...'Violence in Burma' The real cause of current riots in Burma dates back to the 17th century, during the wrapping up of Mughal dynasty and the advent of British rule in this part of Asia.The last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II and his folk fled to Yangon, Myanmar. He was captured and later died during his confinement in Yangon and was buried on 7.11.1862. Post his death, the British prevailed over Burma, influencing its economy, social & religious convictions and politics. Numerous organizations were established by the leaders of Burmese-Muslims community which participated actively in social and religious welfare of splinter group. History: During British regime, rise of anti-Indian and later anti-Muslim sentiments became prominent as a consequence of economic pressure and Xenophobia. An anti-Indian riot in 1930 ignited racial tensions between the traditional Burmese, Indian immigrants, and Britishers. Burmese convictions turned against those viewed as foreigners, including Muslims of all ethnic groups. Post this, the world saw an anti-Muslim riot in 1938, strongly influenced by the media and the newspaper.In 1950s, Burma began "Burmanisation" with its lofty aims for racial purity and the nationalisation of resources. Since then, the tussle for survival of the minor sect, earlier from British and now from the buddhist population ( approximatley 75% of the total), is going on. The present day scenario (2012 riots) : After about, few years of sacred peace in Myanmar...
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...Fear of the Burma Genocide The Burma Genocide affected over 2 million people. “It is not power that corrupts but fear,” said Aung San Suu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and protested against the military and government which was in control of Burma at the time. Suu also lead the national league for democracy in May of 1990, which was the first free election in Burma since 1962. The Burma Genocide affected the Karen people who believed in Christianity. The Burma military burned down churches and other religious buildings that were not connected to Buddhism, (the religion that they believed in). Origin 1962 is when Burma’s postcolonial democracy was thrown into a military coup (“Burma << World without genocide - working to create a world without genocide”). Burma has been the center of conflict for it’s severe oppression of human rights. The Burmese military has inflicted counterinsurgency campaigns toward ethnic minorities, which lead to a large amount of death. Counterinsurgency is when the military or political action is taken against the activities of guerrillas or revolutionaries. This caused Burma to be one of the worlds most isolated and suppressed nations for forty years...
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...narrator, who tells us about being a policeman in Burma and about his doubt, whether to kill an animal or not. The man who tells us the story is an unhappy young policeman who lives in mental isolation. He hates British imperialism, he hates Burmese natives, and he hates his job. He feels like a target for the Burmese people. The natives are treating him very badly; they are making fun of the white man. They laugh at the protagonist and sneer at him when he passes them. “In the end the sneering yellow faces of young men that met me everywhere, the insults hooted after me when I was at a safe distance, got badly on my nerves.” We still don’t get the impression that the narrator hates the natives, we get the feeling that he understand them. He puts himself into the same positions as they are; he is in the same position- also oppressed and hated, but cause by his own nation’s occupation. The Indians are also oppressed by the British and the white man. The story is written in a period where England had colonies all over the world. The British are trying to make an empire far away from home; they conquer other countries and try to assimilate the population to their own rules and traditions. The white man has an thought, that they are the chosen people to civilize primitive races. They are clever, educated, and rich and therefore they feel that they have a duty to help the natives and turn them into people like themselves. Burma, where the story takes place is a buddistic country ...
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...he was an officer in Burma under the British empire. He hates his job and he hates the fact that he is forced to subjugate these people, but he also despises them for making his job so hard with their rebellious ways while also sympathizes with them. He is young and he is very confused with life at this point and has come to the realization that imperialism is wrong in any form. The plot of the story is the strongest non fiction element present because it goes so in depth. It has repercussions not just in the story, but you can infer by the writing other things going on around that time with just the little text present. The non fiction element plot is the main focal point in the story to better convey the situation at that time. What is plot? Plot is a literary term defined as the events that make up a story, particularly as they relate to one another in a pattern, in a sequence, through cause and effect, how the reader views the story, or simply by coincidence. One is generally interested in how well this pattern of events accomplishes some artistic or emotional effect. Plots usually follow the same steps exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Patterson 2 In Orwell's “Shooting an Elephant” plot plays a big role in getting the point of the story across to the reader. In the first step of the plot the reader learns about who Orwell was as a person during the story. He being an officer for the British empire in Burma at the time of British...
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...Jenny Charoenchitmun Explication Essay Final Draft October 23, 2008 The Depravity of British Imperialism In 1886, Burma lost its independence and sovereignty to Great Britain in the “Third Anglo-Burmese” War. At that time, Great Britain had one of its colonies in the sub-continental region of India which was known as “British India.” Eventually, Burma was annexed into British India and was oppressed under British imperialism. Imperialism is “a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force” (Oxford Dictionary). In the essay “Shooting An Elephant” by George Orwell, imperialism is portrayed as a corrupt act in which the British Empire imposes itself on Burma. Orwell use rhetorical techniques to describe how imperialism can create grotesque effects on both the British and Burmese. In Orwell’s essay, characters such as the police officer, the local Burmese people and the elephant display the brutal reality British imperialism. The British police officer serves his country in Burma and is constantly mocked by the local Burmese. But, one day they praise him when he kills the outrageous elephant that is let loose in the neighborhood. George Orwell effectively depicts the theme of imperialistic depravity through the use of symbolism, irony and visual imagery in “Shooting An Elephant.” George Orwell exemplifies the immorality of British imperialism through the use of symbolism. In “Shooting An Elephant,” the elephant becomes wild and...
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...In the story of Shooting an Elephant the author George Orwell uses many themes that can be related to yourself in life. In the story, the protagonist is himself and he explains the empire of the British that controls Burma and the Burmese natives. He is a police man in lower Burma, and is forced to shoot a ravaging elephant that is tearing up the town otherwise the town people would joke and laugh at him. The overall theme of this story is peer pressure from the people and also the power of imperialism that can affect you and others. The story is told in a first person point of view. Orwell describes himself through the narrator’s voice. He described the Burmese people as mean and disrespectful. The village police were often teased and made fun of because of their ethnicity and look. “As a police officer I was an obvious target and was baited whenever it seemed safe to do so” (Orwell, G. (1950). Shooting An Elephant.). The police of the town were obviously noticeable to heckle. The readers of the story have to recognize the power of peer pressure. It can cause a big amount of anxiety which can make you think different in different situations....
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...The short story “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell is a narrative based on an experience that Orwell had whilst working in the territory of Burma (Myanmar), within British Raj, as an English police officer with the Indian Imperial Police. The conflict the British police officer internally struggles with is the issue of imperialism, specifically stated as an “evil thing” (Broadview, pg 1403), despite working and living within a British colony of Burma. For Orwell, his major drawback is within the fact that he does not agree with the supremacy that is held over the Burmese people. As explained “ Theoretically- and secretly, of course- I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British” (Broadview, pg 1403). Orwell repeatedly mentions evidence of British cruelty, exhibiting this is in images throughout his story, such as is the depiction of prisoners in cages. Moreover, the language employed by Orwell depicts an English colonial, in that he refers to the natives of Burma as yellow. Throughout the story, Orwell is presented with the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of imperialism through his experience of coming into contact with the elephant. He explains he did not want to shoot the elephant, but as an officer of...
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...the spirit of Bibi Chen, a SanFranscisco socialite, narrates the story of her twelve friends during their vacation and disappearance in China and Burma. Bibi's sudden death, prior to the scheduled vacation, gives her "The Mind of Others", a Buddhist term meaning she can hear others true thoughts and feelings. This new ability allows the readers insight into the raw emotions of the twelve friends. As one gets acquainted with each character the very real truth of human emotion and basic need is exposed. To reflect upon the opening quote, it is within human nature to use illusion to survive. We see what we need to see in order to make it acceptable. The twelve tourists display this when visiting China's Stone Bell Temple. They are oblivious to the beauty, history and the dangerous laws protecting the sacred land. All they see is a playground in which they act accordingly. They want to enjoy themselves, live out their modern dreams of what they feel a vacation consists of, while at the same time trampling on the traditions and concerns of the inhabitants of the land. When told they had been cursed, it is humorous to them. It is in the refusal to believe in something unknown to them that bring them on a path of turmoil. As tradition dictates, it is in a persons best interest to please the Nats (destructive and mischievous spirits when displeased) when passing a shrine. The Americans desire to believe in only what they see fit, causes most of them to deny the Nats even the smallest...
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...edu:2058/docview/200010304/141EE2B93723EE5FBF5/3?accountid=14129 The country we know now as Burma was originally formed in 11th century with King Anawrahta who united Burma in his reign. His and the successors’ strong religious belief of Buddhism contributed to the enormous amount of pagodas in the capital of that period called Pagan. Although the megalomaniac activities to build all kinds of pagodas and monasteries had impoverished and weakened the country making it vulnerable to the invasion of exterior ethnic groups, it still remained generally united with the efforts of kings until Britain government intervened. Taking advantage of the instable status of Burma politics, Britain finally conquered Burma and identified it as its colony after sixty years of war in 1886 and brought British culture, architecture style and tradition into the country. It also became the world’s largest rice exporter at this time. Britain granted privilege to some particular ethnic groups with the attempt to further split the many ethnic minorities which led to the anger and dissatisfaction of Burma people. A great political leader named Aung San emerged to lead Burma people to hold a series of protests. With the leadership of Aung San, Burma seized the opportunity to regain its sovereignty during the Second World War after defeating Japanese and negotiating with Britain. While Aung San was preparing for the foundation of new Burma and drafting the constitution, he was assassinated by opposition group. But the...
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...Socially Engaged Buddhism Buddhism is a religion that is said to arise in India around the 6th or 7th century BCE, but has spread all around the world as the times went on. Buddhism focuses mainly on the teachings of Siddhartha Guatma, who is the current Buddha. Buddhism is ultimately about teaching a man to lead a good life that will eventually lead a person to enlightenment. With a standard of living being around for so long, the ways must change with the times. That’s where Socially Engaged Buddhism comes in. For Buddhists, Socially Engaged Buddhism is a Buddhism movement that provides an answer for social issues in the world. Socially Engaged Buddhism is a very important aspect to Buddhism and without it Buddhism would not be able to evolve and adapt with the world in issues such as war, poverty and human rights. Buddhism has a single figure as the founder, Siddhartha. Siddhartha went on a “great departure” after seeing pain and suffering that other people were experiencing around him, which had no idea this was a problem before. After his journey he experiences Nirvana and teaches everything he has experienced in his life. On the other hand, Socially Engaged Buddhism does not come from a single founder. That doesn’t mean there still aren’t important figures attached to the movement. Thich Nhat Hanh is a teacher who even to this day still offers his knowledge. He is also active in the peace movement and promotes non-violence. He tries to emphasize people to “look at reality...
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...gallantly championed for the liberation of the masses from oppressing institutions and systems of power. Both authors had rooted their campaigns in the tenets of their religious faith, which endeared themselves with the masses. Change is inevitable and their efforts in no doubt bore fruits for in each case they have received world recognition for what they did for the people. Aung San Suu Kyi’s excerpt “In Quest with Democracy” and Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, surpassed other writings in their employment of rhetorical appeal of pathos, ethos and logos; which is why they achieve persuasion on the other people to join the course for just institutions. Aung San Suu Kyi in her writing expresses her desired for democratic Burma which had over many decades been assaulted by authoritarian and military regimes. Martin Luther King Jr. on the other hand was battling the social injustices on the masses which via nonviolent campaign (Austin 37). Letter from Birmingham Jail by King Jr. gallantly attacks hypocrisy, injustice and inequality with great feelings. King jailed for ‘disturbing the peace’ he responds to critics from religious leaders in the opening of this letter. He appeals to their reason by acknowledging their concern in dismissing his indulgence in the protests. He backgrounds his quest for justice in Biblical context which give him the moral authority to rebuke euphemistically the religious leaders in their hypocrisy. Like King, Aung San Suu Kyi also questions...
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...Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese opposition politician and chairperson of the National League for Democracy in Burma. Aung San Aung San Suu Kyi’s father died when she was two year old. Her father was assassinated by political rivals in Yangon. In 1946, Aung San delivered a fiery pro-independence speech on the steps of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. In 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi was catapulted to the opposition leadership by giving a passionate speech embracing the Buddhist principle of nonviolent protest. Aung San Suu Kyi found in the Buddhist practice of vipassana that she gained control of her thoughts and became aware of the pros and cons of each act. Vipassana is an insight meditation. The NLD (National League for Democracy) is a democratic socialistic-liberal Burmese political party. NLD was not able to take power after winning a sweeping electoral victory in 1990 because the military nullified the vote, is boycotting the vote. Than Shwe is a Burmese Strongman politician who was chairman of the State Peace and Development Council. Than Shwe fused his Buddhism with belief in nats, or spirits, and yadaya, magic rituals performed to ward off misfortune. Than Shwe’s wife attended a rededication and placed jewel-encrusted hti, or sacred umbrella, atop the spire. It is a sign that Than Shwe has done so many evil things. After Danok Pagoda, Than Shwe decided to step down – as a means of escaping his karmic destiny. There are 4 million of mons in hammer, and 4 million soilders in...
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...different varieties, for example by taking on the role as a mother for your younger siblings because of absent parents, or as in this story being given the authority of a town and licence to kill when you don’t feel old or wise enough for it. In ”Shooting an Elephant” we have a first person narrator. For instance: “I was hated by large numbers of people. ” The “I” easily gives away our narrator. In the informative text at the beginning of page 1, we are told that the author George Orwell was a police officer in the Indian Imperial police force from 1922 to 1927. The plot in the story indicates that it is his own experiences he has written down. The story is written in past tense, most likely because Orwell is looking back upon his time in Burma, this contributes to the feeling of reading through a diary. Orwell uses everyday language, but he also makes long descriptive sentences I assume that this is the result of him being a writer, because he is trained in drawing his readers in with his lush descriptions. Another trait which makes the story seem like an extract from a diary is the way his sentences are built like a train of thoughts, he tells us about the order of the events, but also the feelings he felt at the time, and how he feels about it now. Take for instance this sentence: “I did not even know that the British Empire is dying, still less did I know that it is a great deal better than the younger empires that are going to supplant it. ”...
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...BN2004/0601 Briefing note: IT IS TIME TO ACT ON BURMA 2 SHOULD THE SPDC BE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH LIES? Patience & Flexibility 3 WHY ACT NOW? SPDC’s Broken Promises Lack of Democratic Progress Continuing Human Rights Abuses Releases from international pressure Security Concerns, Military Threat 4 PRESSURE WORKS Archbishop Desmond Tutu Daw Aung San Suu Kyi U Lwin, NLD Spokesman Asian Activists Malaysian Parliamentarians Sen. John McCain & HE Madeline Albright Sanctions Take Time Engagement is not working 6 WHAT THE REGIME IS BEING URGED TO DO 6 WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CAN DO 6 A BAN ON FINANCIAL REMITTANCES – THE PRACTICAL OPTION 7 A LIFELINE FOR THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT 7 A NON-VIOLENT BARGAINING CHIP 8 TAKING AIM AT SPDC’S ECONOMIC LIFELINES 9 CREATING DOMESTIC PRESSURE FOR CHANGE Undermining Moderates? 10 INSTIGATING REGIONAL ACTION 11 SPDC – FEIGNING REFORM & ROLLING OUT THE CHARM 11 DAMPENING EFFORTS Relabeling Enabling Remittances Business Diplomacy 13 SANCTIONS & SEX WORK Burma’s biggest pimp Increasing since 1988 Jumping the Gun Low Factory Wages Insufficient evidence Numbers of job losses disputed Job losses from capital flight Reforms needed 14 PEOPLE OF BURMA SUPPORT SANCTIONS 15 PREDICTIONS : Brief Chronology of ‘Predictions’ by the Thai Government 17 RECENT ARMS&...
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...was born on June 19, 1945 in the city of Rangoon, Burma (Palmowski 2004). Suu Kyi’s life was a little different then what most people are accustomed to in the world. Her father was assassinated for his political beliefs and her mother was an ambassador of the country of Burma (Zaw 1). Politics played a big role in Suu Kyi’s life and that is why it is not hard to believe what would soon happen to her. Suu Kyi had made her way back to her homeland in 1988, to take care of her sick mother. While in Burma she joined the pro-democracy movement, which was pushing for political reforms in Burma (Palmowski 2004). On August 26, 1988 she addressed a half million people in a rally at the famous Schwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon (Encyclopedia, Britannica 2009). She had preached to these people and called for a democratic government so that the people of Burma could experience freedom. An army unit in the Irrawaddy Delta confronted her almost a year later on April 5, 1989 while she was delivering a speech for democratic freedom. The army unit had orders to aim their weapons at her during the speech waiting for the order to fire. A major had finally ordered the troops back which prevented her from being assassinated like her father. Suu Kyi provided text to her mass rally speech on August 26, 1988 “Speech to a Mass Rally at the Schwedagon Pagoda.” In her speech Suu Kyi expresses the need for a democratic system of government in Burma and defends herself for being a pro-democratic leader...
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