Yes, wear a red shirt on this Friday (28 Sept 2007) for Burma.

I know - You’re most probably a Singaporean and you would be afraid to have the slightest political expression. I’m a Singaporean myself. I’m brought up by my parents to believe that being apolitical is good. I don’t blame them.

I don’t blame you for having this fear either.

Still what’s happening in Burma/Myanmar is simply ridiculous. Go read the news if you don’t still know what’s happening. Try this link (it brings up all news on that issue as determined by Google). Wikipedia has a nice summary too.

Like most Singaporeans, I’m pragmatic. Though I would like to see a free Burma, I know that is not going to happen within the near future.

The reason why I’ll be putting on a red shirt on Friday is not for a free Burma but for an end to the insane violence going on in Burma and to begin a real dialogue.

I would even compromise on using the name Myanmar (which was changed unilaterally by the military junta) instead of Burma.

So, Singapore, here’s a moderate tone for the red shirt that you’re going to wear. Here’s what you’ll demanding -

1. Raise awareness for the situation in Myanmar
2. Stop the ongoing violence in Myanmar
3. Start of dialogue between the government and the people

Please do your little part for the situation in Burma/Myanmar. At the very least, you did help to raise awareness and that is a good start.

If you’re a Singaporean blogger, please do a link back/trackback to help create a network of interested people, help spread the word and build a credible discussion/debate around the issue.

Thank you.

Related links
1. 9/28 Rally for a Free Burma at Main Green / USCB Petition / Email UN
2. Wear red shirts on friday - Anthropologists on the protests in Burma?
3. Will you wear a red shirt in support of Myanmar’s protesters? (interesting skeptical perspective)