QuickWrite: The Spark of Revolution

Very early in the year, revolution has spread all over the Middle East; Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Algeria. But this series of revolt differs from history. The revolutionaries strive for their goal without violence. They strive to change their nation without destroying it. They strive for a new brand of brand of revolution.

But why would so many minor nations suddenly be filled with protest for change? There is no proof that all the revolts are organized. There is no proof that there is any direct connection at all. The cause for all these revolutions lie in the ashes of an individual who gave their lives to speak out: The Burning Man.

On December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, a fruit seller from Tunisia, set himself alight in protest of the Tunisian government, who had just confiscated his goods. He did not survive the incident. However his act catalyzed the 2010-2011 Tunisian Revolution, which resulted in a change of government without civil war or military involvement.

Over the course of thirty days after “the burning man” incident, others had become inspired to revolutionize their country. The “burning man” became the “burning men” as others followed Bouazizi’s act to reach their voices to their own countries. On Febuary 11, 2011, Hosni Mubarak, the president of Egypt for 30 years, stepped out of power after weeks of rioting in the streets. Third World countries all over the Middle East are in the process of protesting. A mere fruit seller from Tunisia has become a hero all over the region, the “spark of revolution”, if you will.

Amazingly though, this process was analyzed almost twenty years before this period by George Orwell; documented in his book “Animal Farm”. Mohamed, “the burning man”, bears a large resemblance to Major, the boar at the beginning of the book who gave a speech that inspired the animals to revolt. Both Mohamed and Major spoke out against the system, and gave a vision to their audience of the future. Major gave a speech that inspired the animals to revolt in the view of a brighter future. Meanwhile, Mohamed set himself aflame to bring attention to his treatment, allowing the citizens to see the result if the system stayed the same. Either way, both revolutionized their nation through their actions.

AF Chapter 11: Andy Tsang - Pedro Vargas

XI

OVER the next month, rebellion was on the tip of the animals’ tongue. Riots had broken out. Secret meetings were held. Some even believed that the dogs had become convinced to join their cause. Although the animals only knew of this as a rumor, from hen to hen, from cow to cow, one thing was clear: The pigs must be thrown out.

     One morning, Clover had woken up from a protest held outside the barn. The animals walked in an organized fashion, taking identical steps and singing Beast of England. As she observed quietly from her stall, she noticed Benjamin marching in front of the others, apparently leading them.

     Then, he stopped, and all the animals behind him halted. “Comrades”, he shouted, “we have endured the pain of enslavement for too long. Our farm is a hollow shell of the one it sought to become.”

     “Years ago, to prized boar known as Major gave his speech of a vision where all animals were equal; where all animals could eat as much as they worked and would in turn joyously work as much as they ate. But look at us now. Look at our farm.”

     “Comrades, we rebelled against the humans to fulfill that vision. But instead, we now work for the pigs; maybe even harder than we had to for the humans. They have merely enslaved us with a false sense of freedom. Comrades, this is not true freedom! This is not what we fought for at the Battle of Cowshed! This is not Animal Farm.”

     At that, all the animals sang Beast of England at the top of their lungs, and then another three times. When the finished, they charged towards the windmill, where the dogs joined in on the riot. “This cursed monument was formed from the blood and sweat of us animals”, shouted Benjamin. “Yet it has not ever been used for us! Let it now be used to overthrow the pigs! We will destroy it and use its shattered pieces to attack the oppressors.” The animals charged towards the windmill, knocking it down from the base. Tumbled and smashed on the ground, each animal gathered their share of debris and threw it at Mr. Jones’ house, where the pigs had been hiding during the revolt.

     After all the debris was thrown at the house, the animals could only stare at the broken windows. Some began to remember the commandment “No animal shall kill any other animal”. None of the animals were brave enough to enter the farm and finally eradicate the pigs. But then, one of the dogs took a step towards it, and then another. Soon enough, all the animals followed the dogs into the farmhouse. But there were no pigs to be found. As they investigated, the animals noted that the backdoor to the house was open, along with a gaping hole along the fence behind it.

     Throughout the next couple of days, new foundations were laid in remembrance of Major’s dream. The seven commandments were revived, along with an eight

     8. No animal shall rule over any other animal.

     The leader of the dogs, Maxito, had been placed in charge of the farm for the dog’s bravery during The Battle of the Pighunt, as it was now named. Benjamin and Clover became advisors to enforce the new commandment. The farm was re-named Animal Farm, in respect for Major’s vision. Everyone could sense that there was a bright future for Animal Farm.

     Not long after the new system was put into place, The Sunday meetings were recreated. Every Sunday, Maxito announced new regulations to adopt and the animals would vote for them. Almost every week, the laws were unanimously passed because they were usually supportive of the other animals. During the first meeting, he had announced that Animals would get food rations based on their product output, which most saw as a benefit to the farm. The next week, Maxito announced that the previous one had motivated the animals so much that they would receive double their original ration, which was obviously passed. Not long after, votes were routinely not taken, because nearly every animal would have voted for the law to be passed anyways.

     One Sunday, Maxito announced that he felt more dogs should be put into power, because they were the ones who led to rest of the animals. Almost all the animals agreed; all but Benjamin and Clover. The next day, the three of them had a meeting in barn, where the two advisors made clear their point. “Comrade”, Benjamin started, “the law just passed is in violation of the Eighth Commandment. If more dogs are in power, then during the council they will make up a majority, and will surely pass and veto any law the dogs please.”

     “If this happens”, Clover joined in, “then surely the dogs will be ruling over the other animals”.

     “Comrades”, said Maxito, “I understand your concern. But let me show you the truth! Come with me and I will show you why this law must be passed.” He led them out through the gate of the farm, and past the horizon, where the more secretive meetings were held. The other animals waited at the farm. Hours later, Maxito returned alone. He told the curious animals that, “I have sent them on a mission to spy on Mr. Pilkington. We believe that he is attempting to restore the power of the pigs.” Most of the animals believed him, especially the other dogs.

     The next day, more dogs were placed into power as temporary regents until Benjamin and Clover returned, in respect for the newly passed law. Maxito appointed Polo, a furry dog with untrimmed black hair, and Camilla, a female dog who was rumored to be his Maxito’s sweetheart when they were younger. He stated that he needed advisors who were experienced in the wrongs of the pigs, and those two were the closest to it with Benjamin and Clover gone.

     Then, on a particularly foggy morning, the animals awoke to the sound of squawking beyond from outside the barn. Moses was outside flying in a circular motion. They were familiar with his formation; he had big news. Once all the animals finished gathering around, he swooped down. “I have news!” he exclaimed, “You must see for yourself! Follow me!” He led the animals outside the farm. As the animals followed him, they noticed two shadows at the horizon. As the animals got closer, the shadows began to make out shapes. Soon, some of the animals gasped, followed by others. Soon all the animals could make out the shapes. It was Benjamin and Clover, apparently mauled by dogs.

     At that sight, all the animals realized the true intentions of the dogs - nothing more than that of the pigs. And Moses, with a changed expression on his face, stood in front of the dead bodies.

     "We must revolt!" he said...