Burma, like most other Southeast Asia countries, was run by a nationalistic military regime during the twentieth century. Aung San Suu Kyi led the National League for Democracy (NLD) movement in Burma. Her perseverance and commitment served as a symbol of hope for a nation plagued by power hungry elites who committed various crimes against humanity. Because of her background, Suu Kyi was turned into a cultural phenomenon by the media and humans rights organizations, which energized citizens to advocate for freedom to Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi's nonviolent leadership combined with her unique story allowed for her to change the politics of Burma and become a popular symbol of freedom to the world. .

             Aung San Suu Kyi's family background played a role in her popularity internally. Her father, General Aung San had helped fight for the country's independence from Britain as part of the Communist Party of Burma (Wintle 85). Then, he battled the Japanese (McCain 226). When he was assassinated in 1947, the country was devastated. Aung San became a national hero when Burma gained independence from foreign oppression (Maung 74). To the Burmese people, General Aung San was a hero for independence (Yeoh, Thewlis, Raggett). This benefited Suu Kyi when she led her country in freedom. .

             Despite General Aung San's espousal of communism, Suu Kyi's movement advocated for democracy. Since her father was a military hero while she supported democracy, "the military regime as much as the democratic opposition movement "seek to claim as their own"" (Wintle 150). These two opposing groups supported Suu Kyi making her the perfect candidate for the NLD. .

             Suu Kyi dramatic return to Burma in 1988 attracted international attention. When the Burma Social Program Party began killing people advocating for democracy, Suu Kyi returned "and addressed a rally of a half-million people in Rangoon, calling for a democratic government (Hitt 34).