Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part Three] Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Original post HERE: 18 Mar 2011
Discrepancy due to failure to export/import blog

Since the earthquake and tsunami mega-combo that brought Japan down to its knees, there have been many people who emerged with different reactions, some genuinely sympathetic, some pure Samaritans  some insincere ones who pretend to be charitable, some insensitive hypocrites, some who rain oil over fire, some drop a boulder down the well [direct translation from an Chinese proverb], and even people who make use of the current situation or affairs for personal or monetary gains. There's this good old saying that I used to always hear and make sense of , and it goes something [loosely translated] like "In times of perilous crisis, it would be definitive to see the true facets of humans." In this final section, Part Three, I will cover some of these good and some not-so-good deeds of people.

Just before that, a short recap of what happened and some updates; On Friday, March 11, 2011, a record braking 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, and shortly following, a massive tsunami literally devoured a big portion of Japan's east coast, leaving all but extreme devastation in this wake. A nuclear facility in Fukushima failed due to extensive damage, led to 2 explosions so far and threatens to meltdown. Despite the situation looking gloomy, it is fortunate that the nuclear plant is somehow brought back to stability and 50 workers, now deemed as heroic figures in tragedy, were allowed back into the facility to remove its threat. For the full report by Yahoo! News, please click here.

To start things, let's talk about some HUGE donations, not by celebrities but by people with status. As you see the photo [by Mugilan Rajasegeran] on your left, Ms Elaine Low, presented a cheque for $1 million to Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Suzuki for tsunami victims. Yes my friend, a whopping one million dollars! 1,000,000. That's six zeros! It is by far the largest donation by an individual that the embassy has ever received. The young 24 year old Singaporean lady is the daughter of Datuk Low Tuck Kwong, 63, founder of Bayan Resources, an Indonesia-based coal mining company and she handles the business development in the company. She says "My family and I feel that it's an unfortunate disaster and wanted to offer our help." But of course, it seems like that $1 million is just a very small deal for someone with her inheritance and status. Her family usually keeps a low profile, but in times of crisis, they would stand up to contribute to society. That million dollars that the modest young lady donated is actually from her own  pocket, and she has also discreetly donated to China and Indonesia before in the past. For full reports, click here or here. However, some a**holes are still making sarcastic remarks in the reports. Some sounded jealous, others sounded like they needed a life. Some even sounded sour because the biggest donation since the Japan incident, is not by someone from their country to be proud of. In my honest opinion, I think Ms Elaine Low is pretty much like the incarnation of  Diana, Princess of Wales.

Next, superstar Lady Gaga, not matter how eccentrically dressed, also has a heart gold; being one of the first international celebrities who is taking real action to help the plight that Japan is undergoing. I may be I'm wrong, but I think she really is one of the first selfless few. On Friday March 11, she "launched" a little wrist band as you see on the left, to raise funds. Each bracelet is going at donations of $5 or more and all donations received will go directly to relief funds and efforts. As we all know, Lady Gaga is kind of a weirdo, and there's quite some weirdos in Japan too, so... maybe they click. Jokes aside, some may say she has an ulterior motive or what not, but action speaks louder than words, and this, my friend, is what I call action! Once again, for the full report from Yahoo! News, click here.

Apart from Lady Gaga, other stars like R&B icon, Alicia Keys, also offered condolences saying, "My heart breaks for Japan". On her twitter account, she also mentioned that she woke up early in the morning with "a song in her heart", although she has yet to disclose what it would be. Canadian teen idol Justin Bieber called Japan "one of my favorite places on Earth." "It's an incredible culture with amazing people. My prayers go out to them. We all need to help," Bieber wrote on Twitter. Hey don't flame me, I'm neutral about him, I'm just writing with focus on the main topic.

Going down the scale from generous to absolute a**hole, we are at the middle zone now. It's difficult to explain this one. Well, I came across a particular, quite popular, blogger's webpage, and I see that see has donated a pretty significant amount of $200, USD I presume. You can see thumbnails on your left, I've applied more mosaic to protect the users identity. I admit, I never was able to easily depart with that much money for charity, never ever. I don't come from a rich, pampered family, I'm struggling to make my basic ends meet and I only write post or journals for fun, as a past time and some views are due to controversial topics. I don't blog for a living, nor can I bum around, sponge of others, do nothing but bitch around, create make up tutorials and still be able to eat at lavish restaurants. Just kiddin'.

Ok, anyway, I am ashamed that I never donated that much of money and I must say, that person donating $200 is pretty darn generous and charitable. One little problem though, shouldn't giving or donating really come from the heart. I mean, I believe in anonymous donations, otherwise it sounds like an advertisement. Do you have to post it proudly on your own blog, trying so hard to let everyone know? You even posted 3 screenshots of your transactions? No offence please, but it may seem to some people that you are paying $200 to buy popularity. I've have seen a lot of crazy girls who would do just about anything from good to despicable and shameless, to get themselves on the Google "popular search" section, even in my country. I'm not looking for any trouble, sincere apologies if I offend anyone.

"Benevolence is to selflessly give help without any expectations to receive anything in return."

Now for second place! No pictures, just a quick touch on some really shallow people only care about Japan's situation because they fear the safety of their favorite Japanese AV actresses. ... ... .. ...

Yeah I know, there are like so "DOH!". They only are concerned about their daily dose of pornography and not how many poor folks in Japan lost their homes. There are also others who lament that there favorite anime is not showing, possible shortage of sushi or Japanese food, and what not. Typically selfish.

Lastly, at the top of the absolute a**hole chart, we have those unfeeling people who make use of the current affairs for personal or monetary gains. Please refer to the picture you see on your left, click to enlarge. I had to mosaic the pictures and some details in the screenshot in case anyone sues my ass off. Please don't, I'm broke. But honestly, you can find them easily by searching.

Anyways, I'm pretty sure you would find that somewhat familiar or perhaps you have indeed seen many of those spammed everytime you open your twitter. All those "I will donate $1 for every retweet or new follower" kind of bull crap. Unfortunately, there are actually some folks who probably wanted to do their part to help Japan but got cheated of their sympathy to follow their instructions and perform free advertisements. They are obviously out there to cheat some suckers. I've seen some accounts that represent a company or some weird organizations, but there are also several personal accounts of individuals that say the same about donating $1 for every retweet or new follower. What crap! What is their creditibility? Based on what situation can I trust them that you'll really fork out the donations? Retweeting is just a click worth of effort, and there could be millions of people who can retweet, and if there really are millions of retweets, does it mean they can easily afford to throw away millions of dollars for charity and declare themselves bankrupt? Even a big MNC would think twice investing millions of dollars before going bust.

Like I have said in my earlier paragraph, there are a lot on thick skinned people who would do just about anything from good to despicable and shameless to make a name for themselves. It is indeed questionable for such companies to use such unethical business ethics, and shameless for individuals who employ such low methods to gain popularity. Some other enraged users also commented things like:

"For those who tweet that you will donate 5c $1 $2 whatever for every retweet i dont believe you will actually do so"

"Is every "we will donate $1 for every retweet" actually going to donate or is it a pathetic attempt to get followers?"

"All this "I'll donate $1 for every retweet" shit is bollocks. If you're going to send money, do it. Don't expect publicity from it."

"RT For every retweet @bing will give $1, up to $100K « Eff you Bing.Just donate the damn money"

I personally liked the last one the most. For others, being focused in results may just backfire. The marketing team for this media company here have some serious consequences to bear. They wrote something like:

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook Japan in the early afternoon today, blah blah blah. Book your spots in the Weekday Evening News Bundle as the channel brings viewers comprehensive coverage reports on the disaster with extended versions of news bulletins tonight.

… Call our sales representatives now!”

Disguised as news, it was actually just another marketing ploy to deliver numbers. Many who received these electronic direct mail were enraged and labelled them as "insensitive" and "heartless". The company has made a formal apology shortly after being bombarded with negative comments. For the full report, click here.

And that would pretty much sum up this lengthy article that has been broken up into 3 parts. Having received so much help, Japan has started to get things under control. Those who have contributed, either by donating, being a volunteer or simply spreading the word to help, give yourselves a pat on the back. Those who are willing to help, have mostly already done their part and that is all we can do. However not to be complacent, Japan is still in the danger zone and needs time to really pull through this mess. Let us all pray for the recovery on Japan. After all, if Mother Earth gets gravely ill, these calamitous disasters will eventually consume all living things on this planet, all of us.

Thanks for reading.

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part Two] Reactions and Statement of Opinions

Original post HERE: 15 Mar 2011
Discrepancy due to failure to export/import blog

Who wants to wake up in the morning, open the window and see the moment of despair as what we see in this picture on your left.. They say that "If you don't have anything proper to say, at least do not make nasty or sarcastic remarks". Despite the catastrophic tragedy that ravaged Japan, it appears that there are people who are making somewhat inappropriate comments that do not lighten the situation at all.

I myself, came across a lot of comments all over that weren't really nice to speak off, some with extreme contents of racism insulting the Japanese with. There is even a giant picture of consolidated comments from various facebook users, most of them talking about the tsunami as an incarnation of karma to bring retribution to Japan for the Pearl Harbor incident.

Before I carry on, I need to warn that the comments on that particular page are rather inappropriate. Some netizens even got enraged by those comments and called them insensitive, nasty, mean or racists. I have battled myself for quite a long time whether I should write this post or not, because, at the end of the day, I just want to share my views, and I have absolutely no intentions to offend anyone to begin with. I also have no intentions of revealing who put in those comments nor their facebook profile pictures directly on my blog. But if you really insist to see it, clicking here will bring you there. Anyway, I did not make or upload that picture, the link was just shared and circulated.

According to a little research I've done, I found out that over 50% of the viewers on my blog are actually from United States. I believe it is mainly contributed by my other post, "Chris Medina Phenomenon" which created a sudden surge in blog hits overnight, and even constant increment daily. I fully understand that If I say any wrong things here, I could easily gain twice the number of haters as much of viewers I gained from the previous post. You should be able to fully understand that I'm putting myself at risk here, but I just think it's fair for equality and peace in the world. And lastly, I'm not Japanese, so look, I don't gain anything for speaking up for Japan. Anyway, below are some examples of those comments somewhat uncalled for; word for word.

"Eat a dick japan! That's what you get for pearl harbor, karma son! Haha!"

"Yeah I hate it for Japan but remember those idiots started World War 2. They bombed Pearl Harbor. Wonder how much money we will send them."

"Fuck Japan. Remember Pearl Harbor." (they were tonnes like this one)

"I think the earthquake in Japan happened because of Pearl Harbor. Paybacks are a motha f...cker. Some people wish God to be with those Japanies sneaky bastards... ... not me...what goes around comes around according to Justin Timberlake. The nuke we gave them may be easier than what they got today."

"Japan you remember Pearl Harbor? Ain't Karma a bitch."

"who gives shit about Japan? Not this guy. Did they send aids when americans were dying during Katrina? hell no, remember Pearl Harbor? Late Justice."

"Mother nature remembers Pearl Harbor when we were attacked and by whom. December 7, 1941"

"Dear Japan, enjoy your tsunami. - Sincerely, Pearl Harbor"

Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor. Wow! As you can see, Pearl Harbor became a kind of convenient topic of excuse for unwanted hatred. Ok I'm not perfect either, but I really hate to say that a lot of those comments seemed to contain a bit of racism. From what I see, most of the comments came from people who weren't even born yet to experience the real pain and agony of the actual Pearl Harbor incident. So how did they know about it? How did they get such a hatred over it? Perhaps some read the history books, perhaps some watched the "Pearl Harbor" movie, starred by Ben Affleck. Well, to what I know, movies should only be considered as a form of entertainment. Even though its based [loosely] on a true story, it's common to infuse huge doses of dramatization to make the movie successful. To what I feel, most people were just influenced by various ways, most of them, didn't know what it felt like to be really going through Pearl Harbor, and that includes me.

One guy lamented,

"who gives shit about Japan? Not this guy. Did they send aids when americans were dying during Katrina? hell no...". Actually, Japan really did send help to the United States during the Katrina event, in case anyone really didn't know. Then again, when things like Hurricane Katrina hit USA, it's called a natural disaster. But when a natural disaster hit Japan, it's karma, retribution or what not. Statements of  what seems like double standards would appear selfish, arrogant and sometimes racist, and I believe no one likes that from both perspectives. Another lady states that she hated Japan because "Japan were the idiots who started World War 2." Technically, Japan did bomb Pearl Harbor but they did not start World War 2. It was Hilter and the Nazis [Germany and Slovakia] who invaded Poland back in 1939 that sparked it all. If you have to be influenced by history, at least get the facts right. The documented story lies here.

Ever since history was recorded, there were a lot of wars dictated; Civil War, American Revolution, Iraq War, Napolenic War, French Revolution, The Peloponessian War and much, much more. That's a lot of senseless violence. Oddly, we hate wars and point fingers these days but yet those extreme bloodshed in history were actually ok. Those were before our current democratic times and forms of government didn't really seem to work well in most countries. People who military power during those days usually have the say. However, these people didn't seem to have much forms of entertainment and probably, their only career perspective was to wage war, gain more power, and conquer the world. It was all the rage then, and quests for domination were so common, as though it were their past time hobby. I'm sure we know of many more ruthless warlords in history who were brutal to the bone. In the modern times now, we still have terrorists in this world and they are posing a standing problem. I would think it's more logical to be wary of them rather than to whine over some history that  we vaguely know of.

As we all know, World War 2 was a world war because it involved multiple countries from different continents and regions in the world, including my country. They did terrible things on our lands but over the years, most of the citizens and countries have already forgiven them. And to remind that the Pearl Harbor incident is dated back December 7, 1941, that's almost 70 years ago. Don't we have better things to do in our lives then hold a grudge way before our time?

As a counter attack, Japan too, took 2 atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki; talk about being paid back with their own coin. But don't you think that was some massive bad ass punishment for such a small country as compared to the U.S? You have any idea about the death toll or thought about the amount of casualties over there? If you thought only Pearl Harbor was bad, the bombs in Japan killed over thousands! In specific, horrific deaths by acute radiation exposures and survivors were stricken with various forms of cancer later in life and I'm not even finished yet. The ruler or military power of Japan during then no longer lives, a new populace started afresh and the later generations also had to rebuild what their ancestors screwed up back then. This was already their karma, and they have already done more than enough to serve the world and atone for their predecessor's sins. So why should we still bear a grudge, bring up the doggone past and be sore over it after so many long decades. Once again, most of us didn't even go through it, that makes us look like we can only know how to talk big. If this questionable behavior isn't caused by racism, I really can't see what else made us so petty.

If some kind of doomsday really came and threatens to eradicate all the humans entirely, do we still classify it as a natural disaster? Or could it have been our very own negative karma by shamelessly making fun of each other? Karma can be a bitch, I agree, and so can mother nature. If she were to really throw a tantrum, she could blow up anywhere she fancies. If we can't help or aren't willing to help, we could at least shut up. Those nasty comments will lead us to hell either, that's how karma works too, ain't it so? So laughing at another's misfortune isn't really a nice idea, we don't need Justin Timberlake to remind us that karma may turn around and bite our ass.

Let bygones be bygones, we live for today and tomorrow, not for yesterday. I may not be a follower of the christian faith, but I know that God also taught us to "Forgive and Forget".

Having said so much, it is very fortunate to know that these senseless racism and improper comments are only in minority. Most of us still embrace the warm morals of human compassion and common empathy. If you wish to lend a helping hand or make a donation, you can also click here to refer to Part One of this article, which will lead you there.

Japan's going through an excruciatingly painful time right now and they need all the help they could get to pull through this one. Especially, with a failing nuclear power plant that could meltdown anytime. Regrettably, I personally couldn't do much, I just wish we can settle all these social unrest and solve these petty differences. After all, Earth is home to us all.

Here's the end of Part two of this post.  There's one more part and I have more views to share regarding the reactions of the general public.

Next up:
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: [Part Three] Action Speaks Louder than Words

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part One] Post-Disaster Relief

Original post HERE: 14 Mar 2011
Discrepancy due to failure to export/import blog

Friday, 11th March 2011, one of the largest earthquake ever recorded of magnitude 8.9 struck Japan, and to make things worse, a deadly tsunami shortly spawned and slammed into the nation's east coast, leaving a huge swath of devastation in its wake, bringing the land of the rising sun to its knees.

It is one of the biggest catastrophes that happened since World War 2; official reports on Sunday estimates the death tolls of up to 10,000 so far, with expected increment as thousands more of people remains un-contactable or missing. The devastating combo of both earthquake and tsunami left millions of people without water, food, electricity, homes or shelter. Tens of thousands of people had to take refuge in schools and stadiums to keep out of the freezing cold temperatures.

As if things weren't bad enough, they are still facing the problem of possible total nuclear meltdown. As reported in the news, a hydrogen explosion occurred inside a severely overheated reactor vessel of a nuclear power plant. The earthquake and tsunami severed electricity to the Fukushima Dai-chi nuclear complex, crippling its cooling system and backup power did not kick in properly to sustain. All I can say is, it's hell of of a mess in Japan and it breaks many hearts to see this.

Fortunately, it is a little blessing that due to Japan's constant effort to lend a hand or donate when other countries encounter perilous disasters, like when Hurricane Katrina impacted the United States. According to Japan's Foreign Minister, they are now receiving offer of help from a total of 69 countries. I would say its good karma # still, as they say, "A Good Deed Begets Another".

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! News.

Vehicles block a canal after they were deposited there in Tagajo, Miyagi prefecture on March 13.

A damaged house stands covered in debris and mud in Minamisanriku town in Miyagi prefecture on March 13, after a tsunami sparked by a massive earthquake. Japan is battling a feared meltdown of two reactors at a quake-hit nuclear plant, as the full horror of the disaster emerges on the ravaged northeast coast where more than 10,000 are feared dead.

This post-tsunami pictures shows a portion of Fukushima's Fubata town, totally submerged in water, with debris floating all over. A 60 year old man was spotted floating off the coast after being swept away by the tsunami. He was in good condition.

A resident with his young children walks past cars upturned by the tsunami east of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture. Looks like a scene from a Die Hard movie, but its a nightmare in reality.

Burnt out vehicles that were parked for export are piled in disarray at a port at Tokai village in Ibaraki prefecture. It now looks like a car crematory.

Probably the most heart wrenching picture. One of the many billboards with countless notes where the survivors post in search of their missing loved ones. Many are heart broken.

Cars washed inland by the tsunami sit in debris-covered water outside Sendai in Miyage prefecture. Wastelands of mud and debris now stretch along Japan's northeast coast where towns and villages used to be, consumed by a terrifying tsunami triggered by Japan's biggest ever earthquake.

A couple walks past cars upturned by the tsunami. What used to be the city of Miyako, now becomes a sight too painful to watch.

As all communications are cut off, survivors taking refuge in a school make an "SOS" sign in the playground of the school in the town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture. The earthquake off the coast of Japan and the resulting tsunami has proven, yet again, how the Internet offers an information lifeline to the world in a time of crisis.

If seeing those pictures above make your heart ache, and wish to do your part, below are organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region. However, if you are unable to donate but wish to contribute a little effort, there is no shame. You can help spread the word of the sites of those organizations below and see who can help. Everyone can play a small but significant part. Let's all do something for Japan!

Groupon [Singapore]: They usually give good discounted deals of food, shopping and a lot more. This time round they aren't giving any discounts nor going for any profit, but they are also playing a part to get donations to assist Japan. Donate Here.

American Red Cross: Gifts to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund will support their disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Donate Here.

Americares: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate Here.

Convoy Of Hope: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate Here.

GlobalGiving: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate Here.

Internation Medical Corps: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate Here.

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate Here.

Save The Children: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate Here.

ShelterBox: ShelterBox responds instantly to natural and man-made disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need. The box includes a tent for a family of 10, cooker, blankets, water purification, tool kit and other items survivors need to rebuild their lives in the days, weeks and months following a disaster. Donate Here.

I'll would like to draw a line here for Part One of this article. There are 3 parts and I have more views to share regarding the reactions of the general public.

#: If you have questions or disagree about the good karma portion, example: pearl harbor, it would a good idea to click below to read my next post,

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part Two] Reactions and Statement of Opinions

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part Three] Actions Speak Louder Than Words