Complete 6 pages APA formatted article: Will the Revolution Be Tweeted. In that context, the question as to whether the revolutions of the future be tweeted seems narrow and prejudiced, if one interpr

Complete 6 pages APA formatted article: Will the Revolution Be Tweeted. In that context, the question as to whether the revolutions of the future be tweeted seems narrow and prejudiced, if one interprets it from the perspective of the Western media, political thinkers and strategy makers. To make the discussion take a more pragmatic course, it will be very realistic to say that no, the revolutions of the future will never be tweeted. Social media may qualify to be a potent tool in the hands of the revolution, but it is certainly not a very important determinant so far as the success of any political unrest or upheaval is concerned.

It is a fact that the contemporary Middle East witnessed serious mass protests and political upheaval, much of which was recorded, disseminated and supported by the local social media users. However, much of the discourse regarding the analysis and theorizing of the role of social media in the Middle East upheavals is originating in the West. At least it seems to be so, considering the power of the conventional Western media. Moreover, most of the experts theorizing on the political and revolutionary relevance of social media are actually defining the meaning and goals of the political concept of ‘revolution’ in a highly Western-centric way. For instance in his article, Clay Shirky begins the debate on social media, by framing it in the context of the US policy of promoting “internet freedom (Shirky 30).” Further, Shirky goes on to attempt a critique and analysis of the evident US policy, without taking a minute to question the sincerity of the US ideal of “internet freedom (Shirky 30)”. Nowhere does he make mention of the extensive US espionage and monitoring of the traditional and new media in the post 9/11 scenario. For that matter, he totally forgot the WikiLeaks scandal and the consequent hounding of Julian Assange. The Shirky article got published in 2011.