GuilinRaf:

So do a lot of Burmese.  The name Myanmar was set up by the Military Government and many ethnic groups refuse to use it as they feel it excludes them as well.

I was in college when the name change came and one of my friends (from Burma) was outraged and would get spitting mad if he ever heard anyone use "Myanmar".

Jíliú.hé:

Yes Myanmar directly refers to the dormant ethnic group as in this is their country type of way of saying it which would be equivalent to calling the U.S.A the united Anglo American states or the U.A.A.S which would be completely F***ed up.

Jíliú.hé:

just call it by its name the same way you call north Korea by its name do not just chose when to make an a** of yourself because you think you are supporting a cause. Unless you actively protest and seek politely aid and support to change the name back and completely change the government stop ranting about how Myanmar will never be Burma’s real name. It does nothing but make it easier to spell.

GuilinRaf:

After I got torn a new one in college for NOT using "Burma" I think I will stick to that one. As to getting shot, Burma is not in my travel itinerary for the near future...

GuilinRaf:

I think also that depending on your nationality, you may be restricted to certain areas and for a certain amount of time as well.