Social Compulsion and Revolution An Analytical Social Study of Revolutions (Slaves of Rome, Zenj Slaves of Basra and the Arab Spring)

Abstract

The suppressed individuals constantly experience anxiety about their life and future in an environment dominated by violence that is imposed upon them. Suppression and tyranny arise from nature with its disasters, plagues, and diseases, as well as from the human social environment that was shaped by the values, norms, and traditions that dictate the paths of individuals and societies and control their fate. The toughest forms of oppression, repression, and pressure on the individuals often emerge from the social aspect of the environment, which is represented by religion and its values, political authority, and the corrupt political situation in addition to the situation represented by poverty. Any infringement in the behavior made by the individual as he attempts to break the chains of these pressures seeking liberation—even through simple protest or opposition—can expose this individual to serious dangers that threaten his safety and the security of his family and perhaps lead to eliminating him physically. Historical revolutionary events show that injustice, suppression, despotism, and authoritarian tendencies are the main causes and motifs for the outbreak of revolutions. The uprising of the suppressed and aggrieved people requires nothing but a spark or a leader who can utilize the grievances of these enslaved individuals. Thus, this research selected three revolutions from human history that were led by starving and suppressed individuals, namely, the Slaves' Revolt in Rome (73–71 BC), the Zenj Rebellion in Basra (255-270 AH / 869-883 AD) and the Arab Spring revolution (2010-2015), and this was investigated to illustrate the effect of social suppression and injustice on pushing the individuals to revolt and motivating them to sacrifice their lives for the purpose of salvation and change. These individuals find themselves with no options left and with nothing to lose.