Nearly 250 people have died and tens of thousands have fled their homes, threatening to destabilise the quasi-civilian government that came to power just two years ago after five decades of military rule. “A genuine ruby will shine,” said Wirathu, “even if you try to sink it in mud.” New freedoms of speech have made it easier to disseminate radical views, while exposing deep-seeded racism felt by much of the population toward Muslims and other minorities. There has been almost no public outcry when Buddhist mobs have marched into villages brandishing machetes and clubs, but the appearance of a Burmese monk on the cover of the glossy international magazine with an inflammatory title was apparently too much. The social networking site Facebook was alight with criticism. Dozens changed their profiles to mock-covers of Time with the word “Boycott.” One person lamented that the image of his country – and faith – was being tarnished. “Some people misunderstood the title … seeing it as an insult to religion,” said Dr Yan Myo Thein, a political analyst. “They believe it’s equating Buddhism with terrorism.”
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 18:35:17 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015