Burma's Gen Z
The cartoon features a "wise old guy" speaking in Burmese: "We old people have to listen and follow the youth because they've got awesome techniques and strategies... By the way, I can't open this bottle, the packaging is very different these days. Can you open it?"
This Burmese cartoon is a sharp piece of satire that speaks volumes about the generational tensions in Myanmar, particularly in the context of the post-coup situation where Gen Z has taken on a leading role in resisting the military junta.
The "wise old guy" in the cartoon represents the older generation, particularly those who were previously in positions of leadership or influence—be it political, social, or within the family. He makes a statement about the necessity of listening to the youth and acknowledging their "awesome techniques and strategies." However, his actions contradict his words. He struggles to open a bottle, illustrating not just a physical inability to cope with modern developments but also symbolizing a deeper failure to truly comprehend or adapt to changing dynamics.
In post-coup Myanmar, Gen Z has become the vanguard of the resistance movement, showcasing creativity, boldness, and adaptability by employing modern tools such as social media, decentralized networking, and digital activism. Meanwhile, the older generation, while verbally acknowledging the need to defer to the youth, often struggles to genuinely cede control, provide meaningful support, or fully understand the innovative methods being used. The "wise old guy" needing help to open the bottle humorously yet poignantly underlines the dependence of the older generation on the youth to accomplish tasks that they are no longer equipped to handle.
The post-coup situation in Myanmar has revealed that traditional methods of resistance are largely inadequate against the military's brutality. In contrast, Gen Z has stepped up with new approaches, combining street protests, online campaigns, and global advocacy to generate pressure on the junta. The older generation, many of whom participated in the 1988 uprising or the Saffron Revolution, often fail to appreciate the different methods required today.
The cartoon implicitly criticizes the older leadership's hesitance to truly empower the younger generation. Despite acknowledging the capabilities of the youth, the old man clings to the bottle rather than easily handing it over to the younger person beside him.
This situation resonates with how the National Unity Government (NUG) still struggles to genuinely open up to the youth. Despite Gen Z's proven capability and dedication, the NUG remains hesitant to fully empower and involve them, much like the old man in the cartoon. The current resistance is youth-driven, often in spite of lukewarm or conditional support from older leaders. Gen Z has had to forge its own path, taking charge where the elders could not or would not. The humor in the cartoon highlights this dynamic: while the older generation may claim they need to "follow the youth," they are often unwilling or unable to relinquish control and let the youth lead effectively.
The piece captures the generational rift where respect for the youth is acknowledged verbally but not demonstrated in action. This disconnect is one of the key challenges in Myanmar's resistance movement. It serves as a reminder that words of encouragement are hollow if they are not backed up by real support, empowerment, and trust in the new generation.