Mayhem in Myanmar

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. But the above illustration does more than convey a thousand odd words; it tells the story of thousands of people who might not have the opportunity to voice their opinion in any other public forum.

Political cartoons have guided public opinion and shaped ideologies for generations now, becoming one of the most popular and potent means of expressing a viewpoint. But the above depiction is even more special as it does more than just project a situation. It is also a stifled cry for help from the people of Myanmar, who are distraught after a catastrophic cyclone and neglected by an imposing, military government. Sure, it may be drawn by a complete foreigner, but then no one is in any way alien to the situation in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar.

Thousands Perish

The world has been a horrified witness to the tragedy that struck Myanmar when on May 2nd, 2008, Cyclone ‘Nargis’ hit the coast of the small country, formerly known as Burma, causing untold damage to life and property. But what was even more shocking to watch was that despite the magnitude of destruction caused, the military ‘junta’ that rules in Myanmar was adamant on disallowing foreign aid workers from entering the country due to fears that it might lose its grip on the nation and its people. The only international aid workers allowed into the country have been from neighbouring, usually friendly, nations.

With this virtual ban on foreign aid workers, the ‘junta’ declared that the situation would be brought under control by them, but that does not seem to be the case if recent reports are to be believed. According to the Red Cross, about 95% of homes in rural areas have been wiped away by ‘Nargis’. People are seen lined up along the streets, begging the limited number of aid workers that pass by for scraps of food in order to survive. The death toll has reached around 78,000 with more people feared dead.

Yet even in these desperate times, the ‘junta’ refuses to let in more help. They have been asking for international aid, but without the accompanying aid workers required to facilitate these rescue and support missions.

Cyclone 'Nargis' has caused untold destruction in Myanmar

As the nation’s condition worsens, the ‘junta’ is coming under more and more pressure from international bodies and nations to take stock of the situation. They recently had to arrange for foreign diplomats to tour the cyclone-affected areas, in order to pacify foreign officials and international bodies. Even in this case, the ‘junta’ decided which areas these delegates would inspect.

All the politics and inefficiency are ultimately telling on the people of the nation, who are suffering in fear and neglect. The common man is not allowed to voice his opinions; neither can he hope for a better life or at least a means of survival. The international media is allowed limited access to places in the country, with the ‘junta’ providing admission to only those areas and issues that it wants highlighted. In such a scenario, there is very little chance for change, unless a third party steps in. That is where the mass media comes into the picture.

Some of the people rendered homeless in Myanmar have to beg by the roadside for their daily meals

For years the mass media has been referred to as the ‘watchdog of society’, but there have been very few incidents in recent times that justify this title. Yet, cartoons like the one discussed above are reiterating the role of the media in a positive light. Such media content goes a long way in showing that the media is indeed taking note of situations like that in Myanmar, prompting a dialogue for political reform and social change.

This is instrumental in sending a strong message to ‘leaders’ like those in Myanmar, warning them that they are been watched closely.

After all, donning a military uniform does not just suggest the gaining power and control; it also signifies a sense of responsibility towards the people of the nation. When used in any other manner, especially to strike terror and fear in the hearts and minds of innocent citizens, it becomes nothing more than a shield for a cowardly bully.

It is therefore the duty of the mass media, as the ‘watchdog of society’ to lash out at such inefficient governors in the best way it can – through its wide-reaching content. It has to become the voice of the silent masses, aiding those that cannot speak up for their rights and assisting those who want to speak up. That is ‘real’ power, the power of the media. Something that does not lie in locked in a uniform, but can be unleashed by the mind alone. Something that does not cripple the people it serves, but instead enables them to strive for a better life.

• Helping Hands