Burmese Humor Survived the Storm

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The Burmese laugh even in the face of adversity. Further proof of their indefatigable sense of humor is to be found in a Rangoon exhibition of cartoons relating to the Cyclone Nargis disaster and the government’s mismanagement of relief efforts. About 400 works by 70 cartoonists are on show at the Lawkanat gallery in an exhibition titled “Wake from the Storm.” Some of the cartoons were too much for the censors, who ordered six to be removed. Despite the censorship—perhaps because of it—the exhibition is proving a big success, drawing crowds of Burmese yearning for some light relief in their times of adversity. The exhibition ends on Saturday.