Relating to Irrawaddy news post;I would like to wear a woman’s sarong

I was shocked to read the article “I would like to wear a Woman’s Sarong” in the Irrawwaddy on- line news.

My point here is not to argue the right of the Gays. The Irrawaddy is the flagship news portal among exile media. If I am not wrong, thousands of Burmese youth will bump into Irrawaddy website daily to read the news and opinions related to Burma.

Recently, I have noticed Irrawaddy has improved far better than its rivals in all aspects of online journalism. Having said that does not mean that Irrawaddy has right to publish what ever is popular and controversial issue like this to promote its readership.

I was very happy to read the Interview with Iron Cross band members when they sincerely told Irrawaddy that most of them do not even drink Beer. The words of the Burma’s most famous band have great influence on the youths to follow the good moral conducts. Irrawaddy should not forget the fact that each and every words over your website will be read by thousands of youths everyday and consider the consequences.

Situation in Burma can not be considered parallel to the developed countries of the world.

We are struggling under the one of the most corrupt and ruthless regimes of this world.

Corruption is the outcome of the dictatorial society that will push its people deeper into poverty, immoral activity in a vicious cycle.

Most of us are well aware of moral decay in our society. Drug addiction, prostitution and human trafficking are the major problem for all of us. Our youth, who denied proper education and job opportunities, simply jump into the cycle of gambling, alcoholism, drug addiction and vice activities.

We need the brilliant leaders like General Aung San. We do not need the Gays in the time of great crisis. Human Right is important but Gay Right is just a trivial matter for all of us.

We do not want our younger generation to have more interest in make up business and beauty parlors but to get better knowledge for the future challenges.

I wish in future those who are responsible in Irrawaddy will not use this kind of controversial issue to attract more readerships. I do not think that post reflects the free and independent journalism. To me the post will be remembered as an era that triggers all of us to think seriously about the self censorship and responsible journalism.

Regards,

Sit Mone