“The value systems of those with access to power and of those far removed from such access cannot be the same. The viewpoint of the privileged is unlike that of the underprivileged.” — Aung San Suu Kyi
Burmese opposition leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and generally fantastic Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest earlier this weekend. Here’s a quick interview with her from the BBC. It’s definitely worth a listen, and I would really recommend learning more about Burma if you don’t know the current situation there. (Also, quick note, although on the map the state is called Myanmar, the name was devised by the current military regime in power. I refer to the state as Burma in support of the democratic opposition movement headed by Suu Kyi). Finding George Orwell in Burma by Emma Larkin is a (pretty quick) lyrical and phenomenal read about the current government and major human rights abuses promulgated by the Burmese government. Lack of democracy and widespread human rights abuses are feminist issues, and women can often bear the brunt of oppressive state policies. Between 1996 and 2001, in Burma there have been 173 instances of state-sanctioned sexual violence against women. There is widespread torture of political prisoners, as well as pervasive kidnapping of children to serve in the state militia.
Also, creating the Totally Awesome Women tag solely for her, but would people be in support of profiles featuring awesome political/artistic/activist women/JMU professors (probably over winter break when there is actually time)?
And check out Human Rights Watch’s series of photographs on Burmese political prisoners.
Plus, now totally awesome Shepard Fairey Obamaesque graphic of her after the jump!
Edited at 8:13 p.m. to add picture.
ShoutOut! James Madison University 