Sylvester Stallone and Rambo are symbols of machismo, testosterone, fighting, shooting, punching, and… international human rights activism? To the people of Myanmar (Burma), who are living under an oppressive military junta, Rambo has become the poster boy for the pro-democracy movement, which, ironically, is non-violent, peaceful and largely Buddhist.

Nothing proves the democracy-inspiring potential of the film more than the Burmese Government’s decision to ban the movie, and the Burmese people’s decision to risk going to jail by downloading and burning dvds of the international blockbuster hit. Even the US Campaign for Burma applauds the film for its realistic representation of the brutality of the junta. SPOILER ALERT: The film opens with a montage of real footage of peaceful protesters being shot at. And Rambo goes to Burma to rescue missionaries held by the junta and becomes an ally of the Karen, a persecuted ethnic minority.

Hopefully, the film will raise awareness here about the dire human rights crisis in Burma: 30 people have been killed, 700 arrested, and 1,850 held as political prisoners since the crack down that followed the peaceful protests of September, in which tens of thousands people, in cities throughout Burma participated in pro-democracy marches led by Buddhist monks. But as the US Campaign for Burma explains, the Rambo approach, while entertaining and cathartic, is not the answer, especially since the Burmese have a long tradition of non-violent resistance. But you don’t have to be an action hero or a Hollywood actor to help the people of Burma.

So ! Go to the U.S. Campaign for Burma to learn more and

1. check out a power point presentation on Burma,
2. Become a member of The U.S. Campaign for Burma and sign up for their Action Alerts
3. Sign an online petition or e-mail the UN to intervene and stop the violence
4. Watch the WITNESS video Shoot On Sight
5. See if there are any activities in your area

If you’ve seen Rambo 4 and want to know what is fact and what is fiction, then check out The U.S. Campaign for Burma’s Rambo Q&A