politicscontroversial. When the regime took over they promised democracy, they had an election, the regime lost the vote by a lot and then they said the election was rigged and refused to give up power. So now basically
the US and a few other countries don't agree with the regime and consider them inhumane. The military is in control of everything…if a native were to speak out against the regime they'd probably experience
a few deaths, if you know what I mean.
The US has partitions set, which means the country is not allowed to trade with Myanmar, so they have no American goods. And we're also not allowed to buy anything there that isn't like educational or handmade artwork so that we don't end up giving money to the government. So we try to only deal with private businesses although I'm sure lots of money gets to the government anyway. Especially considering there were hundreds of us there and I'm sure we just dumped thousands of dollars into their economy.
Now, what Archbishop Desmond Tutu wants is for an international boycotting of Myanmar to force the regime out. But it's not working. What's happening instead is that China is becoming the big power there. Chinese products are everywhere and the Chinese are influencing the country… it kind of feels like they are taking over the economy. And I doubt China can be convinced to stop. I don't think anyone in Myanmar is happy about China, although I didn't ask! We definitely stayed away from any political conversations while we were there. So personally I think he US should just get rid of the partitions because they aren't doing anything to help the country.
Many of us have talked about all this stuff since we left Myanmar. We've discussed lots of solutions, but I don't know what will really work.
It's just a shame that there is all this controversy around this country because the people there are really amazing. They are graceful and humble and welcoming. I experienced nothing but kindness and warmth from the Burmese, including the military police who were helpful when we needed something. I don't know how to describe these people. They are just the kindest people I have ever met. Everywhere
we went we got welcoming smiles. I hope they always stay that way.
In a way I feel like when the US and other western nations move into a developing country we really screw things up. I've had lots of discussions about this too. Myanmar was the only place we didn't see
Coca-Cola EVERYWHERE. No Coke, no McDonalds, no KFC, nothing but Burmese culture. Well, and some Chinese and Japanese things, but it was the first time I felt like I was actually in a different country.
I feel like when the west moves in the people loose some of themselves. They start to prefer western goods, and pick up western ideals. When you travel all you see are western products like Coke, you see very fair skinned people in ads, you see L'oreal and crap like that, you see people moving from the farm land to the cities breaking down their traditional family values and structures.
I guess I have so much in my head from class. I'm over loaded with politics and
traditional culture and the effects of globalizations and all this other stuff. It's really too much. And every time I make a decision on something I see all the bad that causes too, it's all a two ended sword. Free trade builds economies, but it doesn't help everyone. The poor get poorer and their security is compromised.
Just look at India, sure they are developing quickly, but most of the population is dirt poor. The privatization of the economy affects even schools, the poor women can't afford education and they stay poor as the gap between the poor and the rich is widened. Family members move to cities and the elderly who traditionally are cared for by their children are now abandoned. Parts of the Indian culture is falling apart. And yet without globalization and free trade markets would anyone flourish?
It's like picking the best of two evils. As I think about Myanmar I wonder how the people would change, how they would be affected by the west, how they are being affected by China. Which is really the best
thing for them, for everyone.
in the market
market in the village
tea shop, the hang out place
woman selling intestines, or something!
