Myanmar Spring Chronicle – August 4 Viewpoint
(MoeMaKa, August 5, 2025)
Comparing 1988 and 2021: The Consequences of Misguided Narratives
August 8, 1988—famously remembered as “8.8.88”—marked the day when Myanmar’s people rose in mass protests to demand an end to 26 years of military dictatorship led by generals in civilian disguise under the Burmese Way to Socialism. It was a turning point, a call for the dismantling of the “Ne Win” regime and its oppressive system.
Between the 1962 coup and 1988, scattered uprisings flared from time to time. These included the July 7 student protest, the U Thant incident, and the Shwedagon incident—student, worker, and religious protests against the military government, followed by brutal crackdowns. While some periods saw visible unrest, others were subdued for years. It was not until 1987, after the demonetization of currency, that protests reignited, eventually leading to the March, June, and August 1988 uprisings.
Those who led the 1988 student protests had learned from earlier generations, while some veterans of past movements passed on advice. The 1988 uprising, which began with student activism, evolved into a nationwide pro-democracy movement. While the 88 Uprising did not succeed in toppling military rule outright, it spawned political organizations, opposition parties, and even armed groups like the ABSDF (All Burma Students’ Democratic Front)—the influence of which remains debated and unresolved to this day.
It is often difficult to evaluate historical events objectively when they are still recent or emotionally charged. As time passes and more information emerges, it becomes easier to make balanced assessments without the cloud of emotional bias. Now, over 35 years later, it is arguably the right time to evaluate the legacy of 1988—its strengths, weaknesses, and lessons relevant to today’s struggle.
At the beginning of the 2021 Spring Revolution, the slogan “Don’t repeat the mistakes of ’88 in 2021” began circulating among protestors. Its intended meaning appeared to be a warning to the military—not to repeat the violent crackdown and usurpation of power from ’88. But later, this slogan took on other, more divisive interpretations on social media.
Some began using “Don’t repeat ’88” as a criticism of former student leaders and political veterans—warning younger activists not to follow their example. The term “Gen Lee” (short for Generation Lee) was coined by some online voices to mock and dismiss older political figures, portraying them as cowards or irrelevant. These kinds of narratives fueled generational rifts, especially between the youth of the 2021 movement and veterans of the 1988 era.
In today’s era of fast-spreading information via social media, such misunderstandings and distorted narratives can escalate rapidly. It is crucial for political leaders and movements to clarify their positions to avoid further division between generations. If the slogan “Don’t repeat 1988” is misused to undermine the wisdom of past activists, then the revolution risks losing its historical foundation and unity.
This distortion often stems from influencers or “political celebrities” on social media, who sometimes value popularity over accuracy. Harsh, confrontational tones and personal attacks have eroded the dignity and purpose of the Spring Revolution.
Bringing down a dictatorship is never a one-time event. A revolution is not won by simply removing one individual. True victory comes from learning from past mistakes, avoiding the same pitfalls, and working collectively with unity and discipline.
In conclusion, the key to victory lies in bridging generational divides, understanding historical context, and striving forward with solidarity and a commitment to lessons learned from the past.