Uncovering Bias

“I was one of those Burmese people who believed that the Rohingya were not one of us. But I was open and wanted to see it with my own eyes. So I was curious to go there. I was scared too, but when I got there, and I saw the reality, I was angry. I was very angry with the media.”

Darko, a Burmese musician and activist, has been at the forefront of protest and music, using his platform to address social and political issues in Myanmar. Expressing his hatred for the military regime through his music with his indie band Side Effect, Darko has questioned organized religion, delved into meditation, and embraced the concept of inner revolution. Despite the challenges posed by the military coup, Darko remains committed to creative activism, supporting younger artists, and calling for global solidarity to uplift the voices of the people of Myanmar.

Darko's quote here, taken from a recent podcast discussion, sheds light on the prevalent suspicion that had been harbored by many Bamar people towards the Rohingya community in Myanmar during the transition period. This suspicion was perpetuated by the military's propaganda machine, which paints the Rohingya as outsiders, not belonging to the nation. What sets Darko apart is his proactive approach to uncovering the truth. Despite his initial skepticism, he chose to venture into the Rohingya camps during the height of the crisis, driven by curiosity and a desire to witness the reality for himself. This personal investigation shattered his preconceived notions and fueled his anger towards the media's distorted portrayal of the crisis. Darko's courageous and independent pursuit of truth stands as a testament to challenging deeply ingrained prejudices and misinformation. His actions inspire a greater understanding and empathy for the Rohingya people on the part of the Bamar majority, while also highlighting the importance of personal exploration and critical thinking in combating widespread suspicion and propaganda.