Rage Against The Machines

Zeva's Globalism, Modernity, and Nation-State Class Quotes Assignment. Lecturer: Roy Voragen
  My Comments:

In Amartya Sen's chapter: The Violence of Illusion, he questions and explains back the sense of the term identity in his point of view. How a sense of identity can firmly exclude many people and at the same time can embrace others warmly as well. He also mentioned how a particular self-identity forms by seeing ourselves as members of a variety of social-interests groups. Our interests have formed ourselves the selves we have become. We then learn about the importance of choice in becoming parts of groups that has an impact towards identity itself and that choice also needs reasoning behind it on why that choice is made. Sen mentioned as well the fact that self-perception can bring misinterpretations towards others on their identity because the insistence of human commonality and the illusion of a singular identity. He then explained his views on civilizational imprisonment that then leads to his views on divisive categorization which leads to the increasing reliance on religious-based classification. Sen also noted a bit about how the religion Islam is stamped a cliche image by the West.

Interpretations of identity are subjective. Different experiences affect the prototypes that populate one person's cognitive map in their brains of the social world that makes it different from another's. The more people share a common culture, the more likely that their social prototypes will be similar. What is needed is common cultural background. Without it, interpretating identity signals will vary.

From what I see, out of all the explanations given on the chapter, I see that there lies a complex paradox on this illusion called identity. From the start the paradox first appears on how in one hand identity gives a sort of pride until warmth to a community, but on the other hand it shows the existence of strong solidarity that could lead to the producing of social gaps, exclusivity, until violence. This second view that leads to disintegration is where problems lie ahead.  There are two main problems that I would like to try to explain, which is about the paradox between the defining process of identity and human rights of identity, and the second is about how identity could lead to the emergence of extremism.

 Paradox between the definition process of identity and human rights of identity

Saying that identity is something unimportant and bias, we face the facts that identity is a core part of human's life. Identity -how we perceive and make sense of each other- is fundamental to all social interaction and to the construction of our society and culture. Identity is an illusion made by as simple as a person's own self, to give a certain statement on all the things he/she is, until ones made by a large group. This identity-making process includes the defining of one's self according to groups that are joined, for example, or of a community. From political views until simple evryday thinga of social interests groups that has a connection with hobbies we  like.

At certain points, after finishing on defining by making choices in life (what we like, what we want to do and be), making others accept our definition of identity can be some what complicated and limited. We are made as individuals with its ow  characteristics, interests, and perception. This creates diversity of the human kind. In a way identity shows that we are uniquely different from one another because we are not robots. It is a classification and categorization. We have the right to define ourselves and develop ourselves in our own way according to our identity. But we are also a part of a community, as small as the district you live in until being a part of the largest race, the human species. Being a part of a community / group develops an internal connection that produces a feeling of solidarity and social-togetherness that sometimes we have to let go of some things that we feel are a part of ourselves in order to fit in and become accepted to this illusion of identity.

For example, in Australia, lies an old problem of "The Lost Generation". Although Kevin Rudd has "apologized" to the aborigine community, it is only solved at the surface (though still, his administration is making good progress on ethnicity cases of aborigines). This "Lost Generation" is a term for the aborigines that live in Australia. They have been alienated because of the categorization that has happened in Australia, directly and indirectly towards their race. These aborigines have self-definition, strong cultural identities, but they have to face the paradox of staying with their own traditions (self-identity), or making revolutions in life so that they can live like the rest of the Australian communities (defined identity that have modern-west views). Young aborigines were taken from their families (even in a forceful manner) and placed in orphanages or foster homes to be taught how to live in modern ways, so that they can recieve the identity of what they suppose to be as Australians. It is for a good cause, but the way it is done is wrong (taking away the children from their parents forcefully or un-forcefully).

Does identity ciolate human rights if seen in a constraining manner? Because it is stated that priorities are supposed to be given and in these priorities lie freedom to determine them (recognize, value, defend).

There is a concept of social identity in guaranteeing the right to equality, freedom, justice, and socio-political developments. The evidence of recognizing the concept of social identity could be traceable, in the customary international law. Australia, in this case as discussed above, has signed a resolution on human rights for indigenous people in 1995, but has not maximized it.

Identity could lead to the emergence of etremism

After the disaster of 9/11, the problem of extremism has become the subject of many discussions, articles in academic literature, and endless debates. Some say that extremism is rooted in historical, cultural, or religious factors, whilst other say that the focus should be on the "root causes", whereas a third approach views extremism as a strategic tool in politics and conflicts.

However, there are two factors that cause extremism because of identity in my opinion. The first is strong solidarity and the second is categorization that leads to unsatisfaction and revenge.

One of the major flaws that identity has developed is the sense of upholding supra-solidarity in a community, organization, political view, etc. Because of the strong bond an identity makes, if there are things that does not suit the likings of a group which has the same identity, arguments until violence can erupt in order to protect the dignity of the group. This leads to extremism.

Example is the Al-Qaeda. They became extreme, created terrorist networks, and harrassed certain parts of the world. They are an example of a group of people that are dissatisfied by capitalism and the disjunction of political and social gap between the East and the West. This dissatisfaction is then developed by the minds of extremists to create actions of extreme.

Amartya Sen mentions how recognition of competing affiliations can challenge the power of competing identities. In my opinion, this can only be tried to apply to individuals, because individuals have a more free opportunity to do the "rule of choice". To top it off, it does not guarantee it will work even  in the individual level because a powerful affiliation might dominate out of the rest of the affiliations in an  individual but does not guarantee it will take over another identity. Then again, if we come in to problems that are more intangible, for example, in levels of between organizations or states, it is complicated to do. They have different affiliations from one another, and even though if there is a strengthening of an affiliation on one side by this "rule of choice", it does not guarantee it willl have any significant effect on the other, that the problem between them will still exist anyway. So, there are no guarantees of competition.

Example for the individual level: Raul Castro is a strong, assertive, and influencing socialist. He dislikes America for its capitalism, but he approves of the telecommunication technology (a part of capitalism). Even though now his country at last has access to telecommunication (handphone), it does not decrease Castro's dislike towards America.

Example for the state level: In Myanmar, the respects of the Junta towards the monks. The Junta is an authoritarian bunch. They are stiff, dislike the media, but still have respect on the Buddhist religion because it is a strong part of their country. But still, their respect on the Buddhist religion has no effect whatsoever on their violent actions towards the monks. About the monks, they are a pleasant bunch and follow their belief which upholds peaceful actions, but in the end they fought against the Junta anyway by hand and stones to defend the people.

Through all of my arguments elaborated above, it shows that we cannot simplify problems and competing affiliations are not a way out.

Zeva's Week 5 Comparative Politics Class Quotes Assignment. Lecturer: Roy Voragen

"...[t]he lesson is that successful democracy cannot be imposed by constitutional law, [...] democratic polities must also be accepted and practiced by political elites and citizens alike,"

My Comments:

As to what Newton and Deth have explained, constitutions are the basic rules in politics and are important because they have a profound influence over how the game of politics is played. These influences lay out the most important institutions and offices of the state and define their formal powers.

From the quote above, it can be defined that a constitutional law is not something flawless and cannot be applied on its own and then succeed in its implementation as easy as that. Constitutions, specifically democratic constitutions, can also fail. The failing of a constitution can happen towards any state, even in first-world countries.

First world countries have the enhanced capabilities that are derived from the close and highly integrative nature of their relationships with their societies, as a case study here is the European Community / European Union. As written by Kamrava, for a viable democratic polity to thrive and to survive, the institutions and the underlying premises of both the state and the society need to mutually reinforce each other. So far, the links that bind state and society together appear in the form of a series of highly evolved and complex political institutions designed to formulate and to give expression to the popular will, through the legislative, executive, and judiciary branch.

A fact exists that even the EU can experience a constitutional failure. Big integrated countries or regions do not guarantee that every constitutional proposed or applied will be fully accepted and applied.

Over the decades, the EU gradually developed a material constitutional arrangement, with very little public input. Since 2001, the Laeken constitutional process which produced the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, has been greatly politicized.

When the heads of state and government in October 2004 put their signature on the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe, it was a major milestone in European history.

The ceremony was meant to re-affrim the principles of European integration. This shows that constitutionalism is the key to European's normative identitarian self-understanding. The constitutional treaty would improve the social and political rights of European citizens and enhance civic participation in EU decision-making.

But behind that lies the problem of the European Community.

Different to other Member States, the French and Dutch rejected the Constitutional Treaty after 7 months it was published within their respective national referenda. The Treaty was rejected. If we see the condition, in some quarters, people should approve a constitutional text whose presumed effect would be to expand their rights and enable them to participate more effectively in the decision-making process at the supra-national level. But then there are those who disapprove. These participants and analysts were preplexed when they found out that large portions of the people of Europe did not care or did not take up the offer.

There is a need of understanding of the reasons behind people's reactions to look at the structural determinants of mediation and public communication between European constitution makers and their diversified costituencies. After 2005, low turnouts in European Parliamentary elections illustrate that there is limited public enthusiasm and probably a declining interest among European citizens to make use of European channels for voicing their concerns.

This focuses on the importance of the public sphere as a core requirement of any modern constitutional system.

Fossum and Trenz wrote that there are three possible explanations for ratification failure. The first is that constitution-making, if want to proceed successfully, must rely on pre-existing resources of common trust, solidarity, and understanding, which are constitutive of a shared public sphere. The second is that a process of constitution-making has a catalytic function that in turn can constitute a shared public sphere. The third is that ratification failure is closely connected with mediatisation that affects public communication in the EU.

21/08/09

I just got back home from my first Taraweh Solat, in this first day of the Holy month of Ramadhan for all muslims all over the world, at a nearby mosque from my place. It was a nice start. I did 11 raka'at and that included the witir part. The khutbah wasn't boring and unclear. I got the message. 1 part I would like to quote from the Imam's khutbah is as follows:

"A good muslim is a muslim who applies the teachings of Islam, has a broad perspective, has patience, and is willing to contribute the things they have for the empowerment of the society around them," - pre-mezzo (haahaa naon, emg ada yak istilah ini?Ngarang-style..zzz)

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Talking about the month of Ramadhan, for this note, I would like to write down about the benefits of fasting, as comprehensive but condensed as possible. Why? A non-muslim friend came up to me the other day and asked me why us muslims have to fast for 1 month. This friend of mine sees it as "soft torture", well it was being sarcastic, but still!! Hmph, I smiled =/. I remember also how there are other religions whom teach their followers to fast for a couple of hours or a couple of days for certain purposes, but in Islam, it is fard (obliged) to fast 1 month in the holy month of Ramadhan. Here, I won't preach about why in Islam we need to fast, where it is stated in the Koran or Al-Hadist, because that step would be too deep. (& not that I'm an expert at it anyways. LOL) So, I'm writing for this friend of mine specifically, since he/she requested, but I hope this will be of useful information for everyone reading this. I will write the medical benefits of fasting connected to the fasting of Ramadhan, so in this way, we take a small step forward in understanding the benefits of Ramadhan fasting for our health in general!! Oh btw, in Islam, the point of fasting is not to "soft torture" the ummat, no. Haha. To make it simple, we can learn the meaning of being thankful, patience, the art of giving, manners of non greed and all this stands on the foundation of faith. It also gives the people who practice it, a psychological spiritual peace within. A self-purification and self-discipline measure. Islam obliges (fard) its ummat to fast because it is explained and stated in the Koran, and as for the medical benefits, is a result of fasting itself.

[2:185] "Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation,"

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Ok, to start, I am not an undergraduate of medical school, but i was in the Natural Science Class in senior high (IPA) of Bandung 3 Senior Highschool, so I know general biological terms. I have also read some valid articles and books on medicine (though i guess not very scientific ones, but understandable for lay people), so Insya Allah, what I'm writing here won't lead you all into the wrong deep dark pitch black darkness *haha.naon euy ah, yu mari*..... But if there are mistakes, mind you, correct me, but I also want explained on the correct info. Oh, i would like to underline that medical fasting is different to Ramadhan fasting (the definition & process of each) but both has medical benefits!!

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If we define fasting of Ramadhan connecting it in general, more or less, fasting is the complete abstinence from all substances from before dawn until dusk(maghrib), in an environment of total rest. Ramadhan fasting is actually different from medical fasting used for medical reasons such as total fasting, for weight management, digestive rest, and lowering lipids. Ramadhan fasting has enough calorie intake and is far from making oneself malnutritioned. Haha. Muslims fast from before dawn where they eat an enough & reasonable amount of food, and when the maghrib time comes (dusk), eats again (reasonably). Everything (food&drinks) that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities. Starts with niyat and ends with a prayer.

Probably one of the challenges to fasting is our thirst. Water is actually of desperate need for humans than solid food. But actually, abstinence from water during Ramadhan fasting is not bad at all, peoples! It causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity. Remember your biology?? Or picture a cactus... if we give much water, it will shrink, shrivle up, and decay. Haahaa. I once had a puney cactus & it died because i over poured water on to it =p I learnt that if we give a reasonable amount of water to the cactus, it'll grow fine. This goes for other plants as well. My mom is a "green finger" hobby-ist, she approves this statement as well.. Teehee...
I read in Dr. Athar's article about an event in 1994, the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan," held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. There were no assumptions nor final information that fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition. But well, if someone has a severe disease, well that's another story, of course that person can't fast or can't try to (under serious medical perscriptions).
Move on now. Ok, let us read through some medical benefits of fasting. Ramadhan fasting stabilizes the glucose in our blood. This has a positive effect on our temper because it decreases possibilities of hypertension (high blood pressure). This then helps the dropping of cholesterol within the body. Next up is that it decreases back and neck pain. This is also helped by chiropractic manipulation (but doesn't have to, depends). It has a connection to the autonomic function of the nervous system that has a "duty" to flow blood to the brain. Well, to make it simple in words, fasting makes our mind clearer and the process to transmit "information'' to other parts of the body, becomes more clear. But if you suggestify to yourself that you feel tired, weak, and want to pass out...well, it won't work & you'll miss this benefit! Lol. Ok, other than that, it can help your gastrointestinal system! In Ramadhan fasting from before dawn until dusk we rest this system of our body. We then rest this system to hinder from not only the continuous hard-working peristaltic movement of most of the organs in the system, but also hinder us from esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, constipation, bloating, and the symptoms associated with so-called “candidiasis". Oh, have I mentioned about diabetes?? People with diabetes are benefited by fasting! It helps control the glucose levels within the transportation of the blood system, without medications!
Frank Sabatino, D.C., PhD said that basically fasting is simply a process of deep physiological rest. This rest period helps you rebuild functioning power and recover from the energy dissipation caused by hectic daily schedules and abusive living habits. He said, let me quote:

“When outside stressors, dietary and therapeutic influences are eliminated during the fasting state, fasting reveals the baseline status of your body. This enables you to become more sensitive and connected to your body. This connection fosters a greater awareness of the instinctive biological and emotional requirements that are essential for the maintenance of health and wholeness.”

See, seeee....... Ramadhan fasting is not "soft torture" >> refering to a "sarcastic" comment a friend said. Lol.. It has physiological, psychological, and spiritual benefits.

So, Happy Ramadhan Fasting for the people who does it.
May Allah bless you, amin!

xoxox.
Zeva

Addition:
The main point of this post is to elaborate on the health benefits of fasting. But, i would like to add on additional information on why (well, in my opinion at the least) that fasting in the Ramadhan month is a blessing. In the month of Ramadhan, the ummat is told to do good deeds., specifically on charity and financial actions to help the needy. Not that in other months we don't have to, but I see this month becomes a great reminder that we should do good deeds in other months also. But, according to Islam, if we do good deeds in this holy month, the "spiritual reward" would be much higher. This then becomes some kind of suggesty I should say, and makes the ummat want to do good deeds more. Though ideally it should go on for the rest of the year. I'm being a realist here, it's the fact. Anyway, it is known that on the month of Ramadhan there is an increase of poverty alleviation. Poverty is decreased because many people pay the zakat. This gives a positive effect towards the needy. People can personally give a part of their wealth (every small amount counts!!) personally, through the Baitul Mal, or through programs of zakat. Now, what is the zakat?

Zakat is the 3rd point of the rukun of Islam. It means "grow", "develop", "cleans". But in the syari'ah term, zakat is defined as an activity to give a part of our wealth in a certain amount and calculations for certain people as dealed. Different to shadaqah which is not a fard but a sunnah (in other words considered as charity), zakat is fard (obliged) in Islam for all muslims with certain criteria (yes, i will explain the criteria bellow...junior high knowledge! HAHA). Zakat is an ibadah just like shalat, fasting, and hajj that is based on the teachings of the Koran and Hadist. It then also becomes a society social charity and is very humane in the society to increase poverty alleviation.
There are 2 types of zakat. Zakat Maal and Zakat Fitrah. Zakat maal consists of the wealth from farming, trading, mining, fishery, found wealth, gold, silver, and wages/salaries we get from our professions. Each type has its own way of counting how much percent of zakat from our wealth we should give. Now, what about zakat fitrah? Well, it is a fard zakat given by muslims counting down / nearby to the Idul Fitri / Ied time on the Ramadhan month. The amounts of the zakat is parallel as 2.5kg of staple food. It usually is in the form of fund.

Now, who has the right to receive zakat?? The fakir (people who practically has nothing materially in their life), the poor (they can't fulfill their basic needs), the amil (whom collects zakat & distributes it), the muallaf (those whom just entered Islam and needs guidance & adaptation towards the Islamic beleif), the slaves / hamba sahaya (those who wants to taste freedom), The gharimin (they who have debt for positive needs but can't fulfill it), the fisabilillah (those who struggles through Allah's way- dakwah people, those studying abroad, and those in war), and the ibnus sabil (those who have run out of money in their journey). Subhanallah!! Merinding gw tiba2 nih..hahaa...

Ok, to finish off this additional part, what are the visible benefits of zakat in this fasting month, specifically (but it goes to zakats in other months also)??

• decreases the gap between the priviliged and the poor (any measurement counts & is meaningful)
  
• spreads the benefits of Islam teachings to the society
• it cleans the bad akhlak of the ummat personally from within. Have to be ikhlas though..
• it cleans our wealth. This means that we are not using wealth for actions of riya / boasting and showing off to people how wealthy we are. Its a no-no!!!
• To be thankful to God, to Allah, of what we have. In my opinion, we look "up" to motivate ourselves. Not good to just give up. But it is important to look "down" at the conditions of people not as privileged as us, learn to be thankful. This gives us an enlightenment!!
• it develops the social and spiritual potential of the ummat
• gives moral support for everyone
• increases the injection of fund for the government to do good positive actions for the people, Insya Allah =))
  

16/08/09

The world was surprised when Bill Clinton, former president of the United States and husband to the US Secretary of State: Hillary R. Clinton, arrived in North Korea to broker the release of two American journalists detained there since March, putting aside Pyongyang's "Nuclear Crisis". Well, for the close time anyway. Haha. US White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that this was a "private mission" for humanitarian purposes, nothing to do with the Obama Administration's foreign policy on North Korea (no state officials accompanied Clinton btw). Hmmm... in my opinion, that statement is not purely true. True, but not purely. Haha. I mean, we are facing the NORTH KOREANS, here! These people are as stubborn as a rock & just by relying on personal mission is not strong enough to convince them. There must be strong formal diplomacy between the two states behind the curtains involving Obama's foreign policy in the country! Anyway continue, Clinton is widely known for his astounding soft-approach diplomacy skills, which I am personally in awe of. He also has good relations with the NK's, you know, looking back at formally ending the Korean War in the year 2000. So, Clinton has a "special" place in their hearts (lebay..haha). Clinton has managed to give a "sweet topping" in the end after the strong diplomacy before-hand. North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il issued a special order granting a "special permit" to free the two American journalists who were captured in March on the Chinese-North Korean border, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, where they have been trying to report on North Korean refugees. Alhamdulillah, they were released and took off from Pyong Yang together in Clinton's plane.

Now, will Senator James Webb follow the accomplishment of the previous release in North Korea but now for the Myanmar case?? I surely hope so! & he did! On Saturday, August 15th, Sen. Webb traveled to Naypyidaw and arranged for the release of John W. Yettaw, an American prisoner, meeting with top hard-line military government officials of the Junta, especially General Than Shwe, the cold blooded man! Haha. General Than Shwe reminds me of Voldemort. Anyway, Yettaw was sentenced last week to 7 years imprisonmet for intruding on Aung Sang Suu Kyi's guarded home, swam across a lake (LOL) to get to Yuu Kyi's place to warn her that he had had a vision in which she was killed by terrorists! This violates security & immigration rules in Burma. Okay, that sounds funny, but Yettaw does suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, because he is a military veteran. I feel sorry for veterans who have disorders. Most go gaa-gaa, but they've sacrificed a lot for their country. Anyway, now Yettaw must be greatfully thankful because of strong diplomacy, he is free without any charges! Again, like what is said on the Clinton mission, the US National Security Council said that this was a humanitarian mission unlinked to US policies. I don't get it, I have to study more, but even if it is linked to their policies, I don't see it as a bad, dishonorful thing? Can someone who understands this explain it to me? Anyway I can see the difference between Clinton & Webb is that Clinton has no position in the US government, although his wife does, but Webb, he is the head of the Senate's Foreign Relations Sub-Committee on East Asia & Pacific affairs. So I see here that Webb's actions somehow does interconnect with the foreign policy there somehow, looking at his position. But correct me if I'm wrong. Haha.
After my reads on various articles on these 2 issues, these releases also show that the US is open for talks and peaceful negotiations can happen without having to blow up the "opponent".. Hidup cinta!! (naon euy..lol) & adding on to that, I hope that these cases make the Indonesian government to really care more and take seriously towards their citizens that have cases overseas.
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14/08/09

Hello! It's been such a long looong time since I've written / posted any THING on this blog. I've been busy lately & hectic with all routines & non-routine events in life that I haven't found a nice comfy time to write down posts for this beloved *neglected* blog of mine...

Now that I'm back again, all these things are stuffed in my mind to write down & I don't know where to start!! Lol.. But hey, I'll start with an important event this year. Probably my biggest achievement so far this year *& YES, I'm CRAVING for more!!* is that I became the finalist of "Duta Bahasa Jawa Barat 2009". Later I found out that I came in 4th place, & if you want to find why I didn't make it to become the main winner, well... you just gotta read on to find out. It made me regret that I didn't give my all when I could've. Haha. Well, I gave my all but you see, I entered this contest in the beginning just out of curiosity & the word "iseng". I dunno what "iseng" is in english though btw..haha. BUt as i was quarantined, i realized how important this event was. I changed a lot. I would also like to write this blog in Indonesian and a little Sundanese, but the concept of this blog is in English. Hopefully in the future I will make something to fulfill that blank space.

DUTA BAHASA JAWA BARAT 2009
(West Java Language Ambassador 2009)

On the month of July, I entered a contest. A competition to show our ability of language skills that we have: the balance between our mother toungue languages, and foreign languages that we are fluently good at. The slogan of this competition is "Bahasa Daerah itu Pasti, Bahasa Indonesia itu Wajib, dan Bahasa Asing itu Perlu". In other words, we have to maintain balance between these three scopes of languages: our ethnic language, the language of our nation, and foreign languages. We cannot forget even one of them, because that'll mean we cannot balance between our roots and what we are urged to develop into. Your language skills, written and orally, show how your skills of thinking, brainstorming, and way of making perspectives is like. Language is the main foundation of all knowledge and education, that is why the balance between languages that we learn and our capability of maximizing it is a great importance for oneself.

This competition is a regional contest where if we become the main winners, the next step is to become the representatives of West Java in the Nationals, which is held later in late August in Jakarta. I entered the qualifications, managed to beat hundreds of participants to become one of the Semi Finalists, and alhamdulillah, I managed to become the finalist.

The quarantine i found very useful because I learnt many things regarding the subject of language and culture (especially language). I also had to go through written and oral tests, which some were nerve-wrecking!! I grew great respect for the art of language, a form of oral & written art which in our own country still does not receive the amount of respect it should. I also felt ashamed of myself. I am learning French and currently fluent in speaking and writing English and Indonesian, but I lack skills of my ethnic language. I am born as half Sundanese and half Javanese, with a little hint of Arabic and Dutch blood from my great-late ancestors, but I cannot speak nor write fluently in Sundanese especially Javanese. Through the quarantine, my eyes, mind, and heart opened wide to respect my Sundanese and Javanese blood. Well, especially Sundanese because in Indonesia I grew in West Java. I actually cried a bit in one of the seminars when a speaker named Mr. Satria gave a deep, beautiful speech on Sundanese & Indonesian language and culture within the globalization era. Call me a cry-baby, I don't give a damn, but I felt bad. The material given wasn't lecturing at all and it penetrated within me. Since Mr.Satria's speech, I promised myself to learn slowly but surely and effectively on Sundanese language.

On the final night located at Saung Angklung Udjo with many local TV stations and journalists from local newspapers standing by, I prayed to myself that this final night will give me great luck. Of course the points gained throughout the quarantine days are much bigger than the final night, but at least I want to give the audience especially my family & spectators a great show!!

All finalists are located at the side stands, sitting down in the most delicate manner. The lady finalists wore beautiful night kebaya's and the men finalists wore gorgeous ethnic Sundanese costumes. That was the night. I had to give my best... & this is how i felt...............

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"Man... you know how nervous I am?! Heyyll yeah I am! Right now I am sitting by the sidelines waiting for my turn to get up there to explain sudden themes from one of the little-rolls-paper-of-hell from that small bowl that I will have to pick out. One of those small rolls of paper with the theme written inside it will decide wheteher I will make a fool of myself or not this night!! Terra, my friend, number 7, who will go forward before me is blabbing on about things and trying to make me not so nervous, which is a nice thing for him to do, but still I am! I have been praying over and over again, chanting the verses of Al-Fatihah and doing dzikir to calm my mind, because I don't want to make a fool of myself. Hahaha. Why am I like this?? It's because we wont know what theme we will pick out of that small bowl! Whenever I look at the bowl, it looks like it's giving me an evil grin!! So cynical, wanting to watch me fall. Haha... Ok, what makes me nervous is if suddenly I pick out a theme in SUNDANESE LANGUAGE. I then have to explain the theme in Sundanese!! I'd rather the earth swallow me whole!! My Sundanese isn't fluent... it's crap. Haha. (I am able, but it isn't qualified enough to become a winner) & those video cameras rolling from the media, and journalists scribbling jotting notes for their papers..... I shan't make a fool of myself! I am praying so hard that Allah will give me a chance to shine & let me pick out a theme in Indonesian or English...,"
"Finally, my number was called: Nomer 8, Zeva Aulia Sudana, dari Universitas Katolik Parahyangan Bandung!!! I can hear the cheering and clapping but my mind and eyes was set to the podium. I walked the most feminin & elegant walk I could do in these 7cm high heel sexy hot damn shoes (yeah they are, I searched AGES for these black stilleto high heels)........ & guess what......... I went to the wrong direction & stepped up the podium on the wrong side.... HAHAHA... I was like........dammit!! But I put on my most confident smile & didn't think about it. Because I am at the wrong side of the podium, I struggled a bit to climb on to it since on the left side there are no steps to climb onto the podium.. Oh Allah, I don't want to look too stupid, so I tried to get on to the podium as elegant as possible..........but the fact is, since my long kebaya batik skirt is tight and "gejet", my mom said that my legs looked stiff, as stiff and straight as Arnold Schwartzenegger's face when saying "hasta la vista...baby". But anyway.... so, I wanted to try to impress the audience. I decided to sing two verses of a Sundanese SOng "Bubuy Bulan". Hahaha.... don't get me wrong, I've been practicing! Well....... when I sang the song, I got the words jumbled up a bit, but when I finished, I saw the other finalists cheering me on & going berzerk because they know that my Sundanese is... well.... satisfactory, but I'm trying my best & gave my all. HAHAHA. After that, the moment of truth........ I put my dainty fingers into the bowl, & picked a small roll out. I took the deepest breath and exhaled......... Ya Allah, please, OH PLEASE, not SUndanese.... I winced and peeked through. My cousin said I looked like a little girl peeking, wanting to see what's inside a present given, lol.........& guess what?????????????? I got a theme... IN ENGLISH!! YESS!!! ALhamdulillaaah, Ya Rabb! HHAHAHAHAHAHA...... I smiled a wide VICTORY SMILE! Victory is mine!! Well at least for this quick presentation anyway. The theme I got was written: "National Products". I had to think quick & spontaneous to speak in just 3 minutes. I mind-mapped quickly, & voila! I did it. I connected between globalization-free market-tax-national products-income for lay people & the state. I was satisfied and I was so happy that I heard an encore. I can see that the audience is pleased with my answers and the way I deliberated. After that, I was given questions by the judges, not in english, because the theme I got was in english. I felt soo SATISFIED. I closed this event with a sweet topping!

Though I didn't become the main winner (Angga and Farida got it), I am still proud of myself for getting this far & is still craving for MORE experience and MORE knowledge. I asked one of the judges, which is the winner of last year's event of this competition. His name is Abul. Abul said that my only flaw was my capability of speaking and writing in Sundanese. Though the Indonesian language and all Indonesian language tests has the ace card of the most wanted points, to become the representative of West Java needs the balance between those three factors.

I learnt alot from this event. It is no use & actually an unwritten shame if you forget your roots. I will, and I promise, to work on my SUndanese language! Oh, my Javanese too. But one by one though, Sundanese first.... =-) ,"

Heads of the political world have turned towards North Korea, a country who openly shows the world their nuclear proliferation for the military programs. The proof is there, nuclear and missile tests. According to Russia, North Korea succeeded in a nuclear test of making one as powerful as the US atom bomb dropped on Nagasaki in World War 2. Bigger than the missile launch on April.This is a violation of a UNSC resolution.

You know what? Military Shows will just create tension and maybe this is just what the North Korean leaders want. Their acts on these direct tests have caused alarm among other state leaders, especially members of the UNSC like China, France, Britian, US, etc. The North Koreans seems to want to "challenge" the international community. Well, at the least they want to show their strength and improvement on their military sector. Even international sanctions as vital as economic sanctions won't make them budge (but actually make their actions of "threat" increase). The stability of the region around North Korea is at stake. They are already isolated and how long will they stand that? It won't do any good to it's people anyway.

The world is so dark. Is there still hope? The global society faces new problems day by day. All because of human conduct.
Humans are basically greedy. But the ones that increase greed to a higher level really does become a great problem. Conflict is transformed and cannot be stopped. Thinking about transformation, I remember how I learned about parasites in Senior High biology class. Yes, conflicts are parasites. Once it's satisfied with one conflict, it moves to another conflict. There goes the circle of satan. Once you pop........ you can't stop. (haha...like the Pringles ads... I LOVE PRINGLES. Oh dear, I'm in need of Pringles chips now..gotta gooo)