Burning

Comparison Between the self-burning of Mohamed Bouazizi and “The Burning Monk.”

Similarities:

Both did it, to show and to make their cause noticeable and heard. The Monk was originally thought to have done it for religious reasons, but some Buddhist scholars believe that it was also for political reasons; thus making them both political movements.

Differences:

One difference is that the monk had others who "helped" him; for they, other monks, poured the gasoline upon him, on his request. Mohamed did it himself, but his friend, another fruit vendor, was standing close by. The basis of their "self-burnings" were caused by different things. The Monk did it for he wanted the freedom of religion and he claimed that the government was demolishing his religion. On the another hand, Mohamed did it against the government, the ruler, because he was refused the right to talk to the government. His fruit scale had been taken again (happened repeatedly before) and he just wanted it back, but they wouldn't even allow him in the gates of the government building. They killed themselves for they both were enraged at the government, but for different reasons. One wanted the right of religion and the other wanted the no search and seizure (amendments from American Constitution).

My thoughts on the topic:

I think this was extreme, I wish there was another way to grab a whole country's attention. I personally think that it was sad that the burning of a person was needed to spark a revolution. Literary, a spark started the revolution and ended a life for a revolution of a county.

Here is a poem that conveys my feeling on a the topic:

"I'm having one of those days,
Where everything seems wrong.
The day seems to drag on,
And the tears struggle to stop.

One of those nights,
Where I feel so alone.
I feel empty right to the bone,
All I want to do is cry.

One of those memories,
I have to hang on to.
That one image of you,
Drilled into my head.

One of those thoughts,
Where all you ask is why.
Why did you have to die,
Leaving me to hurt forever. " - Caitlyn

Yet there is another part of me that feels like this...

A Political Litany

"From a kingdom that bullies, and hectors, and swears,
we send up to heaven our wishes and prayers
that we, disunited, may freemen be still" - Philip Freneau

This shows that even though some died, the after affects helped many people.