Let’s face it. It’s not that bad in Jordan, after all it’s not a police state. We have a royal family that, for the most part, is decent. They do their best with the little resources that is available. We are the envy of peoples of the Middle East as far as our leadership is concerned. We are relatively free, we don’t worry about a knock at the door in the middle of the night, and in the few instances when that happens, at least, our family and loved ones will definitely know where we are, eventually. But, I am afraid we are falling down in the rankings, as Tunisia and Egypt have overtaken us and Libya soon will, very soon I hope. And so that we don’t fall back in the ranking any further, I propose that we keep the protests going, and increase the number of protesters to at least a million.
But how can we get to this magical number, you may ask?? Easy, make the protest movement a sexy one. Just like the Cedar Revolution was.
First, I propose to move the focal point of the protests away from the Husseini Mosque area to a venue that is more reflective of modern Jordan and Jordanians. The area was perfect in the fifties and sixties, but it’s not in 2011 . In addition the area is very small and it doesn’t fit large enough number of people to force change. You must agree that the protests did not look good on TV. And did not motivate me to participate, at least, physically.
Second, we need to think about a name for the movement(Freedom 2011)(Freedom1.0)(Freedom2.0)if a higher level of action is needed, a color(orange), a logo(a fist) and a slogan((اسمع صوتي . They must be stark, hip, modern and sleek. Yes , branding the movement is a very important factor to attract the attention of the people the media and the one “ who shall not be named”. ( any suggestions).
Third, Define the goal(s). Personally a (Constitutional Monarchy) as a goal is enough but (Social Justice) ,(Fighting Corruption) are catchy and legitimate.(any suggestions). Up to five goals are Ok more than that would be pushing it a bit.
Fourth, a parallel internet campaign to document all the actions being taken and publish it on facebook/twitter/YouTube..etc., Of course, let’s not forget that Social Media is a great organizational and recruitment tool, so start networking if you haven’t done already.
Fifth, women must be encouraged to participate. We encourage them by being respectful and not use the protest to rendezvous. Ladies, your presence will avert or reduce violence, if anyone is thinking of it. So we need your protection. Your presence will register well with the international media, will reflect good on Jordanian women and will create further interest in the goal.
Finally, we need to start thinking about the use of pins, stickers, posters, flyers, banners, wallpaper for mobiles and desktops, t-shirts and baseball caps with the logo on, (orange) ribbons on windows, cars, trees or a lamb posts and encourage people to do the same, because, as the syaing goes, out of sight, out of mind.
The effort that has been invested so far is admirable, but the goals cannot be achieved by doing it one day a week. We need to be visible to everyone, 24/7, not only on Fridays. Let’s make it sexy and get to a million, that's when the change we want becomes inevitable.
