As people take to the streets to protest the massacre of the 43 Ayotzinapa students who went missing at the end of September 2014, others are showing their support via social media with hashtags such as #YaMeCansé, #EstoyCansado and #FueElEstado. The hashtags and posts hold the Mexican government accountable for the tragedy following the news that local government officials collaborated with a gang to kidnap, execute and dispose of the young people.

‘Ya Me Cansé’

At the end of a recent press conference, the attorney general of Mexico, Jesús Murillo Karam, uttered the words, “Ya me cansé.” These words perfectly reflect the emotions of those who feel overwhelmed and fed up with a society filled with violence and corruption. Incidentally, this simple phrase has fueled one of the many social media campaigns that call for action.

The use of social media in the wake of the heartbreaking news out of Mexico is reminiscent of the Arab Spring in 2010 and 2011. During revolutionary events in the Middle East, protestors and demonstrators used digital technologies to organize rallies, communicate and raised awareness. The messages posted reflected the types of individuals who powered the movement. The growth of people who connected using social media served as an asset where communication and transparency lacked.

#USTired2

Social media gives people a voice when they are otherwise censored or ignored. As a tribute to the #YaMeCanse movement, the #USTired2 mobilization calls for a national day of peace in Mexico on December 3, 2014. Organizers of the movement plan to bring awareness to Plan Mexico, or the Mérida Initiative, in 43 U.S. cities to represent the 43 students. The initiative is a partnership between Mexico and the U.S. to fight organized crime and drug trafficking, as well as protect human rights. Many individuals, however, feel that Plan Mexico fails to address poverty and U.S. demand for drugs.