Big Lives, Small Feet: Photographing China's Bound Women

A photographer by the name of Jo Farrell will be publishing a book in Hong Kong some of the last women who had followed the practices of foot binding in China. Farrell was able to meet about 50 women and one by the name of Su Xi Rong had been renowned for her beautiful small feet. Foot binding was a tradition that empowered women and showed their ability to tolerate pain and be a good wife who will not complain. What was very interesting was that about 40 percent of the women were not forced to bind their feet as a young girl, instead they wanted to. They felt outcasted if not and most knew how to do it themselves since it was so common to see. Foot binding happened over a period of the bones in the toes breaking beneath the weight causing the arch to lift high and the heel will then touch the metatarsals. It wasn't until 1949, Communist power would scorn the foot binding method leading some of the women feeling ashamed. Now some of the women agree that if they could go back in time, they would not bind their feet since there isn't much worth to it anymore. The book will tell the remarkable stories these women had and their courage to share them. It will be interesting to learn about the last few who had practiced this method and their experiences doing so.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-31964279

Myanmar Court Finds Trio Guilty of Insulting Religion

Three men were arrested in December and just recently found guilty for insulting Buddhism in Myanmar. The men are two Burmese and a New Zealander who work at a bar in Yangon and promoted a poster that advertised cheap drinks night with Buddha surrounded by psychedelic colors and headphones. Philip Blackwood was said to be the actual one who posted this advertisement on Facebook and the other two colleagues had nothing to do with it. Blackwood had apologized numerous times but was still sentences along with the other men, two and a half years in prison which is the maximum sentence. Since Burmese law make it illegal to insult or damage any religion, it will be difficult for these mean to appeal and win the case. Although free speech is in Myanmar, Buddhist nationalism is on the rise which targets the minority of the population who are not following Buddhism. Ninety percent of the population are Buddhist while others such as Muslims within Myanmar are constantly being target which make living standards difficult for minorities. Blackwood will be appealing but it will be interesting how successful it will actually be. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31918269

Riot Police Surround Protesting Myanmar Students

Students in Myanmar have been protesting against an education bill which curbs academic freedom, since January. About 300 students are camping out in a monastery located in Letpadan, the country's main city. Although authorities have promised to make some adjustments to the bill, students are still protesting because it is seen as undemocratic. They believe that the bill "centralizes control over higher education institutes." They are asking "for greater freedom in universities, the freedom to set up student and teacher unions, more government spending on education and more say in education policies and laws." Then on Monday morning the students woke up to more than a dozen police cars parked right outside the monastery they are camping in. A activist participating in this protest shares that all the entrances and exists are closed within the monastery and that the tension continues to grow. Although authorities promise to make some changes in the bill, it is inspiring to see students take action and stick to what they know is right. Education is not only good for individual but overall the country. More educated people mean a better life and economy which is why schools and university costs should be a main priority. Most country's struggle with this concept but it is nonetheless very important to fight for. Best of luck to those protesting and may they receive the changes for better education.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31690520