We invite you to join us for the launch of the Digital Humanities Un-College (or Un-College for short) with a course on “Digital Myanmar” on October 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the venue Brick X @ NSP in Science and Technology Park, Chiang Mai University (searchable: CMU-STeP on Grab). More information on finding the venue here.
Un-College is an initiative by digi-cnx and collaborators, offering popup villagers and Chiang Mai residents the opportunity to join or lead college-style learning activities on topics of interest, all under the broad umbrella of the ‘digital humanities’—including technology, society, history, innovation, the cosmo-local, policy, ethics, and more!
Each session includes related reading material and questions to foster a reflective and interactive learning experience. The Un-College is open to anyone who wishes to submit and host a session. Learn more. The DHU is supported by a small grant from the Gitcoin Asia Round. email us at hello@digicnx.network
Special shout out to Public Works for sponsoring lunch! There’s limited spots so we request everyone RSVP in advance.
10:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction to Un-College
11:00 a.m. Session 1
Stories of Digital Life in Myanmar through Photos (with Myanmar Internet Project)
“Hello from the other side” is a photo gallery documenting the struggles of people in Myanmar to stay connected amid brutal battles. The Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) collaborated with photographers from Karen, Sagaing, and Karenni to capture real-life stories of internet struggles in Myanmar.
Learn more about digital repression and resistance in Myanmar following the military coup in 2020 through pictures and stories. Researchers Bradley and Gar Gar will guide you through the policies, technical tools, and unique situation in Myanmar, where internet access is not a given.
Questions to Consider
- Have you ever experienced an internet shutdown? Can you imagine waking up to find that all forms of internet connectivity in your neighborhood or city are down permanently?
Recommended Reading
12:00 p.m. Session 2
Borders, Resistance, and Exiled Activism (with Exile Hub)
This session explores the complex dynamics of resistance movements and refugee support networks along Myanmar’s borders, focusing on the Indian and Thai contexts. We will examine the challenges of operating across borders while mobilizing resistance, highlighting the need for cohesive, inclusive, and secure support systems.
Presenters from Exile Hub, an organization supporting Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and activists, will share their research on fragmented support systems for Myanmar refugees and resistance groups in Northeast India. They will also discuss their recent paper, "Voices from Exile: The Safety Needs of Myanmar Women Journalists," which examines the specific safety concerns faced by exiled female journalists on the Thai border. The discussion will provide insights into the intersection of borders, displacement, and resistance, and the role of exiled activism in shaping Myanmar's ongoing struggle for democracy.
Questions to Consider
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How do exiled activists and journalists contribute to the broader resistance movement against authoritarian regimes? What unique advantages and limitations do they face?
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How do national borders complicate or facilitate the flow of aid, support, and activism for resistance groups? How do borders both protect and restrict exiled activists?
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How has the internet reshaped the way exiled activists and journalists from Myanmar communicate, mobilize, and share information globally? What advantages and challenges arise from relying on digital platforms for resistance efforts?
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In what ways has the internet allowed refugee support networks and resistance movements to transcend physical borders and connect with international allies (e.g., the diaspora)? What challenges exist in maintaining these virtual networks across borders?
Recommended Reading
- Voices from Exile: The Safety Needs of Myanmar Women Journalists
(event cover photo by Sit Htet Aung: A phone tied to the tree, where connection can be detected in Karen State.)
The Digital Humanities Un-College (or the Un-College for short) is an initiative by digi-cnx and collaborators to offer curious popup villagers and Chiang Mai residents the chance to join or lead college-style learning activities on topics of their interest, under the broad umbrella of the ‘digital humanities’ (technology, society, history, innovation, the cosmo-local, policy, ethics, and more!). Follow us on Twitter/X for updates or subscribe to our newsletter.
The Un-College is open to anyone to submit and host a session. To learn more about designing a session visit our website.
digi-cnx is a local Chiang Mai network committed to dialogue and research on how digital technologies are impacting both people and our planet.