Culture in Myanmar

So, the Asean Summit is in Singapore now, from the 18 November to 22 November 2007. Which brings us to a little history lesson. Almost every country have been a colony of the bigger European countries back then. Singapore was a British Colony. Malaysia was part of British India and so was then-Burma, now Myanmar. Vietnam had a war with USA back then.

So there is this issue of Myanmar's monks. They were really held under distress by the military and forced to remain in silence. Held by violence. In September this year, there was bloodshed when the monks protest against the repressive military government.

Why did the monks take it in their own hands? They are supposed to be the peace-loving people. Staying out of politics. It all so happened when Burma under colonial rule. The monks also known as "pongyis" (meaning 'great glory') were highly regarded by its people and thus exercised great influence on the people. They played a pivotal role in the anti-colonial, nationalist struggle in the eighteen century.

The monks had a record, a tradition of opposing existing power and thus, here they are demonstrating against the military rule in Myanmar now. They are standing out against the mishandling of the country's economy. They are indeed true to their tradition playing a role in the political of their country.

Nicely done youtube video on the demonstration in September
Monks taking to the streets - Report
Blogger exposing the horrors of the military