When does activist media go to far? For instance, suicide bomber’s not only kill themselves and others for their religion but to create publicity. Another example that involves someone taking their own life in an act of protest took place in 1963 when a monk burned himself to death. A Buddhist monk from Vietnam placed himself at the busiest intersection in Saigon and then proceeded to light himself on fire. He did this to bring attention to the repressive policies of the Catholic regime that controlled the South Vietnamese government. The Catholic regime implemented strict bans on Buddhist monks and nuns. For instance, they prevented the flying of the Buddhist flag. Supposedly, the monk never moved a muscle.
Here is a picture of the monk burning himself. Just to warn you all, it is pretty disturbing.
This raising the question of not so much media but acts meant to attract media attention or events. Creating a spectacle is a common tactic in social movements and among activist aiming to get mainstream media to cover their cause.
ReplyDeleteThe actions taken by this monk are extremely controversial considering the beliefs of Buddhist monks internationally. Buddhism is an extremely peaceful religion that does not encourage harm to anyone, especially oneself. Many in the the religion would look down upon this, but on the other hand, it did bring attention to his cause. It would be interesting to see the reactions of his fellow monks.
ReplyDeleteThis post reminded me of an article that was brought to my attention earlier on in the year. Vietnamese Monks were being forced to go underground after being evicted from the pagoda where they had been living. The article doesn't give a lot of background to the incidents, but it would be interesting to see the connection (if there is) with the 1963 incident.
Here is the link to it
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/flee-01072010153232.html
I think this spectacle is an effective-ish tactic to draw the attention mainstream media to cover a cause. To me, this doesn't really spark a dialogue between this monk and the Catholics. While he is making a statement that is powerful, I believe spectacles like the one Kate Burns, her partner, and the other members of Soul Force created when they sat and waited to be given a marriage license are far more effective. This created attention and also portrayed them as peaceful and serious about changing the policy. The mainstream media was all over this and they helped add to the public conversation of gay marriage.
ReplyDelete