The “Harlem Shake” has gone from being a viral internet epidemic to a serious political statement.
Young revolutionaries are now using the dance as a means of political protest against Egypt’s new Islamist rulers.
Tarek Badr, a 22-year-old law student, tells NBC News, “It’s a funny way to protest how [the Muslim Brotherhood] have taken control of the country. People won’t be silent. They will protest in all ways and this is a peaceful way.“
Badr was one of 100 students doing the “Harlem Shake” in front of the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood. They have dubbed their movement the “Satiric Revolutionary Struggle.”
SRS organizer Noor al Mahalaawi, a 22-year-old engineering student, explains that their objective is to stage innovative protests in front of the party’s headquarters until they get the message. He said that many Egyptians, “do not like their way of rule… with human-rights violations every day.”
We love seeing passionate young activists, like Mahalaawi, using the art of dance to deliver a political message in a positive way. It must be a relief to Egyptians who have been exposed to so much violence and bloodshed in recent months.
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Here are 3 other instances where art has been used as a political tool to further social movements:
1. Most recently, designer Vivienne Tam, renowned for fusing Asian and Western aesthetics, made a political statement by using President Obama’s face all over her Fall 2013 collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. The theme of the collection was “hope and humor.” Tam’s hope was to encourage more social and political awareness among the fashionable crowd using Obama’s “Hope” slogan from his 2008 election campaign.
2. Frank Shepard Fairey, a graphic designer and street artist, created the famous Barack Obama Hope poster. It originally appeared under the pseudonym Obey Giant. Fairey channeled the pop art style of Andy Warhol’s red, blue, and white portraits.
3. Jay-Z was the face of hip-hop nation during Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign. No one else could have done more for the black vote than Jay during Obama’s second run. He performed at a campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio last November, where he changed the lyrics to his song “99 Problems.” Instead he rapped, “If you’re having world problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but a Mitt ain’t one.” Needless to say, it got the people going.
Theresa Dinh is a Staff Writer for GlobalGrind.com. Workamaniac. Southern Girl who just can’t get enough of spicy food, shiny black leggings, and Chris Hedges. Follow her on Twitter @iamsethera
