There are two recent news stories that are close to my heart and affect me personally, and many people are asking for my opinions on both. So, before diving into that, I’ll provide a bit of context.
I grew up in London, United Kingdom, in the 1960s. We were a large immigrant family of mixed race from a former British colony called Burma. Nobody seemed to have heard of Burma in those days or knew where it was, so we were considered very exotic. Looking back at my childhood, it was perfectly happy. We had good schools, good amenities, good friends, and I remember only hearing playful racist taunts, which we attributed to pure ignorance. In the 1970s, it became fashionable to be tanned, and we were envied for the color of our skin.
I know not everyone has memories of growing up free from discrimination or abuse due to their race, and that can deeply mark a person later in life. The childhood years (from 0 to 5) are the most important, as experiences and relationships play a crucial role in well-being and development.
The current movements to promote tolerance, equality, and anti-racism should be praised for the impact they are having on the psyche and behavior of people. It will still take many years to inculcate this and much healing from all sides.
About Royalty and a Military Coup
So, back to the news that is causing a global stir. Yes, Meghan, you first. Prince Harry followed his heart and married the girl of his dreams, who just happened to be an American actress. The last time a royal married a divorced American, it didn’t end well either (Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson). How can an American know or appreciate the sacrifice it is to be part of a British institution that encapsulates tradition and stability during turbulent times? As The Economist says, “Being royal is about serving an institution. It doesn’t work for those seeking individual attention.” So true. The “job” requires total selflessness and “brilliantly bland” personalities who inspire many with their good works, duties, and ambassadorial roles. (We’re especially looking at you, Kate). Meghan didn’t get that memo.
I know many people, especially the younger generation and Americans, find this inhumane and unfair, but royalty is in a different category from celebrity status. It is steeped in history and pomp. And the allegations of racism? Everyone agrees that Meghan is beautiful, intelligent, and charitable. Yes, she is exotic, and that often breeds envy. Instead of denouncing ignorance and prejudice and proving her worth, she retreats to her comfort zone in Hollywood. Great Britain will not miss her. I said it.
The other, more tragic and serious news comes from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Burma will always be my birthplace and that of my parents and grandparents. We had to leave because of a military coup that isolated the country for over 30 years and caused economic stagnation and unspeakable suffering to its generous and kind-hearted population. There was much hope when Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, finally won the democratic elections in 2015, although her powers were limited. Last month, another shortsighted and disastrous military coup made headlines worldwide thanks to the attention given by a younger, more connected generation. The country needs more than mere denunciations and criticisms. Sanctions must be global in scale, and forced diplomacy administered to military leaders. The scenes of protests and violence in the streets are terrifying and disturbing. Personally, I am deeply saddened that my 96-year-old father has to live through more devastating news from a country he once thought he would live in forever.
Today, we hope we can raise our children in a more enlightened world, where racism, fanaticism, terror, and intolerance are no longer part of their lives, so they can grow up fulfilled and happy in any country in the world.