JC is a young artist and illustrator receiving support from The Kite Tales.
Now that I am away from home, my heart sinks every time I read the news coming out of Myanmar - how people are risking everything to keep protesting. These articles remind me of those early days of protests after the military staged a coup on Feb 1, 2021, when anger brought everyone to the streets.
One day during that period I and a group of friends found ourselves joining a protest in San Chaung, a neighbourhood in Yangon usually known for its cafes, restaurants and street side stalls selling delicious food from a diverse array of Myanmar communities.
As we sat on the road shouting slogans, military trucks turned up to break up the rally. The soldiers were fully armed and only about 50 feet away. There was just a small fence separating us.
Even with their guns so close, we stayed calm and didn’t panic.
It might sound strange but we felt safe.
We knew we could count on the people living in the apartment buildings around us. We knew they would open the doors for us if the military started shooting. That day we were lucky; the military trucks retreated, and we were able to finish our protest without any harm.
Thinking about that day is a reminder that we only have us. In these anxious times, we help each other on this journey. No one understands better than we do - what we have been going through, what we have lost, and what pain we have been enduring physically and mentally.
Protesters would take refuge in strangers’ homes. They were fed, welcomed, and given a place to shelter for as long as it was necessary. I remember people giving out lunch boxes, water, tissues. Street vendors would give out their food away rather than sell it. Taxi drivers would give free rides to demonstrators who lived far away. People protected each other.
The last year and a half has been unspeakably distressing. No, time has not healed these wounds, we have lost so much and cried so bitterly. But we are still standing strong thanks to the helping hands we lend to each other. Being there for each other makes us closer, comforts us, strengthens us and most of all helps us go through these challenging times.
These illustrations of hands are a tribute - and a symbol - of our ongoing revolution and the importance of helping each other.
Giving
We either donate time or goods to support the community or finance those who are in need. Even day labourers, students, street vendors, and those not working are giving back to this revolution in many ways.
Protecting
We safeguard each other from danger and harm. We protect each other through giving shelter, helping, and sharing.
Praying
We pray for victory and protection for revolutionary fighters.
Reaching out
We reach out to each other and those who have gone through tougher challenges, physically and/or mentally.
