Framing Bouazizi: ‘White lies’,hybrid network,and collective/connective action in the 2010

Abstract

By delving into the detailed account of the Tunisian uprising, this article offers an explanation that sets the 2010 uprising apart from its precursors. The 2010 uprising was successful because activists successfully managed to bridge geographical and class divides as well as to converge offline and online activisms. Such connection and convergence were made possible, first, through the availability of dramatic visual evidence that turned a local incident into a spectacle. Second, by successful frame alignment with a master narrative that culturally and politically resonated with the entire population. Third, by activating a hybrid network made of the connective structures to facilitate collective action – among Tunisians who shared collective identities and collective frames – and connective action – among individuals who sought more personalized paths to contribute to the movement through digital media.

Keywords

Activism Arab Spring Bouazizi collective action framing networks social media social movement Tunisia

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Framing Bouazizi: ‘White lies’,hybrid network,and collective/connective action in the 2010–11 Tunisian uprising

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