Brendan Walsh
HWL3
Ms. Parham
3/5/14

Ukraine Blog

           In every major revolution or regime change there is a catalyst. The catalyst is the people. However people use tools to gain the freedoms they desire. It could be violence, literature, social media or a whole host of other things. I believe that the tools the Ukrainians are using are technologys having to do with the internet and social media.

           At the beginning the protests were peaceful but when the government intervened things took a turn for the worse. Violence and chaos erupted throughout Kiev a major Ukrainian city. Protestors captured police brutality on film and have been releasing it to the world through news organizations and social media. The police and military forces suppressing the protestors began doing something very peculiar. In addition to arresting and beating protestors they began smashing people’s phones so the information could not be spread. Information is key. The Egyptian revolution and Arab Spring would not have been possible if not for cell phones and social media. The Ukrainians are taking the same approach.

          News media within the Ukraine have been capturing the situation unfold. News reporters from all over the world have traveled to capture history unfold. The media plays a pivotal point in helping out the Ukrainians seeking independence. Their coverage allows the whole world to see what Russia is doing and creates support for the Ukrainians. Seeing soldiers on the borders of Ukrainian towns inspires everyone to support the Ukrainians.

          In addition to news organizations Russia has been counteracting Ukrainian forces suing social media. Ukraine protestors have been trying to spread the word to others through social media. Russian military and government officials have been taking down theses sites.