> In Myanmar, both monks and laypersons twisted the faith into a shield for ethnic violence, targeting the Rohingya minority under the guise of protecting Buddhism from an “Islamic threat.” Driven by historical grievances, xenophobic myths, and a fervent need to guard Myanmar’s “Buddhist identity,” these factions have justified persecution, citizenship denial, and outright brutality—all while draped in saffron robes.
The violence against the Rohingyas is terrible and it's horrible to see Buddhism used as a cover. Japan did a similar thing under WW2 where Zen institutions were "encouraged" to support the war and preach that it was moral and religious.
With that said, the fears are not unjustified. Indonesia was once a bastion of Buddhism and Buddhist thought, now it's a majority Muslim country. In Afghanistan, the Taliban were blowing up ancient Buddhist monuments before 9/11.
Overall this article struck me as maybe well-intentioned but totally unrealistic.
It's a very idealistic way of looking at things. A more materialist analysis would posit cultural trappings are just cover for actions people want to do anyway like you allude to
The violence against the Rohingyas is terrible and it's horrible to see Buddhism used as a cover. Japan did a similar thing under WW2 where Zen institutions were "encouraged" to support the war and preach that it was moral and religious.
With that said, the fears are not unjustified. Indonesia was once a bastion of Buddhism and Buddhist thought, now it's a majority Muslim country. In Afghanistan, the Taliban were blowing up ancient Buddhist monuments before 9/11.
Overall this article struck me as maybe well-intentioned but totally unrealistic.