Myanmar Case Study Reflection

These videos have opened my eyes to the current situation in Myanmar (Burma). A nation shrouded by secrecy and authoritarian rule, Myanmar still struggles with democracy since its independence from Britain in 1948. In Myanmar, oppression and lack of free speech and protest was demonstrated quite clearly in the Crackdown video. Unarmed citizens and peaceful monks marched around the streets of Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar. In retaliation, the government fired shots at the protestors and wounded thousands. Although Myanmar's foreign minister to the United Nations claims that restraint was used against the protestors, the video captured by a British journalist proves otherwise. This video, with all of its violence and gore, illustrates quite clearly the fact that human rights in Myanmar are very poor. Although some economic growth has occurred over the past decade, freedom of speech and religion are still practically nonexistent (except for Buddhism, which is accepted). As a whole, much change is necessary before Myanmar can be recognized as a democratic and prosperous state.