Week 9 Concept list ( fixed)
Kullab S., (2019). “Tuk Tuk” a newspaper for the Iraqi protest movement. Published by Associated Press News on November 20, 2019. Retrieved from: https://apnews.com/article/d8d7df732d37402b9b366d1eec66bea8
“Leaderless uprising” refers to the phenomenon of social movements that are not initiated, guided or influenced by political parties or figures. These movements are best known for their independence, decentralization and popularity among the public. Examples on leaderless uprising include the Arab Spring Revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria and Yemen.
“Censorship” refers to the government’s policies to forbid groups or people from expressing their opinion or thoughts in media types. The article cites the Iraqi government’s continuous attempts to cut internet access to prevent demonstrators from communicating with each other and expressing their opinions. Other forms of censorship also include blocking TV channels and satellites.
“Alternative media” is the term referring to the publications that deviate from the media controlled and oppressed by authoritarian governments. Alternative media rises from the need of social movements and rebellious groups to publicize their thoughts and to present the reality that will not be presented on government-controlled media or by mainstream media. “Tuk Tuk” presents one form of alternative media in Iraq, whereas “17th of October” is a similar form of alternative media produced in Lebanon as an outcome of the October protests in 2019.
“Grassroot Protest Movement” refers to the social movements that are initiated and driven by social injustice, poverty and unemployment, and they are often acts of the lower and middle classes in society. The term grassroot is the opposite of elites, thus referring to the underground connections, values and dynamics that result from protests and movements motivated by social justice and equality.
Middle East Eye (2019, November 22). Iraqi protest newspaper ‘Tuktuk’ defies internet cuts. Retrieved from: https://www.middleeasteye.net/video/iraqi-protest-newspaper-tuktuk-defies-internet-cuts
“Old School” refers to the traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and radio channels. The opposite of this school is digital media, which is media depending on visuals and interactive communication. “Tuktuk” adopts an “old school” form since it is produced on paper, and distributed through mass circulation. Similar examples include “October 17” newspaper in Lebanon. Such tools are adopted to overcome oppression from authorities over the internet and other digital connections to prevent communication between activists.
“Revolutionary Symbols” are the objects, landmarks and sometimes individuals that are labelled as icons for revolutions. Usually, these symbols are connected to specific events or meanings that relate to a collective emotion among the revolting population. The three-wheeled motorcycle “Tuktuk” was a symbol for the Iraqi Revolution, and this was the reason behind using its name for the revolutionary newspaper. Tuktuks were used by Iraqi protesters to carry the injured
