Why isn't anyone paying attention to Myanmar?
:::we can... and should:::
As the worlds media overloads direct our attention to a small handful of global events, some genuinely deserving of attention, others not, countless other stories pass by us with little regard. One example is the ongoing tragedy in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (formerly Burma) where the military seized power in February of 2021, mere months after Aung Saan Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, won the November 2020 election by a landslide. What has erupted in that country since is unthinkable and the fact that the international community has not offered Myanmar the kind of attention and care as it has to say, Ukraine speaks to many of the underlying institutionalized prejudices still clung to by the various forces of modernity.
There are many journalists who can speak to the challenges now faced by Myanmar far better than I can. The situation in Myanmar is extremely complicated. Although I have traveled through Myanmar on several occasions and, due to living very close to its border for most of each year I regularly engage with Myanmar refugees, I still do not fully grasp the details well enough to offer myself as any authority.
Yet, I feel strongly that the people of Myanmar need to be seen, heard and supported.
As such, this week I am not offered my voice but hoping you, the reader, will take some time listen to the voices of Myanmar, to learn more about what is currently going on there and, if inspired, share what you learn with a friend.
I suggest starting your journey with a handful of excellent articles written for Arts Everywhere , “a site that covers a breadth of artistic and creative practices as they relate to social justice and human rights.”
*Linked here are articles of theirs specific to Myanmar: Arts Everywhere Myanmar
Additionally, I wish to inform everyone of an effort being made currently by dear friends of mine to offer financial assistance to those in most need of it within Myanmar at this time. Please, if you are able to help and feel called to contribute to this worthy endeavor, consider doing so. Any contribution you make will be doubled by a generous anonymous donor.
Ah Nyar Institute and Myanmar Friends
Thankyou.
ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်
May all beings be happy and free.