CS Monitor has a very interesting piece – on monks with guns – profiling a new model of dissent in Burma. As you may remember from protests last year, young monks were particularly proactive in calling for change in Burma (is it a coincidence that young monks were also a lot more vocal in Tibet earlier this year?). Now, dissatisfied with the slow pace of reforms, they are calling for fresh tactics, from teaching human rights theory to stockpiling arms.
Its a dual approach full of contradictions. On the one hand, young monks are increasingly talking about using violence to stand up to oppression – something that goes against the very nature of Buddhism. On the other hand, they are also exploring new ways of reaching out to people, including education on the basics of political theory and human rights.
Whether right or wrong, one thing is certain – young people are shaking things up in seeking new ways to effect change. Lack of youth enthusiasm is not generally a problem – channeling that enthusiasm in a proper direction is a greater challenge.
Published Date: September 24, 2008