06.05.2007
Scholars, Junta & the Opposition
_ Critique by a scholar
I don't think scholars and intellectuals go to the junta side because of the money.
Opposition leaders and activists must know the differences between the political leadership or activist role and academic role. Even though many a Burmese scholars overseas came from activist background, as soon as they finish their masters or PhDs, they have got at least some knowledge, skills and expertise in their specialized fields.
So they want to give suggestions and advice. They want to speak out alternative opinions. They want to initiate some projects. But there is no space in the opposition side.
All are satisfied with their past activities, their power and title in small organizations and there are a lot of sayagyis. Most of them do not appreciate the role of intellectuals and fight against all of the alternative suggestions.
As a result, scholars got frustrated to work with the people who knows only the campaign work, demonstrations and did not upgrade themselves with the realistic situations, international knowledge and political aspects.
With frustrations and anger, at first, they stayed away from these communities, and then stayed away from politics in the worst situations. Unfortunately, the junta side people found out these people and gave them incentives. Money is not only the motive for some people. All have different kinds of needs and wants.
These days, junta generals do not behave like nay win period. They know how to handle the people, especially scholars. They exactly know that nearly all of the scholars want to publish the books, to work in research fields, to make presentations, to give suggestions and get feedback, to be treated with respect and to take some initiative roles in projects. The military junta knows these psychological needs and tried to fulfil these needs of the scholars.
To stop this brain drain problem, opposition side should transform their minds to treat academics like a separate consultancy role and create academic freedom space rather than saying 'I am older than you, I know more', 'I participated in 88 so I know more', 'I am working in field work. You are just reading books. It is different', 'I have more experienced than you' and so on.
Comments:
Shwe Sin Htun said _
Political occupation is endless professional. The Political arena is also
eternal showground. The idea alone is not going to make any progress. Take a
self-initiate advantage until the people of Burma accept you and you will be a
great academic role model.
Feraya said _
I find your article very interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and
perception.
Anonymous said _
Very good and realistic. Thanks for sharing your thought!
Deihlian said _
The more we educated, the more we lose our dignity.
When we have many educated people, we begin to exploit our land and people.
Uneducated people are hard to understand what educated people are doing and way
of life.
Anonymous 2 said _
Wonderful analysis yet the problem remain the same where the Burmese politicians (in and outside Burma) don't like reading but talking what they do not really know.
Yangontharr said _
May be scholars think they are too smart and started looking a space for them to make Sayargyi. Generals absorb them. Scholars work for Generals and start anti opposition campaign like Dr. Zarni.
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