Mona Eltahawy is Blogging for Social Change

Mona Eltahawy captivated the audience during her presentation Wednesday in the Regents Room of the University of Oklahoma student union. Eltahawy’s presentation on Blogging for Social Change detailed the various reasons and events that led to the beginning of her blogging career, and the importance of blogging to change the world.

Eltahawy’s blogging career began in 2005 when an Egyptian man was arrested for running an internet forum with an anti-government tone. She believes that the internet could be used for more than just socializing. If used correctly, the internet can become a tool for social change.

 “People say that blogs can’t make a difference, but if the blogs aren’t changing anything, why do the Presidents and Kings try to stop them?” she said.

Another major event that lead to the transformation of Eltahawy’s journalistic style was the terrorist attacks on September 11.

“The change for me was to stop being objective because I was sick and tired of objectivity. I wanted to tell everybody how I felt,” said Eltahawy, who was angered and saddened that the attacks were carried out in the name of her religion. “The point of blogging is to get online and you share with the world, how you feel. And so I started writing opinion pieces because I didn’t want to pretend anymore that I was gonna present this side, and I'm gonna present that side.”

So what can you do to create your own change? Eltahawy suggests using Myspace and Facebook to get your message out, instead of for flirting and party announcements.

“Social media has connected protesters and amplified their voice,” she said. “You’re filling up an empty room by following people on Twitter and Facebook. You must get involved with the conversation.”

To become involved with social change, you can log onto www.peace.ou.edu for more information, and to post your opinions.