Google "Burma" and you will find (1) stories about Angelina Jolie's wanting to adopt a Burmese baby girl, then (2) news that the month-long peaceful pro-democracy rising is about to face-what many dread-a Tiananmen-style crackdown.
It all started in August when the Burmese military junta quintupled fuel prices overnight. Surprise, surprise, I thought. This had almost become the signature move by one of world's most repressive, impulsive regimes.
In the days and weeks that followed, small groups of protesters took to the streets. How brave, risking jail and torture like that, I relished. Then last week, in face of government resistance things took a sharp, momentous turn. Thousands of monks marched through Yangon, demanding economic reforms and democracy. Then 500 walked right into Aung San Suu Kyi's house, greeting the imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate who is also the symbol of democracy and peace in the eyes of 50 million Burmese. The demonstration grew to 20,000 Sept. 23, 100,000 on the 24th, then up to 300,000 on the 25th. Even the nuns joined in. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Perhaps my country will be free soon!
I have always hated introducing Burma with a laundry list of notorieties-world's largest child soldier army, forced labor, torture, ethnic cleansing, human trafficking, heroin trade, AIDS, rape, etc.... In the book "Tyrants: The World's 20 Worst Living Dictators," Burma's Than Shwe ranked No. 3, just after Sudan's Al-Bashir and North Korea's Kim. Barely 20 years ago, a nationwide wave of pro-democracy protest resulted in at least 3,000 deaths, when the military shot indiscriminately into the demonstrating crowd consisting of mainly students and monks.
Since then it ignored the results of a fair election, where Aung San Suu Kyi could have led the new nation as prime minister. I was barely conscious when it all happened.
But now, at a time of humongous uncertainty, the government issued threats against the advancing monks. There are rumors that it would send men disguised as monks, instigating violence so that the military may justifiably fire in the name of "peace and stability."
That's why I am writing, trying to channel this high-energy anxiety by slapping my keyboard instead of pulling my hair out.
If the Burmese government waited a whole week without crushing the movement, it is probably because the world is watching. Perhaps China, winning a messy reputation by propping the Sudanese regime, prefers some peace and quiet from its neighbor.
I am writing for your attention. Let's not wait until the news screams later reporting an increasing number of casualties. Because no one has to die. If international attention is what's keeping the Burmese government in check, let's give them more of it.
I am not asking for letters or donations. (You all must be busy with the Darfur, Jena 6 and other social justice movements already.) I only ask that you learn more about it. Go ahead. Google "Burma." Check out YouTube videos. Tell someone about it. Discuss.
But how, you may ask, is it more important than any other sufferings around the world? What should you care about this one?
Honestly, I don't know. Except that I have been part of the Duke family. I have shared my stories with some of you. I have carried my passion around West Campus Plaza, East Campus and Social Sci. I have danced in tribute to Burmese refugees at the Lunar New Year last spring. I hope that, through me, you will feel personally connected to the mission of my people.
Go now. Google it. Keep our eyes on Burma.
The guest columnist, a recent Trinity graduate, is a native of Burma. The columnist asked to remain anonymous in order to protect the safety of her family.
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