Civil Rights and Democracy in South Asia

Click on a box to explore the facts and author’s opinions within the excerpt from the speech.

“I therefore request you all to observe a minute’s silence in order to show our deepest respect for those students who have lost their lives.”

• Ms. Suu Kyi starts the speech by acknowledging a fact – that students had been killed in previous protests, including one she witnessed.
• The author identifies the seriousness of the event and addresses the sacrifices made in order to support the opinions she will express later in the speech.

“I would therefore not wish to see any splits and struggles between the army which my father built up and the people who love my father so much.”

• This excerpt from a passage in the first portion of the speech expresses Suu Kyi’s opinion that there must be peace between the military and the public.
• This opinion is influenced by the author’s upbringing as the daughter of a military leader and hero to both the army and the people.
• The author is also aware of the influence that she may be able to have over the people as a leader for democracy, and over the military based on her father.

“Please think of the country’s future.”

• In this sentence, Ms. Suu Kyi is pleading with her audience to consider the future of the nation when protesting or interacting with the government and army.
• This opinion for the “need to continue to demonstrate for this through peaceful and disciplined means” is influenced by her background witnessing student demonstrations and attacks on demonstrators.
• She has also had experience with student groups, and recognizes the need to speak to this group of student protesters who may have the energy to continue their crusade.

“Conditions necessary for the holding of free and fair elections should be created throughout the country.”

• Finally, Ms. Suu Kyi reminds the audience of one of the key purposes of her speech – to spread democracy through free and fair elections.
• This opinion is influenced by her background in campaigning for increased democratic rights.
• This opinion is also reinforced by the time she spent challenging the military government to expand rights, much of which was spent under house arrest.