Lesson 24:Voice of Freedom

Level: X
DRA: 60
Genre:
Narrative Nonfiction
Strategy:
Question
Skill:
Author’s Purpose
Word Count: 2,235
6.5.24
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN
Online Leveled Books
1032431
H O UG H T O N M IF F L IN
by Joann Mulvaney Messier
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: 4 Joe Lemonnier / Melissa Turk
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: Cover © Christophe Loviny / CORBIS; 1 © ISSEI KATO / Reuters / Corbis; 3 © Christophe Loviny /
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Images; 13 © Clive Streeter (c) Dorling Kindersley, Courtesy of The Science Museum, London / dk Images; 14 © David Van
Der Veen / epa / Corbis; 16 © Dominique Aubert / Sygma / Corbis; 18 © ISSEI KATO / Reuters / Corbis
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Table of Contents
About Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Family Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Outside of Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Return to Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Message of Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Nobel Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Suu Kyi’s Sacrifices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Burma Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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“The only real prison
is fear, and the only
real freedom is freedom
from fear.”
—Aung San Suu Kyi
Since 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi (ong sahn soo chee) has
worked to help free the people of her country. For years,
Burma (also called Myanmar) has been led by a strict military
government. Its leaders use fear and violence to rule. Suu Kyi is
using peaceful efforts to try to bring democracy to her homeland. She works for political and social change. Suu Kyi serves
as an inspiration to people around the world.
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About Burma
Burma is a small country in Southeast Asia. In its early history, Burma was led by kings. These kings set up dynasties, or
ruling families. The Bagan Dynasty ruled for almost 250 years.
Bagan kings followed a religion called Buddhism. They built
a large city with many temples. Some of these temples, called
pagodas, still stand today. The Bagan Dynasty fell when invaders destroyed their city. Two later dynasties also fell. One reason
was because of problems inside Burma. The other reason was
from war with outsiders.
In 1824, Great Britain defeated Burma in a war. The
British then ruled over Burma for more than 100 years. In 1948,
Burma gained independence from Britain.
Burma (Myanmar)
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The flag of Myanmar
Myanmar
The rulers changed Burma’s name to Myanmar in
1989. Many people in Burma did not like this change.
Many countries, such as the United States, did not
recognize this name change. They still do not. The
government also changed the name of its capital. Once
called Rangoon, the city is now named Yangôn. In
2006, the rulers moved the capital to Naypyidaw.
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As a free nation, Burma set up a democratic government.
The country was not at peace, however. Constant fighting
broke out among its own people.
The military overthrew the government in 1962. A strict
general took control. He got rid of Burma’s constitution and
allowed only one political party. This party was based on
socialism. A socialist government runs much of the economy.
Under this government, Burma’s people suffered. Since 1988,
a military government called a junta (HOON tuh) has run
Burma. The Burmese people have very few rights.
Family Life
Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Rangoon, Burma, on June
19, 1945. Suu Kyi’s father, Aung San, was a distinguished military and political leader. He died when Suu Kyi was just two
years old. Her mother, Khin Kyi, was a nurse. Later she became
a diplomat. A diplomat represents his or her country in dealings
with other nations.
Outside of Burma
In 1960, Suu Kyi’s mother became a diplomat for Burma.
She worked with government leaders in India. Suu Kyi had
to leave Burma. She went to school in India. While there, she
learned about Mohandas Gandhi. Gandhi was an Indian leader
who led peaceful protests to help end British rule in his country.
Years later, Gandhi’s ideas would inspire Suu Kyi. She would
use peaceful means to try and change Burma.
6
Suu Kyi later attended school in Great Britain. There she
studied philosophy, politics, and economics. After graduating,
Suu Kyi spent two years working for the United Nations.
In 1972, she married Michael Aris. The couple had two sons.
For several years, Suu Kyi led a quiet life in England.
She worked at home and raised her sons. Suu Kyi also continued to write and study. She learned more about her father. In
1984, Suu Kyi published a book about his life.
Suu Kyi was influenced
by the nonviolent
beliefs and practices of
Mohandas Gandhi.
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Burmese revolutionary and statesman,
General Aung San was Suu Kyi’s father.
Aung San
Aung San was a great leader. He is considered
the founder of modern Burma. He led the movement
for Burmese independence and worked hard to end
British rule. In 1947, Aung San led Burma to freedom
from Great Britain. A new constitution was drafted.
Shortly after, a political rival murdered Aung San. Other
members of his party were killed, too. But Burma was
now free. In January 1948, Burma officially gained its
independence.
8
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As her children grew, Suu Kyi traveled the world. While in
Japan, she began to understand the significance of her father’s
life and work. He had greatly influenced the lives of people in
Burma. In a 1988 essay, Suu Kyi wrote:
“. . . I began to learn . . . how much he had
managed to achieve in his thirty-two years.
Not only did I then conceive an admiration for
him as a patriot and statesman, but I developed
a strong empathy as I discovered many similarities in our attitudes. It is perhaps because of
this strong bond that I came to feel such a deep
sense of responsibility for my country.”
Suu Kyi had lived away from Burma for more than
25 years. She could not, however, ignore the problems in
her homeland.
Return to Burma
Suu Kyi returned to Burma in 1988. At that time, violent protests against Burma’s rulers were growing. The leader
of Burma had resigned from office. But the controversy over
his rule grew worse. Many believed he was still in control of
the military.
Students, monks, and many others protested against the
government. The military responded by shooting at the demonstrators. In just six days, as many as 3,000 people were killed.
Suu Kyi realized that she had to do something.
9
On August 26, 1988, Suu Kyi gave her first major speech.
Almost half a million people gathered to listen. At that time,
few in the crowd knew about Suu Kyi’s ideas. They did know,
however, that she was the daughter of Aung San. In her stirring
speech, Suu Kyi called for democracy. She talked about using
peaceful methods to protest against the unjust rulers. Listeners
were drawn to Suu Kyi and her message. Some commented that
she looked and spoke like her father.
More and more Burmese people began to protest.
In response, the junta took steps to stay in control. Its leaders banned political gatherings of more than four people.
Public criticism of the military was also not allowed. They did,
however, allow the people to form political parties. They also
promised to hold free elections. Most people were not inclined
to believe that elections would ever be held. Why should they
believe the junta’s promises? The people kept protesting. The
military continued to respond with force.
Message of Freedom
In 1988, Suu Kyi helped form a political party called the
National League for Democracy (NLD). As its leader, Suu Kyi
organized rallies. They toured the country to spread their ideas.
But those who turned out to hear her speak were arrested.
Others were threatened by the junta. Still, Suu Kyi did not
give up.
10
Democracy
A democracy is a government in which the people
hold power. Ancient Greek city-states created the idea
of a democracy. The Roman Republic set up the first
constitution, which protected the rights of its citizens.
Today, democratic countries, such as the United
States, elect their leaders. These elected officials
represent the people in the government. The people
have certain rights. For example, they can vote. They
can speak freely. They can worship the religion of their
choice. Most democracies have more than one political
party. The people can choose which one to support.
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The military followed Suu Kyi and her supporters
wherever they went. They even threatened people’s lives.
On April 5, 1989, Suu Kyi was outside of Rangoon. She stood
bravely before six soldiers who had orders to kill her. Asking
her supporters to stand aside, Suu Kyi walked calmly toward
the soldiers. They aimed their rifles at her. At the last minute,
the order to shoot was taken back. Many were impressed by the
serene way Suu Kyi had reacted.
On July 20, 1989, Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest
in Rangoon. She could not leave her home. Thousands of her
supporters were also arrested. The military hoped this would
finally silence Suu Kyi. They also hoped to break up support
for her political party, the NLD. The arrest, however, made
Suu Kyi even more famous.
To the surprise of many, Burma did hold elections in
1990. In a landslide victory, the NLD won most of the legislative seats. The people of Burma had spoken. But the ecstasy
the NLD supporters felt didn’t last long. The military government did not recognize the winners. Some NLD winners
were disqualified. Others were arrested. The junta continued
its harsh rule. Despite these setbacks, supporters of the NLD
refused to give up.
12
The Nobel Prize
In 1991, Suu Kyi was awarded
the Nobel Peace Prize. This
award honored her work for
democracy and human rights.
Unfortunately, Suu Kyi could
not attend the award ceremony.
She was still under house arrest
in Burma.
The Nobel Peace
Suu Kyi’s two sons accepted the
Prize medal
award for her. In Alexander’s speech, he
stressed his mother’s message of peace:
“I know that if she were free today my
mother would . . . also ask you to pray that the
oppressors and the oppressed should throw
down their weapons and join together . . . in the
spirit of peace.”
The Nobel honor brought worldwide attention to Burma’s
problems. Other countries were upset at the Burmese government’s refusal to accept the 1990 election results. They also
criticized its acts of prejudice against minorities.
People were angry over these human rights violations.
To try to improve its image, the government made changes.
Some political prisoners were freed. Suu Kyi, however, was not.
13
Suu Kyi gives a speech to
a group of supporters.
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Suu Kyi’s Sacrifices
Aung San Suu Kyi has made many
personal sacrifices. While under house
arrest, she has had little contact with the
outside world. At first, her husband and
sons were able to visit her. The government soon put a stop to these visits. They
also limited her written communication.
Suu Kyi accepted her fate in a regal
manner. Few people would have been able
to deal with such a hard situation.
World governments and the United
Nations tried to free Suu Kyi, but they
failed. The Burmese government did give
her a choice. She could be free — but
only if she left Burma. Suu Kyi refused.
She would not abandon the people of
Burma. Many were inspired by her willingness to sacrifice so much for others.
In July 1995, Suu Kyi was finally
released from house arrest. She had been
held for nearly six years. After her release,
the government watched her carefully.
They limited her movements. At first, Suu
Kyi made speeches outside her home. But
the junta soon stopped this.
15
Her Husband’s Death
In 1998, Suu Kyi’s husband was dying
of cancer. The government would not let
him visit his wife in Burma. Suu Kyi could
not leave the country. If she did, she would
not be able to return. Michael Aris died
in London on March 27, 1999.
The couple had been
apart since 1995.
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Yet, Suu Kyi still tried to bring democracy to
Burma. The junta continued to disrupt her efforts. In
1998, the NLD formed a new group. They declared
that it was Burma’s true government. Once again, the
junta arrested NLD supporters. Still, the members of
the NLD would not give up their cause.
The government again placed Suu Kyi under
house arrest in 2000. During this time, she met with
leaders of the junta. Following the talks, some political prisoners were let go. Suu Kyi was freed in 2002.
Once again, she traveled the country, spreading her
message of peace and freedom.
In 2003, Suu Kyi and other NLD members were
in northern Burma. They were talking about democracy to all who would listen. A group supporting
the military bothered Suu Kyi and her supporters.
This agitation quickly turned to violence. Many
people with Suu Kyi were hurt or killed. Others were
arrested. Suu Kyi was placed in “protective custody.”
After this clash, the junta closed the NLD’s offices.
Burma Today
Burma’s military government is still in power
today. Some political prisoners have been freed.
Many others, however, remain in jail. Human rights
violations go on. The military controls the media.
It also controls people’s access to the Internet.
17
Suu Kyi’s supporters display
her picture on posters,
T-shirts, and pins.
Some Burmese citizens even fled the country. They hoped
to find work and peace elsewhere.
In 2003, Aung San Suu Kyi wrote about the struggle in
Burma. She said, “I ask people why they want democracy. Very
often the answer is, ‘We just want to be free.’”
In May 2007, Suu Kyi was still under house arrest. People
around the world called for her release. To the people of
Burma, Suu Kyi remains a symbol of hope. The government
still tries to stop her. Yet, Suu Kyi keeps working for freedom
and democracy in Burma.
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Responding
TARGET SKILL Author’s Purpose What
was Joann Mulvaney Messier’s purpose in
writing Voice of Freedom? Copy the chart
below. Write the author’s purpose at the bottom
of the chart. Then list details that support the
author’s purpose.
Burma has a
strict military
government.
Author’s Purpose:
?
?
?
Write About It
Text to Text Using this book as a source,
write the introduction to a research report
on Aung San Suu Kyi. Be sure to include the
most important ideas about Suu Kyi’s life in
your introduction.
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TARGET VOCABULARY
agitation
inclined
conceive
prejudice
controversy
regal
distinguished
serene
ecstasy
significance
TARGET SKILL
Author’s Purpose Use text
details to figure out the author’s viewpoint and
reasons for writing.
TARGET STRATEGY Question Ask questions
about a selection before you read, as you read, and
after you read.
GENRE Narrative Nonfiction gives factual
information by telling a true story.
Write About It
In a famous quotation, Aung San Suu Kyi said,
“Please use your freedom to promote ours.”
What freedoms do you value most? Why? Write
a letter to the editor of a Burmese newspaper
explaining the freedoms you have and why they
are important to you.
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Level: X
DRA: 60
Genre:
Narrative Nonfiction
Strategy:
Question
Skill:
Author’s Purpose
Word Count: 2,235
6.5.24
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN
Online Leveled Books
1032431
H O UG H T O N M IF F L IN