Conflict Between Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims of Burma

          On Sunday, October 21, 2012, over 1,000 homes of both Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims were torched in Burma, also known as Myanmar, a country in southeastern Asia. Members of both religious groups carried out this torching, causing the deaths of 56 people. Sunday’s tragic event was the first act of violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims since an outbreak in June, when 90 people were killed. What was it that generated such a huge clash between the two groups? Conflict between these two groups allegedly started after three Muslim men raped and murdered a Buddhist woman. Personally, I think that the Buddhists perceived this crime not as just a rape of a woman, but a rape on all Buddhist women. This was an affront to Buddhists everywhere. Many believe that this rape acted as a spark, lighting a fire of violence within Burma. In Burma, the majority of the inhabitants are Rakhine Buddhists, leaving Muslims as a minority group. I also think that it is possible that some Muslims had disadvantages and were maybe even discriminated against because of ethnocentrism. The majority Buddhist group, based on their own values and cultural and religious beliefs, could have judged the Muslims. Ethnocentrism is an issue that is common around the world. I believe that in a case like this hatred between Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims, ethnocentrism was the main cause. Nonetheless, this clash of groups is horrible. How will they, or even can they find a way to end this conflict? They would need to overcome their differences and respect that people have different beliefs. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20083287