Don't call it a junta

 

Here are some thoughts on the first few weeks of February 2021. The tatmadaw(myanmar military) arrested Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb 1. It didn't really seem real at first. They charged her with illegal importation of 6 walkie talkies. They said the vote was rigged. They issued rules that they were not be referred to as a junta and that it wasn't a coup but a cabinet reshuffle. But it was real, and it has unfolded in a surreal, strange mess of days. 

There were international condemnations. Words that were appreciated by the protesters but have since amounted to not much in the way of action. As one local paper put it- no help is coming.

So people took it upon themselves to be the change. Huge crowds that peacefully marched and cheered. They had humor- dressing in evening gowns and cosplay. They had compassion giving food and water to police. They even cleaned up after themselves. (a note: None of the following pictures are mine- lifted from images)

It was also inspiring to see the art that rose to the forefront. Here are a few variations of the hunger games fingers that the protesters adopted. They come from a powerful organization called art for freedom and are worth checking out. 

a few more posters reference the banging of pots and pans. Every night at 8pm a loud chorus arises in the city. This is the same as what would happen in Venezuela when we lived there. If you question the importance or power of this, consider: You might feel alone in this world. Even more so due to covid19. Even more so when a coup has happened. The banging of pots and pans isn't just a noisy release of pent up anger/ energy. Its a connection and its beautiful.

I am not sure what this one says but that font is on point

The milk tea alliance references the neighboring countries that have all had their share of ruling parties that weren't wanted. Strength in numbers.

But things have changed. It doesn't feel festive anymore, people are being shot in the street. It is not good.

So wherever you are in the world, bang on a pot tonight at 8pm and raise your 3 fingers. I know gestures don't topple dictators, but there is an energy in connections and the Burmese need some energy from you.

Nats in the night

There is a huge banyan tree at the end of our little road that we ride by every day on the way to school. Like many big trees in Myanmar it has little houses with figures, candles, and glasses inside. Some have buddhas as well but mostly these are the houses for nats.  Nats are spirits that can help you... or play tricks on you. There are different nats for different reasons, one will keep your children safe, one will help your new business venture. Here is a good article that tells you some of the others.

Lisa and I took a walk the other night. Our hearts have been heavy as the daily news in Myanmar is getting worse by the day. It was nice to be out though, just amble along and let the dogs sniff and go their slow curious dog pace. There was no traffic as we were about 30 minutes before the curfew so we could be curious dogs too. We looked closer at the nats and also saw some graffiti.

 I like the idea of pouring a drink or leaving some fried chicken for a nat to ensure better luck on my next wager. Or to leave some candy and an egg with another to keep my children safe.

I so wish it was as easy as leaving something at the base of a painting and it would ensure her release, or end violence and repression. Or keep 19 year old daughters from being shot.

Its hard when you want to help but you don't know what to do. So if there are any nats out there listening and needing something- phone in those orders- I'll see what I can do.