Ft. Wayne, IN is not an exception. There are lots of Burmese people. Some of them came here for study abroad but others came from refuges in Burma's border. There are political reasons with latter persons.
Burma's economic regime is capitalism, however, since the country has been controlled by the military government, Burmese people are forced to follow the military's order and decision. For example, Aung San Suu Kyi, the person who is a Burmese opposition politician was detained for remaining imprisoned at home by the government.
Related to this, there was anti-democracy protest against the government in 2007. Like Aung San Suu Kyi, normal people who protested against the government, were kicked out from Burma and sent to the refuge which is located to the border of the country.
In the refuge camp, people receive emergency food and medical aid. Until the time that it is safe for refugees to go back to their country, they can stay in the camp. However, some people who will not able to return to their house can be resettled in "third countries," such as America, Europe and Austrailia away from the border.
American people has some biased mind toward ALL of Burmese people. One of friend of mine, Su Myahla came from Burma for study abroad in IPFW said, she experienced tha American person treated her really rude and ignored her since the person thought Myahla came from the Burmese Refuges. "The nation in third countries has prejudice to all the Burmese. And of course, all refugees are not rude or has not bad attitude even if they are not educated."
Thus, I think especially an office or department operating something for refugees should try to help American to remove their stereotypical minds about the Burmese refugees by doing social campaign. If that will be happened, refugees don't have to feel discrimination.
This is a really good idea for a blog. I've always been interested in the migration of Burmese people into Fort Wayne. Not that I have a problem with it, but I am curious as to how it happens. I do have one question, where do you think this blog will go? Are you going to interview Burmese people living in Fort Wayne?
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good idea here. It'll be interesting to see where you take the blog. American media does alot to influence minds about certain countries. I like how you are bringing out the Burmese story and the struggles that are forced upon them coming to America.
ReplyDeleteI am currently working on a PSA the intent of which is to alter American perceptions of the Burmese and foster a climate of compassion towards the Burmese and all refugees in Fort Wayne.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of tension between Americans and migrants for many reasons -- misunderstanding, stereotyping, ignorance, etc. -- but I was most interested in your comment about people thinking Burmese refugees were migrants. Many people don't realize the difference between a refugee and an immigrant, so they don't take the time to get to know anything beyond the amount of jobs that were gained by Burmese. In turn, refugees and immigrants hold tension between each other largely because there's a negative connotation with each title they're trying to avoid.
ReplyDeleteYour post had a lot of information in it -- which is good -- but I think you would be more effective going in-depth on each subject you listed in separate posts. It's a lot to wrap a head around!
Yes, Brittany, Im gonig to interview some people who came from Burma refuge. I hope you will interest in that :)
ReplyDeleteI know, even me, before I know the differences between Refugees and Imigrant, that was confusing. I will define the diferrences and interview people who is refugees or imigrants :)
ReplyDeletehttp://journalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110324/LOCAL/303249976/1002/LOCAL
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ReplyDelete