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The younger generation is leading the fight against oppression and exploitation around the world. Be it the students of Hong Kong or the youth of Myanmar, they are out to defend their democratic right at the cost of their lives. Ever since the Myanmar Army seized power in February this year, it unleashed a regime of terror. But the terror has not intimidated the young Myanmar. Thousands of people, mostly young, have been protesting and demanding the restoration of democracy. More than 770 civilians had been killed and over 3,738 detained. Yet the morale of the protestors is as high as ever. As they say, democracy dies in the darkness; the young ones are keeping the torch lit. And they are doing it in style by making good use of social media to tell the world what is happening in Myanmar. They are finding ingenious ways to thwart the might of the State and military. Anti-coup protesters are exploiting the military’s patriarchal values to their advantage. The Myanmarese Army is rather conservative and ill-trained to deal with civil disobedience. Or, is it?
Yes, true that they would not go under the women’s clothesline as it brings in bad omen. The protestors would circle their protest site by wires and hang women’s clothes as protection. The Army may have bullets but they have bottles filled with petrol to keep them at the bay. Of course, it is not enough, but it has kept their fight going; it works. The social media campaigns are telling the world about the Army’s wrongdoings. They post everything, their atrocities, and highhandedness. They have already won the moral high ground. But young Myanmar is not only fighting the army for restoration of democracy alone, it is also fighting a stagnant social system that is sexist and oppressive, mired in superstitions and dogmas. Generation Z typically less than 25 years of age is also working for a more fair, inclusive future. Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s most traditional society. It has an archaic family structure, respect for authority, and gender inequality. Spousal rape and domestic violence are still legal and pervasive in Myanmar. Yet Myanmar’s Generation Z activists are defying many of the social norms with their protests and taking down gender stereotypes. Every nation must fight its own evils and that is perhaps what is happening in Myanmar today. It is as much a fight against the Army as it is against the social disorder that has not been challenged for centuries.
ADD: From gender issues to social stigmas the Millennials are fighting them all.
A group of pro-democracy advocates has formed a parallel government in Myanmar. It is called the National Unity Government. The National Unity Government and Generation Z offer Burmese society a vision of a fairer. Besides, strong women’s presence on the streets is an indication that change will indeed come to Myanmar, sooner or later.
