Revolution of the mind by Mostafa Bassim

Public Project

Revolution of the mind

Copyright Mostafa Bassim 2024

Date of Work Jan 2016 - Ongoing

Updated May 2019

Topics Activism, Documentary, Human Rights, Photography, Photojournalism

In the aftermath of Egypt’s 2011 uprising, many of the country’s youth have learned hard lessons about the realities of civic activism, often being subjected to intense forms of political repression by the state. Ever since, Liberal youth has faced intense social repression from within their own communities when attempting to express progressive thoughts and ideas that run contrary to traditional practices and norms. “Revolution of the Mind” portrays the traumatic accounts of Egyptian youth have been subjected to civilian-led smear campaigns due to their criticism and/or reinterpretation of the dominant political and cultural order in the post-revolution era. This project delves into the ways in which ordinary Egyptian citizens reinforce the state’s authoritarian model of all-out mind and body control. The type of tactics employed by the state to repress political dissidents are also often used by community leaders at a local level to guard against what are deemed as “dangerous” values. Taking part in the revolution caused me to think critically in a way that led me to reject much of the social status quo pervasive in my community. However, I soon began to face opposition from neighbors for expressing non-traditional social beliefs when I began to more openly challenge societal norms on social media. My neighbors eventually took it upon themselves to tarnish my reputation within the community at large. I eventually found myself subjected to an unbearable form of both mind and body control. Since moving out, I’ve sought out other individuals who have undergone similar experiences. This photo series seeks to capture our stories and has come to be known collectively as: Revolution of the mind.

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