El-Branden Brazil

Photographer, Writer & Mystic Traveller

Archive for ‘December, 2014’

88 Generation Student Leaders, Min Ko Naing & Ko Jimmy, In Tokyo

On December 7th, I was fortunate enough to attend a symposium in Tokyo, organised by the Burma community here. The guests of honour were 88 Generation student leaders, Min Ko Naing and Ko Jimmy. Both these men have been instrumental players in the pro-democracy movement in Burma, and as a result, they have both suffered extremely lengthy periods in prison.

Their role in Burma’s future will be very important. Min Ko Naing is considered the most influential opposition leader in the country, after Aung San Suu Kyi.

A Burmese friend of mine arranged for me to chat with Ko Jimmy privately for a brief five minutes. Unsurprisingly, he informed me that the reforms had produced little change for the majority of the people in Burma, and that it was vital that amendments are made to the 2008 Constitution. He also reiterated his continued commitment to non-violent protest.

88 Generation Student Leader, Min Ko Naing
88 Generation Student Leader, Min Ko Naing
Photography by El-Branden Brazil

88 Generation Student Leader, Ko Jimmy
88 Generation Student Leader, Ko Jimmy
Photography by El-Branden Brazil

88 Generation Student Leader, Min Ko Naing
88 Generation Student Leader, Min Ko Naing
Photography by El-Branden Brazil

Freedom Needs You!

Never take your freedom for granted. There are so many around the world dying for such privileges. If you should turn your eye for even a second, you may discover that it has been snatched away in a blink.

Be engaged in your world, be vigilant and always fight for the values you believe in strongly. Beneficial change never comes from apathy. Rather, apathy is the poison from which so much bad begins to seed.

Define your freedom and overcome all tyranny which would deny it. Equally, abandon ideologies that enforce tyranny upon others.

The right kind of freedom manifests out of mutual understanding and respect, acts of compassion, the willingness to share and the termination of greed. It is when people’s fundamental human rights are not impinged upon, so that they may live full, secure, happy lives with their families. It is when the voice of those with grievances can speak out without fear. It is in the ability to be able to participate in choosing the direction of a community or country through fair, honest elections. To be able to soar in creative endeavours and utilise fully our talents. To be a part of something that enhances the world positively. It is in knowing that our life means something.

We face uncertain, turbulent times, and everyone must be alert and participate in creating a future that is more just, fair, ecologically sensible and free.

– El-Branden Brazil

Portraits For A Dancer's Publicity #1
Photography by El-Branden Brazil

Speak Out Against Injustice

“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jnr.

Throughout the world, great injustice and suffering is being perpetrated with impunity. Rather than be divided, we must bring ALL our communities together and join hands in solidarity, speaking loudly and clearly that WE will NEVER tolerate or permit any crime that impinges on the human rights of any individual.

Apathy towards fighting for what is right is the excuse of the lazy and the disengaged, who fail to fully comprehend how precious, fortunate and fragile their sense of security is.

If you can pass through life without becoming a victim of state brutality, prejudice, poverty, conflict, hunger and disease, you are blessed. Just don’t take your good fortune for granted, whilst turning away from the suffering of others.

DO SOMETHING!

Burma By-Election 2012 #39
Photography by El-Branden Brazil