❊ Should We Be Using the Term “Arab Spring” ?

Rami Khoury doesn’t like it:

I suspect that the popularity of the “Arab Spring” term across the Western world quietly mirrors some subtle Orientalism at work, lumping all Arabs as a single mass of people who all think and behave the same way. It might also hide another troubling factor: Many quarters of many Western lands remain hesitant in fully acknowledging — let alone embracing or supporting — the implications of free Arabs pursuing self-determination who have the power to define their countries and shape their national policies.

I’m filing this as a case of over thinking and needless victimization. He might have some valid reservations, but him deciding to stop using the term is to ignore its tremendous marketing value.

The association of the word “spring” with positive and optimistic qualities made it easier for mainstream observers all over the world to support the freedom seekers. The word “revolution” (which Mr. Khoury prefers), although arguably more accurate, brings with it a heavy baggage of dark associations of wanton violence, anarchy and crazy social engineering.

Tweeting in support of the “Arab Spring” is cool. Tweeting in support of the “Arab Revolution” pigeonholes you as a fringe extremist. When I hear “revolution”, I hear “Bolivarian” (Chavez’ Venezuella) or “Islamic” (Khomaini’s Iran). Nobody wants to support that. Even western politicians find it more defensible to support the “Arab Spring” than supporting the “Arab Revolution” (just imagine Obama, Sarkozy or Cameron, awkwardly justifying to their constituents the merits of spending their money to support “Arab revolutions”)

But then again I’m Beirut Spring. So maybe I’m just biased..