Episode #155: Yearning For Home (Panel Discussion)
On December 14th, we collaborated with One Light Global to offer our first virtual panel, called “Myanmar’s Voices for Freedom.” Since then, we have received a steady stream of positive feedback from panelists and guests alike, along with requests for future discussions. So we were delighted to co-host our second panel event with One Global Light on January 12th, called “Yearning for Home: Burmese Voices on Exile and Loss.” The full audio conversation of this panel is being aired on this episode. (Those who would like to watch the video of this talk can do so here.)
What is a “home?” It is more than just the physical structure we live in; “our home” has overlapping dimensions. We say that the town or city we live in is our home, as is our country, and the entire planet… even the solar system and galaxy where we are but a speck. “Home” conveys a sense of belonging. It evokes feelings of comfort, safety, and familiarity.
Almost a century ago, Thomas Wolfe wrote a book called You Can’t Go Home Again, referring to the deep-rooted sense of pain we feel if we suddenly are prevented from returning to our home. Wolfe describes it as a deeply distressing and unsettling experience; besides the grief, sadness and disorienting sense of disconnection, it involves a loss of the relationships, routines, and memories. In short, forcibly losing our home is traumatic.
For so many Burmese, this “loss of home” trauma is felt acutely on multiple dimensions. It is certainly felt at the most visceral level by those who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. But the military has tangibly destroyed the feeling of “home” for whole communities, and shattered a sense of security, safety and belonging—“home”—at the national level.
This panel discussion brings in guests who have tragically lost their “home.” For those of us sitting comfortably in our own homes, the conversation engenders a greater sense of empathy and connection with the people of Burma and their plight, inspiring us by their courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The panelists include:
· Thiri: A researcher, fixer and documentary producer based in Myanmar, Thiri has worked as a freelance consultant for international Human Rights organizations and media outlets. She reports, documents and advocates about the on-going conflict in Myanmar, as well as on political, social and economic issues. She was interviewed on Insight Myanmar last year.
· ko ko thett: A noted poet who has published several books of his own works, along with a series of translations which also include ethnic poetry. He has been recognized with an English PEN Translates Award, and currently resides in London.
· Simon: a Chin doctor and resistance leader who has overseen education projects in Mizoram which support the growing numbers of refugee children fleeing the conflict. You can hear his full story here.
· Eh Nay Thaw: After fleeing his Karen village following the Fall of Manerplaw in 1995 and spending ten years in a refugee camp, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Studies, and is currently a Refugee Resettlement Caseworker based in Kentucky. You can learn more about his life here
· Akari Win: A young professional who lived in Yangon through the coup, she soon became involved with the democratic movement and took on leadership positions in the National Unity Government; she ultimately had to flee the country as her activities put her at increasing risk.