to find out that many of my classmates barely knew about what was happening in the Middle East. Not only did they not raise their voices to aid the fight for freedom, but they barely cared to follow this news. What is it that paralyses us from supporting the values we hold most dear?

I am taken aback every time I listen to heart wrenching news of airplanes flying over protestors dropping bombs, or of tyrants hiring mercenaries to kill protestors and then logon to Facebook and find status updates riddles with meaningless personal expressions. We have become a culture obsessed with personal expression, drawn to divulging private details as public news. What space does that leave for real news? Online social media has an amazing potential to provide us with an effective new public sphere, but it continues to be largely used for image construction and self expression.

I would like to end by urging everyone who believes in freedom and democracy to stop taking these sacred rights for granted. Become a part of the historic revolutions taking place. Voice your opinion. Write to your member of parliament. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper. Join a local protest in support of the revolutions. What good is your freedom of speech if you cannot even muster the motivation to use it to stand up for your most cherished beliefs?