Monstrosity, n.

1. The quality or state of deviating greatly from the natural form or character

2. Something that is outrageously or offensively wrong.

Up to 200,000 incarcerated in N.K. prison camps 

Asia News Network (The Korea Herald) | World | Thu, 06/21/2012 7:31 AM

Human rights groups claim up to 200,000 North Koreans are held in political prison camps and penitentiaries across the country facing malnutrition, harsh labor, torture and executions. 

Most prisoners were confined not for dissent but for political misdemeanors such as singing South Korean songs or joining a reading club, former detainees and activists say. 

According to Amnesty International, 150,000 to 200,000 are incarcerated in six sprawling gulag-style prisons ― Camp No. 12 in Hoeryeong, No. 14 in Gaecheon, No. 15 in Yodeok, No. 16 in Hwaseong, No. 18 in Bukchang and No. 25 in Cheongjin. 

Thousands are also held in at least 180 other detention facilities including seven reformation centers, the London-based human rights watchdog said. 

“Men, women and children in the camp face forced hard labor, inadequate food, beatings, totally inadequate medical care and unhygienic living conditions. Many fall ill while in prison, and a large number die in custody or soon after release,” Amnesty said in its 2011 report. 

Activists in South Korea, the U.S. and other countries have been waging campaigns against North Korea’s human rights abuses and China’s repatriation of defectors to their repressive homeland. 

The North’s has vowed an “annihilation of three generations” of a family with any member caught fleeing. 

The harsh conditions and ruthless treatment of inmates came to light in 2001 when Kang Chol-hwan published a book in 2001 after escaping the Yodeok camp, some 110 kilometers northeast of Pyongyang. Jung Sung-san, another former detainee, wrote a stage play titled Yodeok Story in 2006, based on Kang and others’ accounts. 

In the U.S. State Department’s report on human rights in 199 countries released in April, North Korea was graded as “extremely poor” and remained at the bottom of the list along with China, Iran, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

Source: The Jakarta Post 

Without a doubt, evil has taken its form in humans. Now that oppressors are everywhere in sight, I'm pretty sure that no one will actually hate you for saying that this world is not the nicest place to live in anymore. Am I right?

Late last year, North Korea made a buzz because of its current condition. I don't really know what's up or what is happening, but I'm pretty sure that serious issues are circulating within the country. As a matter of fact, I've learned that the American and South Korean troops have been on high alert for possible mishaps. Worse, the country was put into a state of semi-alert while foreigners were suspected and was asked to leave.

I feel bad for these people. Not everyone deserves to be treated that way, right? I mean, how could they drag innocent people in this kind of situation? They know nothing. It's actually heartbreaking how some people can't even feel a bit of guilt while watching their fellowmen hurt. It's sick! It's beyond offending. It's the most inhuman thing that ever existed. And I hate it.

Now I'll ask you. Which side will you take; the oppressor's or the less fortunate's? Do you think you're nice enough to be refrained from being called a tyrant? And would you do anything to halt this monstrosity?

I know I'm too young to make a move, but it's never too late nor too early to do it. And I'm leaving you with a piece of me on this matter-- Don't be too harsh on people! Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. I'm sure you won't want karma to slap you in the face, don't you?

Mama Futurama

Dear seventeen-year-old self,

Have you figured out what you want yet? I know you haven't. Now let me tell you something about your future self...

Blogging for fun? Continue working on your hobby, kid. 5 to 10 years from now, you're not just blogging for pleasure-- but you're blogging to inspire. Your joannelalim.blogspot.com will bid its secondary extension goodbye 'cause you'll finally get the domain you've been eyeing on for years. People from all over the world will be fascinated with your entries about travelling, politics, international trade, and even your personal baloney! You'll be touching lives, inspiring souls, and your not-so-famous way with words will be a fad. Your sought-after blog about your chosen field and whatnots will be a big hit! Oh, and I don't mean to excite you but, prepare yourself. You will surely get tons of awards for this. Huzzah! *self high five* 

I know how much you wanted to be a jetsetter. This is it! New York, Paris, Tokyo... Trust me, you'll be there. And to twenty other countries, of course! That is beyond cool, I know, just continue working on your ameliorating communication skills and passport 'cause they'll take you to places you'll be living your dream. 

But wait! I think I should remind you that it's not all glitters and gold. You'll pay a visit to hell and back. Don't worry though! Everything will be worth it. A nice pad at some nice place in Europe, a car, a comfortable life for your current and future family, they're all you've been dreaming of now. Work your ass off, kid! You won't get them if you failed both the Civil Service and Foreign Service Exams. You won't like that, would you?

Like what I always tell you, hope for the best, and expect for the worst! You don't know how tricky luck is... Oh well, good luck!

Much love and chills,

Yourself from the future

Jumpstart My Kaleidoscope Heart

If there's one thing I hate, that would be introductions.

Yes, you heard me right. I've been abhorring introductions since God knows when, and I can't even cite a reason or two to suffice my query.

...

Whew, that was quite a start for an introductory blog entry. Speaking of introductions and other whatnots, hello world and to everyone who inhabits it! You have yet to witness the sucky blog of Joanne Pauline Lalim, a typical blogger who wishes to be more prolific. Ew, I said my name for the nth time. Call me Jowi for it has been my pseudonym in the blogging world for the longest time. Anyhoo, I think you should know that I've been blogging since 2005. I used to have a Friendster blog, Multiply, Tumblr, and two Blogspots -- 3 of which has been abandoned. Tragic ending indeed, but I still manage to check them out every once in a while 'cause for some reasons, there's a pang in my heart which makes me long for those days. I know they'll be gone forever, and keeping a blog was the best decision I've ever made in my entire existence. Who knew that some nice piece of writing could turn you back in time instantly? *self high-five*

So this is the new addition to the family. An obligatory blog for a subject; I couldn't be more stoked! The moment I heard that we're required to have one for English class, my heart jumped out of my ribcage because of too much bliss! A hobby for a project? What more can I ask for. It's the best thing that ever happened in the history of my educational years! And oh, I'm not kidding alright. I really mean everything I said. As in really, not a word vomit or anything. Heh.

I never really had a chance to post a thing or two about myself. Sure I give my name, age, location, blah, but I never posted an entire blog stating my likes, dislikes, etcetera. You know, the slumbook type of blog. But that's shitty if you want to hear my opinion. And I'm the mysterious type, maybe? I'd rather be known for what I write and how I attack. I firmly believe that my way with words will perceive attention and you'll all be in awe. Confidence! Trust me, I need that.

As Ernest Hemingway said: Write drunk; edit sober! Unfortunately, I'm not even tipsy right now. This blog is a no-brainer and I can't pull off a rather decent blog... but this will do for now! Brace yourselves, I'm coming. The babble machine will go places.