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My theme this year is Burma AKA Myanmar. I used to live in Laos, so this was a return to Southeast Asia that I looked forward to. I spent a little over three weeks exploring this country, learning a bit about its culture: its history, religion, and language. I thought others might enjoy some of what I learned and see some of what I saw. So here we go. . .
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Aung San Suu Kyi (K is pronounced Ch) is also called The Lady, and she’s the person so many Burmese are pinning their hopes on. If there are elections next year, they want her name on the ballot. Unfortunately, that’s probably not going to happen. It would require that the constitution be re-written. The current government seems to have added something aimed especially at Aung San Suu Kyi. No one married to a foreigner can run for the presidency, and she’s married to a Brit. Nicely convenient for the current regime that’s holding onto power with both hands as long as possible.
She has recently said she thinks she can be of better service to her country in other capacities. Let’s see what that will be.
The Lady is a film about this woman’s life. I haven’t seen it, but I’m hoping to soon. Anyone else seen it? If so, what did you think?
True or False: What do you know about Aung San Suu Kyi
T/F 1. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
T/F 2. She lived under house arrest from 1989 to 2010.
Answers tomorrow. 🙂
One thing about being in the AtoZ Challenge is that you have very little time for INSECURITY. During April, my motto is Get Over It and Do It Fast! I’ll pass that on as my IWSG advice today. Sign up. Be a part of a very supportive group. HERE.
ALEX CAVANAUGH
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sage says
I think they're both true (your questions), now off to tomorrow to see…
Beverly Fox says
I can't believe you lived in Burma! How exotic! I can promise you that everything on this list will be new to me- how interesting!
Shooting Stars Mag says
Wow, she can't run if she's married to a foreigner? Definitely a convenient rule to keep control of things.
Sharon Marie Himsl says
Hi, just making it over to your a-z. Did not realize there is a movie of her life. Definitely plan to watch. Thanks for letting us know!
Nadine_Feldman says
I knew nothing about this woman…but then, that's one reason I wanted to visit your blog during the A to Z Challenge. Thanks for calling my attention to this part of the world.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Nadine. Hope you'll put up your Blogger profile so I can return a visit to your site.
Matthew MacNish says
She is a fascinating, important figure. They cover her on NPR all the time.
2015 A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Matthew MacNish from The QQQE
i b arora says
quite unusual theme, great
Empty Nest Insider says
What a powerful movie trailer! You've chosen such a fascinating theme, Lee! I know you won't let us, or your Muffin Commando Squad down!
Julie
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger (大哥) says
She definitely lived under house arrest. This will be an interesting A-Z, looking forward to it!
Dan Brown A-Z
J.L. Campbell says
Love that motto. We have to do what me must to meet our goals.
That law doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but anyway …
Yvonne Ventresca says
You have a very unique theme this year! Thanks for sharing.
Yvonne
Nicole says
Haven't heard of The Lady…the person nor the film but it's nice to know there's a movie about her life. It would be interesting to learn about her especially given the country's stance on spouses affecting one's eligibility for running for office.
I'm going to make a wild guess with my answers to your trivia questions:
1. False – Maybe she did win but on another year or she didn't win one at all.
2. True – For some reason the house arrest thing sounds more plausible. (If "plausible" is the right word I'm looking for?!!)
~Nicole
A-to-Z Challenge Co-Host
The Madlab Post
Mary Aalgaard says
That looks fascinating, educating, and heart-wrenching, like Evita. What men won't do to keep women down and powerless. Yet, look, how her people rally around her.
Play off the Page
Denise Covey says
Hi Lee! I saw Aung San Suu Kyi and came running. I've followed her ups and downs for years. I do hope there's a happy ending! I must see this film. Have a wonderful April!
Donna McDine says
I haven't seen the movie either! Quite intriguing! Amazing strong woman! Good luck in the A-Z Challenge to our fearless Muffin Commando Squad leader!
Kristin Smith says
I haven't seen the movie, but it looks amazing! Thanks for sharing this about such a powerful woman. Good luck with A to Z!!
Elizabeth Hein says
I am looking forward to your posts about Myanmar. That's a place I don't know nearly enough about. Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration to us all.
Joylene Nowell Butler says
Lee, I like your motto. I think the movie looks powerful and may (if they're smart) be nominated for an Oscar.
Lynda R Young says
Gotta love having no time for insecurities. I love your new look blog, by the way.
Stephen Tremp says
its themes like this that make A to Z so much fun. I learned something I never would have known.
Al Diaz says
That's usually how those in power for too long behave. They would do anything and everything to keep it. But if she says she can be of better help on other instances, maybe she has a plan.
Heather R. Holden says
My insecurities always seem to find time to take over, no matter how little time I actually have… 😛
And wow, Aung San Suu Kyi sounds fascinating. Such a shame she can't run for the presidency there…
Joanne says
stopping by on A to Z. Excellent start and fascinating woman. I've always admired her. good post.
Christine Rains says
Good luck to Aung! I know next to nothing about Burma, so I look forward to learning more. 🙂 Good luck this month.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Interesting article. I know nothing about the area or the lady. Hope to learn more this month. A great topic.
Moonie says
Lee what a rewarding journey for you and others.
I agree get over it…
Happy A to Zing
Susan Oloier says
Lee, I feel educated by your post. My husband scolds me for not keeping up with the news, which is probably why I haven't heard of her before today.
Cathrina Constantine says
Aung did receive the nobel peace prize in 1991, but I also thought she was under house arrest for many years.
I like your motto!! Good One. I think I'll take it to heart!
Nilanjana Bose says
The first person that comes to mind when thinking of Burma! True to both questions. Hope they do amend the constitution to make her President.
Wonderful start to your A-Z.
Best,
Nilanjana.
Madly-in-Verse
Haneen I. Adam says
Yea I know her, she did experience both 1 and 2 but not sure of the times. Can't mention Myanmar without thinking of Aung San Suu Kyi. Great start 🙂
Sylvia Ney says
Great way to start this challenge!
Patricia Lynne says
She sounds like an amazing person. Hopefully, she can beat anything her naysayers throw at her.
Birgit says
I have not heard of her but that is my fault. She sounds like a strong woman. I will say F to the 1st question and True for the 2nd.
Sophie Duncan says
Aung San Suu Kyi is a strong and amazing person. She has lived with dignity through so much.
Sophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles
FB3X
Wittegen Press
M Pax says
I heard of her somewhere… maybe a travel show. I watch a lot of those. I can picture someone sitting on chairs at a ruined hose in the jungle and the two of them talking. Hmm.
Michelle Wallace says
Aung San Suu Kyi is an amazing woman! I know that she lived under house arrest…
You used to live in Laos? Wow, that must have been an experience… a different atmosphere/culture/way of life to absorb…
Elizabeth Seckman says
I had never heard of her before. I feel smarter now.That is sad that she can't run. People in power love to stay in power.
Mere Joyce says
I'm not participating in A to Z this year, but I'm looking forward to visiting your blog to learn more about Burma!
SA Larsenッ says
Her life story is very interesting. How I praise her for her steadfast devotion to remaining married, yet being true to her belief in her homeland. Gosh, there are so many amazing people in the world. Thanks for sharing her!
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – yes she is an amazing lady – and I haven't seen the film .. but she always amazed me at her knowledge of life abroad .. from listening to the BBC – various channels – she was happy with 'pop music' too, and she was under house arrest for those years … not sure about the Nobel Peace Prize – might be another year .. but I'm sure she's got it.
She used to live in Oxford .. her story is a fascinating one .. cheers Hilary
Sarah Foster says
I'd have to Google the T/F questions and that would just feel like cheating. I'm excited to learn more from your posts!
Morgan Dragonwillow says
Oh… tears in my eyes, I have to see this. Thank you for sharing it.
Peace to you.
Happy A to Z'ing.
Morgan,
A Poet's Kitchen
Playing with Words
StoryDam
David P. King says
I better look into this lady. Politics, I tell you… 🙂
Darla M Sands says
Great post. I imagine that both facts you list are true. Best wishes!
Jessica Scott says
What an interesting post. I remember hearing her name though I truly do not remember anything else about her other than being a Nobel Laureate. It's a shame fear and corruption causes such people to be persecuted in this way. And now I am going to go look her up and do some reading. I love biographies about people like her. And the movie looks fantastic. I love Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis.
Nick Wilford says
That's bad. I understand the law of being born in the country like the US president. But this seems like diplomatic dogma and like you say, helps the people in power.
I know there was an Asian female politician under house arrest for a long time. So I'll say 1 false and 2 true.
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
I like your April motto. And I think the lady was under house arrest.
Annalisa Crawford says
She's an inspiring woman – and I know the answer to both True/False questions 🙂
S. L. Hennessy says
Get over it and do it fast, can that be my motto too?
Good luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
http://pensuasion.blogspot.com
DMS says
I don't know much about Burma or its people, but I do love learning. I learned a lot about Aung San Suu Kyi and hope that she will be able to serve her country in a way that allows her to do great things (she sounds like an amazing person). Sorry to hear about the law preventing her from becoming president- it doesn't sound like there is much of a chance of the law being overturned.
Thanks for sharing! I also like the trivia. 🙂
~Jess
Natasha Duncan-Drake says
Wow, your post is so much deeper than mine :). Aung San Suu Kyi sounds like an amazing person. I'm sorry to say I know nothing about her, thank you for enlightening me.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Chrys Fey says
How silly that someone married to a foreigner can't run for presidency. That's all about control. Aung San Suu Kyi sounds like an amazing woman.
aparna adhikari says
Hi, It was a wonderful post -she is a wonderful lady and a great hope for the development of Burma.. she has been house arrested..its true… Hope to see some positive changes where she can serve the country in whatever position she is…
http://aparnaadhikari.blogspot.in/2015/04/attitude-awareness-action-key-to-success.html
SittieCates says
What a wonderful motto for this month! Keeping that in mind. 🙂
Suzanne Furness says
I like your motto for April. No time for insecurities for many this month. Enjoy the challenge.
Angela Brown says
Sorry, I got a little teary-eyed after watching the movie trailer. I need to find that movie quickly.
I can not answer the trivia, but it wouldn't surprise me if the answers to both questions was True.
Thank you so much for sharing about Aung San Suu Kyi. This is the first I've heard of her but I hope it isn't the last.
L. Diane Wolfe says
maybe she can get into a position where she can help re-write the constitution.
Natalie Aguirre says
What an inspiring post. Aung San Suu Kyi is such an inspiring person. And thanks for sharing about your fascinating travels.
wangiwriter says
Aung San Suu Kyi is an amazing woman who has gained huge respect in the west. I admire her immensely. Great blog entry. I am a fellow A-Z participant. 🙂
Rob Z Tobor says
As on of Mr B's Ambassadors I am setting off on my Quest to do stuff.
An interesting part of the world Burma. My father was there during WW2, he had quite a good time out there I believe missing all the bad stuff and got on really well with all the locals.
Good luck getting to Z
Rob Z Tobor
T. Powell Coltrin says
A great "A" post. I learned something.
A Tarkabarka Hölgy says
That looks like an epic movie! Luc Besson does good stuff. Definitely goes on my watch list, thank you!
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
Multicolored Diary – Epics from A to Z
MopDog – 26 Ways to Die in Medieval Hungary
Melanie Schulz says
What a fascinating woman!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
No time for insecurities this month!
Shame that rule is in place. But she might be better off in other positions.
Cherdo says
What a great first day post! Love it and I learned something I knew nothing about – cool!