Still kicking from the corner

With last month’s deadly attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, the French Institute of Myanmar hosted a discussion and workshop on January 23 about editorial cartooning. 

Here, noted cartoonist Kyaw Thu Yein, one of the panellists, shares his views on how far editorial cartoonists can push the limits of press freedom.

 

What was the discussion’s main focus? 

Aw Pi Kyeh and I, a French photographer and an official from the French Institute discussed press freedom in relation to the murders in Paris.

 

What’s the French view?

Myanmar cartoonists operate with more freedom now, but they still can’t be as direct as their French counterparts. In accordance with Myanmar culture and custom, we can’t draw characters in the nude, for example. The current French view is that editorial cartoons are more direct than ever before.

 

How far can you go?

We were asked about censorship and self-censorship and how we decide what to draw and what not to draw.  Well, it’s not the same for everyone. 

In our country it’s still difficult to draw they way they do in France. Sometimes we want to address certain subjects, but it’s inappropriate from our country’s cultural standpoint. Local cartoonists have to opt for voluntary self-censorship. We need to be very careful when we draw a cartoon about religion because it could be misinterpreted, even if we take a constructive point of view. 

With press cartoons still gathering momentum, we need to exercise a bit of self-censorship for self-development.

 

Do you have any plans to join overseas cartoonist organisations?

They told me they are planning to hold discussions and workshops with Myanmar cartoonists next year. They will contact an organisation in France called Cartoonist for Peace to host this programme. I don’t know the details.

 

What’s your view on the Charlie Hebdo tragedy?

The magazine has always featured satirical cartoons about religion and extremism. They’re very brave and direct. They have received many threats. As a cartoonist, I respect their bravery. I denounce the terrorist attack.

 

To what extent do editorial cartoons reflect freedom in Myanmar?

I believe freedom has broadened to some extent. I’m satisfied with the current status. It’s like an example given by Sayar Aw Pi Kyeh: In the past, drawing cartoons was like taking a “corner kick” in a football match – we need to devise strategy for getting across our message to the reader. 

Now it’s more like “playing offside”. We’re a little worried about this. If we could, we’d prefer to play freely. When we create cartoons, we try to balance public interest with what’s appropriate. But I believe we’ve made some progress on our journey.

 

How has reader feedback been?

Readers support the cartoons because they reflect what’s happening in people’s minds. They love the cartoons because they can highlight certain issues in the news.

 

What’s the role of press cartoonists?

Myanmar cartoonists haven’t taken the risks the way the French have. They’re still walking a tightrope and afraid they might trip.

 

Are there more editorial cartoons in local media now?

Yes, and they’ve got better lately in terms of creativity and style. Some of the cartoons are even catching up with international standards. I’ve also noticed more caricatures. 

 

What lies ahead?

The number of cartoonists has increased and their skill is better. It’s satisfying to see the rise of great cartoonists. I expect their ideas and talent to get even better in the future.