Author: conradqe19

Burma – Citizen Tweets

Posted on by conradqe19

When looking at other posts Burma was tagged in, this type of post came up a few times. It places Burma in the greater context of a global framework. The tweets from the citizens differ from those of Suu Kyi because they are directly addressing the issue. Many tweets come from journalists or those connected to the UNSC, and ultimately all support the view that the the Rohingya Crisis needs to be resolved immediately. Despite there being a portion of the population who do not with to end the genocide, they are not being represented on this social media platform.

In theory, the Rohingya and those being oppressed would be at the lower ranks of society and probably have the least access to technologies and social media, yet their voices are still being heard and promoted here on Twitter. This gives great commentary to the effect of social media and it’s reach to the different parts of society.

 

Burma – Suu Kyi Tweets

Posted on by conradqe19

I had to include these posts just because the hipocrasy was incredibly amusing. One of the greatest criticisms that Suu Kyi has been receiving is that she is not involved in or trying to find a solution to the Rohingya Crisis. Just recently, she has had more conversation with the UN and allowed them to enter Myanmar to assist with resolving the crisis and providing aid, but before then, according to articles and public opinion, she has generally been a bystander. It is interesting then, that she uses social media not to address these complaints or try to change the public’s opinion. Rather, she simply uses the tweets to continue her professional persona.

Both of these tweets have very sly undertones that relate to the ongoing crisis, but do not directly address it. The first post speaks to her foreign policy attitude and frankly, I feel, shows a lack of loyalty to other countries or participants in the political system. It is one thing to say there is no forever enemy – that statement would show an attitude of cooperation and spirit of collaboration and relationship building. When she includes that there is not forever friend, however, she creates a tense atmosphere, alluding to the fact that she is capable or willing to turn her back on an ally. The second post above is astonishing simply for the fact that her country lacks any sort of understanding of the concept of coexisting as millions have been killed in this genocide.

AungSanSuuKyi’s feed is primarily filled with retweets, but these were two key posts that clearly revealed her character and political attitudes. If social media does nothing else, you cannot deny that it gives great insight to the personality of the user. In this instance, we were able to clearly see how SuuKyi wishes to be perceived and the issues she finds important.

 

 

Myanmar Blog

Posted on by conradqe19

Htet Aung Kyaw is a freelance journalist in Myanmar who developed this blog as a valuable resource tool for Burmese people.  The blog offers guidance on travel, books, culture, and news, but also attempts to educate the population on what media is and how it is used. Although most of the blog is written in Burmese, much of the website can be translated into English. The post I would like to focus on specifically is not translated perfectly, but is titled “Modestly from the Media should be the New Government should be Divided Largely” .

This blog post was very interesting because it began with very factual reporting of traditional and new forms of media and the participation each form garnered. It ended, however, with the writer’s personal stance on how social media should be used. At first, they explained how the right to freedom of expression is granted through this type of medium and how accessible it is for every day citizens to use. Kyaw then moved, however, to discuss how its use can weaken the regime and government stability. He states that governments should not weaken themselves by allowing for such criticism to occur and claims it undermines the system. He draws and interesting contrast to media’s use in democratic regimes such as the US and England and says media criticism there, but overall writes on this clear distinction that should be made.

Kyaw references the most popular forms of social media such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Youtube, and considers their influence and use international. It is interesting however, if thinking in the similar mindset to Kyaw, that not all of these sites may be used in the same way or have the same impact (good or bad) in these different countries. It reinforces that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to solving domestic issues or using new forms of online media.

Blog Post: http://www.htetaungkyaw.net/2016/06/blog-post_14.html

Quinn Conrad

31 March 2018

 

Encryption Post – Rohingya in Burma

Posted on by conradqe19

Mothers, Brothers, Sisters, Friends:

I need your help. My child is being bullied. Our children are being bullied. How do we help them? What do we say to them? How do they face the bully that targets them because of their dark skin, or because of the way we pray in our home? They tell my son, they tell our sons, that they don’t belong here. They tell him to find another school. My son is afraid. Where can we go? He faces deadly threats if he stays. When we run, when we flee, will we be accepted? Will a new school ever be safe for my son? For our sons?

Friends and Family, we must face this bully! We must find a solution for our children and for ourselves. Please help me, post to this parenting blog and we can share advice and plan how we can put an end to the bullying we face everyday.

– A concerned Mother

 

 

https://cpj.org/blog/2017/06/myanmar-one-year-under-suu-kyi-press-freedom-lags-.php

 

Rohingya refugee finds home in Chicago

North Korea selling weapons to Myanmar

Posted on by conradqe19

In addition to the threat Myanmar poses upon its own people as it continues the genocide of the Rohingan population, Myanmar could now pose a global threat. The UN recently discovered that North Korea has been selling weapons to Syria, Myanmar, and exporting illegal goods like coal, iron, and steel. North Korea has helped develop Syria’s nuclear weapon program and provided Myanmar’s army with Ballistic missiles. Using deceptive techniques and concealed trading routes, North Korea has been continuously trading with these countries that have a history of crimes against humanity.

Although Myanmar may not have been thought of as a large global player or threat to other powers in the past, this development is significant especially since it coincides with the genocide. The Myanmar government has failed to address or correct the genocide taking place. Now that their ties with North Korea are revealed, can we really assume they intent to resolve domestic issue and remain quiet in their region? Who is aware of this capability? Is it hidden under news of the genocide? Does this have equal domestic and international consequences? The presence of such weapons and the influence of North Korea makes the country even more unstable and unpredictable and it should be considered how their actions now may effect the region and world.

 

In other news, there was a 100 million year old species of Spider discovered in Myanmar. It has a tail.

 

Weapons: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/north-korea-arming-syria-myanmar-report-180203064444145.html

Spider: http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/scientists-discover-new-spider-chimerarachne-yingi-100-million-years-old-with-a-tail-in-myanmar/news-story/c730b33d051fbf7e98071e7e312c13e0