While most Georgetown students were enjoying turkey and family time, one of our fellow students found himself incarcerated by a violent military regime. Derrik Sweeney had been studying abroad in Egypt, but was forced to bring his semester to an end after being arrested near Cairo’s Tahrir Square during the country’s most recent pro-democracy protests. Along with two other American students, Sweeney was captured after the demonstrations turned violent, and was accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at security forces. After a series of horrifying nights in custody, Sweeney and the others fortunately returned home Sunday.
Although he risked his life by putting himself in such a situation, Sweeney demonstrated a level of political concern and awareness often absent from students abroad. Too many Georgetown students spend time in other countries primarily for social and relaxation purposes. Often, they purposefully travel to cities in which the academic courses are less challenging, the drinking age is lower, and the party scene is crazier than on the Hilltop. Sweeney most certainly does not belong to this category of students, as demonstrated by his imprudent but socially conscious actions.
Sweeney showed that studying for a semester in a foreign country goes well beyond academics. It is about absorbing the culture, the moment, the feelings of the people. The Jefferson City, Mo. native said that he still thinks “going to the protests was a smart decision,” and although he sympathizes with the movement, he said he “could’ve stayed away from the most violent scenes” in an interview with the Voice.
He is certainly correct. The people in Tahrir square have a legitimate right to fight an institution trying to consolidate autocratic power (again) rather than assisting a transition towards democracy. Egyptians have already paid a high price in April against Mubarak’s forces. They deserve immediate representation, and Sweeney recognized this.
Of course, it is obviously more rational and to stay away from situations of violence and high risk. The U.S. State Department had submitted a caution warning on the situation, and Sweeney admitted that disregarding it was not prudent. He says it seems “silly” now not to have stayed in a safer position. Yet, he does not regret participating. His means, he seems to suggest, were irresponsible, but the end of experiencing the Arab Spring was not.
It is clear that Sweeney could have avoided putting himself and his friends in danger in an unstable and unpredictable country. Yet, students should look at the example he set in his experience. It is essential for students abroad not to focus merely on academic ease and social life. Rather, students should engage actively in the political situation of their new home, especially when it features moments of social and political upheaval. Derrik Sweeney’s experience may not display responsibility in action, but it certainly displays a responsible attitude of how a student should approach a study abroad opportunity.
