Myanmar’s Presidential Office and several domestic media agencies have slammed TIME magazine’s cover story, “The Face of Buddhist Terror.” Although they have the right to raise objections against any article in an international publication, first they have to take a step back and decide if TIME has breached media ethics.
Some groups have put forward a draft proposal which would restrict interfaith marriages. However, the 2008 Constitution enshrines religious freedom. Therefore, the Buddhist majority is obliged to accept other religions—after all, Myanmar is, and always has been, a multi-ethnic and therefore multi-faith nation. All Myanmar citizens should have the freedom to choose their religion and all practitioners should be able to pray in security.
However, the current situation in many parts of the country does not allow ethnic minorities and people of other religions to feel safe. Their opinions and attitudes must be considered. Rather than blaming each other, we should consider deeply why the recent violence occurred and seek out the best solutions.
In a global context, Christians constitute more than 33 percent of the world’s population; Muslims are about 21 percent; Hindus a little over 13 percent, and Buddhists just 5.84 percent. We are indeed a minority when looked upon from a world perspective. The only nations with Buddhist majorities are Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Vietnam.
This means that Buddhists in other countries are practicing a minority religion wherever they live. The current situation in Myanmar, and the screaming headlines proclaiming Buddhist terror, will affect all of these Buddhists too.
Most recently in Malaysia, many Myanmar migrants have been forced to return home or go into hiding because they fear reprisals. They, too, are victims of the actions of violent gangs in Myanmar.
Our nation is trying to come out from under a shell of isolation and wants to engage with the outside world. We have been in the dark for too long. We therefore must adjust to the opinions of the international community.
One of the steps forward that the people of Myanmar must take is national reconciliation. We must not neglect our nation-rebuilding efforts. That’s why we must be prepared to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue.
Regarding the draft proposal restricting interfaith marriage, we must remember that in a democracy, the majority rules—however, it does not neglect the desires of the minority. Every Myanmar citizen must shoulder responsibility, must avoid bigotry and the hatred of those who are different, and prevent our society from falling victim to those who would tear us all apart.
