Yesterday I wrote a statement
for IFLRY on the current situation in Burma. I know that there is some
controversy over whether to refer to Burma or Myanmar, but as I know
that many pro-democracy NGOs in the West are still using Burma (for
example the Burma centers), I'm just following their precedent.
Now that the situation is getting grimmer and grimmer, it is
questionable whether one of the calls in the statement (to avoid the
bloodshed) will hold much longer. In one of the several Facebook groups
set up on the issue, there is growing concern (in particular among
Burmese students abroad) that a same sort of scenario is unfolding as a
little less than 20 years ago.
The big question is always what to do as an outsider (as many of us
are) in order to help these brave protestors. While many often simply
do not have the illusion they can do anything at all, some
others may even put into perspective the very complicated history of
Myanmar with for example its huge ethnic diversity (as was just
outlined to me by a Swiss friend of mine who's currently studying in Singapore), and the need for a strong government to keep those forces in control.
Nevertheless, I personally do believe in the ability to be part of
some sort of change while being an 'outsider'. I know that there are
several solidarity actions taking place around the world, like for
example the one in London which takes place every day in front of the Burmese embassy (for Burmese embassies in other countries, check here).
It would be too long a discussion to go into all the pros and cons of
the potential added value of such actions, but in short: the news of
such actions taking place do reach the opposition movements in Burma (for sure those in exile), and
such shows of global solidarity (as opposed to apathy) are the corner
stone of a more universal morality in which our desire for freedom and
democracy do not stop at our borders but extend to all human beings, no
matter where they are.
I had never thought I would be saying this, but: go Monks!
From: http://bartwoord.wordpress.com .