A Social Drink and Banter

The latest cartoon by JMP brings up some important points, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired, as it obscures the meaning it is trying to bring out.

As two men are drinking with a pagoda rising in the distance, one man says, "Our country is just so stupid! Instead of building new schools or hospitals, instead they just keep building pagodas!'" His friend responds by saying, "Well, if that's how you think, don't piss while you drink, instead just build a school yourself."

To further unpack some of the context, a lot about these men can be gleaned from their depiction. Being overweight, well-dressed, and sitting in what appears to be a restaurant or home (rather than a cheaper roadside stand), JMP is suggesting these men have money. And by drinking alcohol, which is a direct violation to the basic set of ethics laid down by the Buddha, (as well as by the fact they are not enamored with pagoda building), he is clearly depicting them as being somewhat skeptical of Buddhist practices. To bring in further context, the expression "to piss while you drink" is a Burmese proverb meaning to do two things at once, usually inefficiently. It can also mean to waste time, money, or resources.

Next we can look at the religious and social implications of the cartoon, in which the two men are referencing a common criticism that money in Myanmar is often spent more on Buddhist structures and merit-making, rather than much needed health and education reforms in the current society. Another thing to highlight is the role that individual philanthropy has played in Myanmar to support various civil society initiatives that government traditionally has not, or will not, support.

To dig deeper into the meaning JMP is aiming for, one must wade through his rather confusing execution. At first glance these figures do not at all appear sympathetic, and yet one man is expressing concern for the poor developmental choices being made in society, while the other is encouraging him to use his own funds to build a school. So although there are pieces of commentary laid throughout this image, it is hard to know exactly what takeaway JMP is intending for his readers.