Yellowface By Rebecca F. Kuang

james and oliver - the hero and his sidekick

Perempuan di Titik Nol (Woman at Point Zero Indonesian translation) by Nawal El Saadawi

This book reveals a truth that happened nearly 50 years ago, yet the similar situation still resonates and reflects in our today's reality. Nawal El Saadawi, through the brief interview with Firdaus (a woman who get imprisoned by the authority after killing a man), expose the corruption caused by deeply rooted patriarchal society in Egypt. After that interview, Firdaus was taken away in front of Nawal to face her punishment. She may no longer with us, but all over the world, the same story still happened, torturing, and scaring women. There are still many others like Firdaus, suffering under the flawed society.

Reading this book felt so empowering yet heartwrenching. But more of it, this book should leave us an uncomfortable feeling, making one's mind unable to stop thinking about the terrible systems that still existed and maintained. How many women remain unheard when facing violence and assault, only to be arrested and punished for defending themselves?

"Firdaus symbolized resistance. As she said: My life means their death; it is not my knife they fear but the truth."

The only downside of this book is in the physical aspects. The translation is still rough, with some typos here and there, even when I have the newest edition. The message of this book would be better conveyed and understood if the translation were updated and more carefully reviewed.

(Image Credit: me)

Caffeine intakes throughout the September ‘24.

Coffees I consumed throughout July. Became addicted to hot Vanilla Latte.

Saturday's study log and reflections.

Jakarta on that Saturday was quite solemn, despite the news that has broken so many people's hearts. People—from high school students to middle- and lower-class workers, individuals to organizations and political parties—took to the streets (specifically in front of the House of Representatives at Senayan and the KPU - General Elections Commission - at Menteng) to protest recent political events that felt like violations of Indonesia's fundamental laws. The protests began on August 22, 2024, and continued on August 23 and August 24, although the last two days weren't as massive as the first.

As someone who studies Human Rights and a small portion of international law, what these masses of people did in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia is solid evidence of how people in this country still love democracy and want it to remain the government's solemn system. The protests they voiced (and will keep voicing until their goals are accomplished) help to restore the checks and balances that the government of Indonesia seems to have forgotten, as they have become drunk with power.

Many protesters were hurt, and some even lost their eyes. It's heartbreaking that the cost of democracy is the blood of its own people who need it the most.

This massive event reflects what I've been studying these past two months in my EDX course: Human Rights, Human Wrong. I've learned how a government can be both the protector and the abuser of its own people. What happened in Indonesia is a clear example. This realization has deepened my understanding of the delicate balance required to maintain a just society and the courage needed to stand up against injustice.

I may not take part in the protest directly, but let me do my part by sharing the stories of people who came back home safely and how they cried about their friends' brutal abductions by police. Let me share the screams for justice of people who are moving en masse to regain the utmost power of democracy. Their courage and determination inspire me to use my voice to amplify their cause, ensuring that their struggles are not forgotten.

Let the government realize how easily they can gain power, and how easily it can slip away from their hands. Democracy is not just a system but a living, breathing entity that requires constant vigilance and care from both the governed and those who govern.

henry fucking winter

The silence of this night's air rather soothing my mind;

It eases my brain, just like a lullaby does to 2 years old;

Something about tonight, is calming,

caresses my anger and washes away my disappointment;

The drowsiness is there, still;

her wary glance in the corner of the room trying to cast a spell on me yet I ignored it;

Cause I want to be in complete utter silence for once in awhile,

since sleeping sometimes invited dreams I'm trying to avoid;

Am I not allowed to feel peaceful after a long tired fight with my ownself?

𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝟷𝟸𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺

Spent my new year eve with dead writers.

Your lips seems blurry in my mind like it was miles and miles away, and i never been this passionately miserable of missing something that was never mine to claim in the first place, the hurt caused by the absence of your touches keep bludgeoning me like a hammer to a nail, a harsh reminder of how I was nothing than a mere object in a tasteless sentence, without your presence, breathing seems missing its meaning.

January's book haul.