The resistance against the attempt to sustain social conformity is visible in every part of Asia. These attempts are grounded on different social and political factors. In some parts of Asia conformity is demanded by religious and social customs. In many other parts of Asia the demand for conformism in the past decades have come from dictatorial and authoritarian regimes. At times such political regimes have used the past traditions as justification for their political schemes to keep the communities in society under tight control. The resistance against such demand for rigid control has come particularly from the younger generation. The incident relating to Taslima Nasrin in Bangladesh and similar incidents elsewhere show resistance in the religious front. Women's movements in almost all Asian countries shows an enormous attempt to transcend the limits of repressive aspects of traditional society. The resistance against the political cultures created by authoritarian regimes is summed up by a 32 year old Singaporean writer, Dr. Chee Soon Juan, in relation to his society, in following words. "This alternative is, in its essence, a belief that Singaporeans are an educated and intelligent people, able to make the right decisions for our nation, our families, and ourselves. It calls for a more open and human society where people participate in and are deeply involved with the nation's interest and goals. Only when we become truly involved can we say that we have become a nation. This constraints with the PAP who believe that they, and only they, know what is best for Singaporeans. This alternative vision is, I believe, the 'second wind' that will help Singaporeans run beyond the Next Lap" [Dare to Change: Alternative Vision for Singapore - Published by The Singapore Democratic Party]. Similar cries are heard from countries where authoritarian regimes prevailed during the last few decades. Understanding the modern trends in human rights in Asia calls particularly for a close understanding of the perspectives of the young adults in the Asian countries. The demand for initiative, creativity, the use of ingenuity and the right to get involved are among their main expectations. Aung Sun Suu Kyi emerges not only as the symbol of the hopes of the Burmese people but also of Asian peoples as a whole. The recent parliamentary and presidential elections in Sri Lanka also shows the trend among the masses to abandon traditional positions and to look for genuinely new approaches involving greater participation and consultation among groups with divergent views to resolve long-standing conflicts.
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