Orwell’s 1934 novel “Burmese Days” is based on his time as a constable in the Imperial Indian Police. The book depicts Colonial Burma as a poorly developed, mostly neglected outpost of the British Empire, administered by incompetent British officials and corrupt Burmese ones. Orwell’s work has shaped perspectives of Colonial Burma to the present day. Indeed, peer-reviewed studies in fields as diverse as critical theory and international relations this decade continue to site Orwell as a reliable narrator of conditions in Colonial Burma. This is a problem, as the picture Orwell paints is not an entirely accurate one. Fortunately, there has been a rise in research that shows a more complex, and more accurate, picture. Colonial Burma was attractive to immigrants, and native Burmese worked hard to rebuild their nation. The British invested time and resources into Colonial Burma, albeit not for entirely altruistic reasons. The British saw great potential for profit due to Colonial Burma’s geographic location, and abundant natural resources. Rather than using Colonial Burma as a dumping ground for their least capable civil servants, the British often sent officials with proven track records and years of experience in colonial administration. They often erred, however, thinking experience in India would necessarily be applicable to Burma, a wholly distinct nation with its own culture and people. This work builds on recent trends in Burmese studies, demonstrating the prevailing view shaped by Orwell was a misguided one, and highlighting Colonial Burma’s growth and innovation.

Authors:
Salvatore Russo, California State University Dominguez Hills, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Salvatore James Russo is a Professor of Political Science at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson, California. He has published on both religion, and pop culture's, influence on mass behavior. His new work is on Colonial Burma.

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