Myanma

Posted on Oct 6, 2007 in Misc. | 0 comments

With all the political unrest in a particular SE Asian country recently (that I think is important and support the monks’ desire for democracy), that country’s name is all over the media. Actually, its names. As you’re undoubtedly aware, the country formerly known as Burma is now called Myanmar. That change occurred in 1989… by my math that’s almost two decades. Why then must every foreign correspondent, anchor person, and cub reporter feel the need to add some variant of “Myanmar, formerly called Burma”? There must be a statute of limitations on using a former name… I’d offer up 5 years. After that if someone doesn’t know, the onus should be on them to ask the oracle of all knowledge for the answer.

So, I’ve decided upon the solution. I really should get a Pulitzer or something for the service I’m doing for journalism. Here’s the deal. The country will now be referred to with a hybrid name. Yes, like TomKat, KFed, and my favorite, HamKey / TurkHam (that’s ham made of turkey or turkey made of ham). Burma Myanmar will now be called MyanMa. Or, if you prefer, BurMar. It’s up to you. I prefer MyanMa. Journalists, update your AP Stylebooks and stop “educating” everyone about Myanmar’s former name. Thanks.

As an aside, there was an episode of Seinfield in which J. Peterman goes to Myanma because he’s burned out writing the catalog in New York. He calls Elaine and tells her where he is, and says “You may know it as Myanmar, but it’ll always be Burma to me.” Thus proving once again how relevant that show is to life.