I had big plans for May. Asian Pacific Heritage Month is this month. Through a bizarre coincidence my plans became trumped by two Asian natural disasters. On May 2, Cyclone Nargis hit the closed-off country of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and of course, the massive earthquake that is devastating southwest central China.
So Asia has been thrust into the international spotlight this May, not because of it's wonderful heritage and rich cultures but for tragedy.
Myanmar is generally under our radar since they are about as closed off as North Korea. Since the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Family Day at The Memorial Art Gallery, Myanmar has been on my mind. For the first time refugees from Myanmar, were represented at the event. They performed some traditional dances in native costume. Seeing them brought Myanmar back to the forefront of my mind, questions began to swirl and I found myself asking what is the deal with Myanmar? I know about the 1990 election that brought victory to Aung San Suu Kyi, who has never been able to rule since she was placed under house arrest by a military junta. This same group has oppressed ethnic minorities and committed atrocities that it seems should have attracted the diplomatic attention of the world.
Steve and I were able to attend a short documentary and discussion about the current situation in Myanmar that has been compounded by the cyclone. Thanks to the APA-HiP, a group that made it possible. Lately, my husband, seems to have a new interest is exploring his and other Asian cultures. After spending much of his youth, shall I say, not exactly embracing and expressing his Asian-ness, we now are finding ourselves at celebrations, movies and learning events. I have so much to share about what we have been up to.
Asian Heritage Month will probably be running into June here at Garden Variety Family. We have pictures, movies and mor thoughts to share. Most of it fun, beautiful and exciting.
In the meantime, these two organizations are accepting donations aimed at relief in Myanmar:
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