Standing Up for Burma, Sitting Down for Myanmar

What better way to start off this fledgling blog than to write a short random piece inspired by recent events surrounding violent crackdowns in Myanmar, resulting global condemnation, and the concluding ASEAN summit.

My approach to this topic is a little more philosophical than socio-political, hence the seemingly illogical title of this post. For me, “Myanmar” represents the cold hard realities of modern-day national coexistence - a world swimming chin-deep in paradoxes. “Burma” on the other hand carries with it all the old world charms and romantic qualities of an age of innocence lost to modern-day excesses.

Such characterizations require neither deep nor accurate appreciation for the socio-political nuances of the country, as human beings are seldom moved by details but rather ideas. And that’s what they ultimately are, words that carry a collectively perceived meaning, stretched from an imperfect idea.

When beliefs clash with realities, when two incompatible cognitions meet, when Burma and Myanmar collide, we are left with the uncomfortable task of deciding whether we stand…. or sit.

What driving forces ultimately compel world leaders, local parliamentarians, opposition leaders, concerned citizens, to stand or sit depends on how each resolves their beliefs and actions.

What do we do when we want to stand up for “Burma”, yet at the same time, sit in fear of the metaphorical “Myanmar”?

What do we do with our desires to uphold the civil liberties of others, whilst protecting our own?

Singaporeans would undoubtedly appreciate the ever present cognitive dissonance involved. Compelling the desire to stand up may be, but other dominant thoughts justify inaction. Every no-show is evidence of our concerns. Every arrest is confirmation of our fears.

I shall leave it at that. A brief window into our world, and my thoughts. Perhaps I shall create a folder for my incoherent thoughts in order to separate my conflicting selves. Where this first post will go? Im not sure… im still sitting on the fence.