Might of the Mundane Protest literature in Cairo was not confined to the dry or simple expression of political goals. Indeed, the culture of Tahrir Square was encouraged by a framework of assurance that increasingly allowed individuals to deviate from or embellish the basic framework of articulating political demands. Under the huge banner that shouted in bold, red text “LEAVE” (see page 10) individuals were able to hold smaller pieces that jabbed, “Leave, my arm hurts.” “Leave, I miss my wife,” etc. This kind of self-aware humor likely buoyed participants facing the simple act of endurance needed to maintain Tahrir Square. Protest energy thus fed itself; protest signs that clearly stated political demands created 16
a space within which related but less specific creative energy could flourish. To suggest that the Revolution affected the daily life of Egyptians is an understatement. However, the way Egyptian protesters incorporated aspects of basic living into protest energy is unique to this movement’s culture of resistance. Pots become helmets, and as the occupation of Tahrir Square stretched from hours to weeks – with some protesters sleeping and eating in the Square – the boundaries between public and private, and between home and politics become obsolete. This gathering of images locates a cultural production that uses
“Leave! I miss my wife; married only 21 days” Photo: Sarah Carr; February 6.
quotidian life as a further expression of political energy. The popular proliferation we saw in the first section becomes personal and with it came the bold declarations of the end of fear. The blurring of political and daily life thus furthers poetic expressions of identity and resistance.