Famous Rapper Arrested for Criticizing Military Rule in Myanmar (Free English Lesson)
Lesson made on May 26, 2023
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Reading Lesson:
A famous rapper from Myanmar named Byu Har has been taken away by the authorities because he made some negative comments about the military government on Facebook. He criticized how the government was dealing with a big problem - a lot of places in the country don't have electricity right now.
This happened because, back in 2021, the military took over the country's government from Aung San Suu Kyi, who was leading it. Since then, getting gas to power electricity plants has been tough.
Byu Har made a video where he said bad things about the person in charge of electricity. He said things were much better when Ms. Suu Kyi was in charge. He was so angry, he even dared the military to come and arrest him.
Sadly, they did. Friends and family don't know where he is or how he is doing. Before this, the government had already warned him because he made music that spoke against them. It's really worrying because people who have been arrested in Myanmar have been known to be treated very badly.
Byu Har is the son of a very famous musician in Myanmar who wrote a song which people sang a lot during a big protest in 1988 against the military. That song has become popular again since the 2021, when the military took control again. Many people have been killed or had to leave their homes, and a lot of people need help, according to the United Nations.
Comprehension Questions:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
1. Discuss the power of music in influencing social and political change. Can you think of any other examples from history or your own country?
2. Without electricity, what would happen in our city? How would your life be different?
3. Freedom of speech means that you can criticize the government. Is this important for a democracy? Explain.
More Reading Practice:
What is the history of Myanmar?
Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia that is full of history and culture. It's known for its beautiful landscapes, from the high mountains in the north to the coastal areas along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in the south. It has a population of over 50 million people.
The people of Myanmar are known for their warm hospitality and the rich cultural heritage they proudly share. The culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, which is the main religion in the country. You can see this influence in their art, literature, music, and especially in their architecture. Myanmar is famous for its golden pagodas, which are Buddhist temples that can be seen all around the country. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, is one of the most famous and is visited by people from all over the world.
Myanmar's history is a blend of different influences. Over the centuries, many different kingdoms and dynasties have ruled this land. The most recent history has seen a lot of change and turmoil. After gaining independence from British rule in 1948, the country was ruled by military governments for many decades. In recent years, there has been a push towards democracy, but it has been a difficult journey with many obstacles.
The economy of Myanmar is diverse, with agriculture playing a key role. Rice is the main crop, but they also grow other crops like beans, sesame, and rubber. Fishing is important in the coastal areas, while mining for gems and other resources is done in the mountainous regions. However, the economy has faced challenges due to political instability and other factors.
What happened in Myanmar in 2021?
In the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, a significant event too place on February 1, 2021. The military of the country, also known as the Tatmadaw, took control. They arrested Aung San Suu Kyi, who was the leader of the country at that time. She was part of a political party named the National League for Democracy or NLD.
Before the military took over, Myanmar had an election in November 2020. The NLD party won many seats in that election. However, the military said that there were problems with how the election was run. They claimed there was cheating or 'election fraud'. The military used these claims as their reason for taking control of the country.
The Myanmar military announced a state of emergency for one year, which means they would be in control for at least that time. The coup led to many protests in Myanmar. People who did not agree with the military taking control took to the streets to voice their disagreement and demand the return of the elected government.
However, these protests were met with a strong and sometimes violent response from the military. This caused worry around the world, and many other countries and international organizations have called for peace and the return of the elected government.
Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?
Aung San Suu Kyi is a very important woman from Myanmar. For many years, she has been fighting for her country to have more democracy.
Suu Kyi was born on June 19, 1945, and her father was Aung San, a man who is considered a hero in Myanmar. He was a leader who fought for Myanmar's independence from British rule. But sadly, he was killed when Suu Kyi was just a little girl.
When she was older, Suu Kyi went to other countries to study. She went to places like India and the United Kingdom and learned about new ideas and different ways of thinking. She got married and had two children. Then, in 1988, she went back to Myanmar to look after her sick mother. While she was there, she saw many people protesting against the government. They wanted more freedom and a better life.
Suu Kyi decided she needed to help the people of her country. She criticized the government, which was a very brave thing to do. Because of this, the government put her under house arrest. This means she was not allowed to leave her home, and she couldn't talk to a lot of people. She was under house arrest for about 15 years.
In 2010, Suu Kyi was finally let out, and she continued her fight for democracy. Many people admired her courage and believed in her ideas. In 2015, her political party won a big election, and Suu Kyi became a key leader in the government.
In 2021, there was a coup in Myanmar, which means the military took control of the government. Suu Kyi was arrested again.
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