By Thu Thu May Oo
“Shh!! Papa! They might hear you!” I whispered to my dad, but he kept chanting, “We want democracy! We want democracy!” as we drove our ancient motorbike on the outskirts of my hometown. Even at the tender age of five, I understood that “democracy” was a term fraught with danger in a country like Myanmar, where the shadow of military rule loomed large.
A Childhood Under Military Rule
Growing up in Mawlamyine, a small town in southeastern Myanmar, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature—mountain ranges draped in lush green forests and a small garden bursting with rambutan, papaya, and drumstick trees. Yet, beneath this idyllic surface lay the harsh realities of life under a military dictatorship. Poverty and ethnic conflicts were constant companions, and I learned early on to be grateful for what we had, even as we listened to the BBC and Voice of America in the flickering candlelight, absorbing news of civil wars and political prisoners.
The fear of the “people in uniform” was palpable. I didn’t fully grasp the complexities of politics, but I knew that speaking out against the regime could have dire consequences. The longing for democracy was a whispered dream, shared in hushed tones, as we navigated our daily lives under the watchful eyes of the military.
The Saffron Revolution: A Turning Point
My first vivid encounter with civil unrest came during the Saffron Revolution in 2007. At 14, living with my grandfather in Yangon, I witnessed peaceful protests erupting in response to economic crises. The streets filled with students, monks, and ordinary citizens demanding change. But the military responded with brutal force, turning peaceful demonstrations into scenes of chaos and bloodshed. I remember the chilling sight of people holding hands, chanting for democracy, only to be met with tear gas and violence.
As electricity flickered and curfews were imposed, our connection to the outside world dwindled. We relied on secret radio broadcasts to stay informed, a stark reminder of the lengths to which we had to go to seek the truth. The Saffron Revolution was a painful lesson in the fragility of hope, as the military’s iron grip tightened once more.
A Glimmer of Hope: The 2011 Elections
In 2011, a glimmer of hope emerged when Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was elected as the first State Counsellor of Myanmar. It felt like a turning point, a moment when the people’s voices were finally being heard. However, the reality was more complex. The military still held significant power, and the 2008 constitution ensured that the military remained a dominant force in governance.
Despite these challenges, the 2020 elections brought renewed optimism. The NLD won over 80 percent of the vote, a resounding affirmation of the people’s desire for democracy. Yet, this fragile victory would soon be shattered.
The Coup: A Heart-Wrenching Reality
On February 1, 2021, my world was turned upside down. My mother called me, her voice trembling as she relayed the news of the military coup. The military declared the November 2020 election results fraudulent, detaining elected officials and activists. The streets of Nay Pyi Daw filled with tanks and soldiers, and communication channels were severed. The military’s actions were a stark reminder of the precariousness of our hard-won freedoms.
My heart aches for my mother, who, in 1988, was a nursing student tending to the wounded during a similar crackdown. The memories of that time haunt her, and I know she relives those moments of fear and helplessness. Our family embodies the sacrifices of previous generations, who fought for access to education, healthcare, and a stable future.
A Call to Action
As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The struggle for democracy in Myanmar is not just a local issue; it resonates globally. From the Black Lives Matter movement to farmers’ protests in India, we see a common thread of resistance against authoritarianism and the fight for human rights.
Our country may seem distant, but the fight for democracy is universal. As you read the headlines about Myanmar, remember that our struggle is intertwined with yours. The erosion of democracy can happen anywhere, and it is our collective responsibility to stand against it.
In conclusion, the journey toward democracy in Myanmar is fraught with challenges, but it is a journey worth taking. We must continue to raise our voices, support one another, and advocate for justice and freedom. Together, we can ensure that the dreams of families like mine are not in vain.
Thu Thu May Oo is a master’s degree student in Teachers College’s Program in Nutrition.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff, or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.
Published Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021
Pure and Natural Moringa with Utter Nutrition Feed
Moringa is an extremely powerful nutritional food for animals, packed with vitamins, minerals, vital proteins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and omega oils 3, 6 and 9. Moringa also has a high absorption rate, so your pet absorbs all the nutrients necessary, resulting in: a good digestion strengthening joints, muscles bones, and teeth.
