Gaslighting is a tactic used by a dictator to manipulate his people. And his people is so brainwashed to believe that, for example, "that all grapes are green" so that even if you show them some purple grapes, they're so blinded and so deep in the shithole that they would still say that "they're green." And once they belong to that group of people who believe the same thing, it even makes them more convinced that it is the truth. If you don't know what “gaslighting” is, you can Google it. This is just my observation and opinion. I am not into politics, but it is quite sad that some of my relatives are in this shithole, but then it is not something I hadn't expected. These are the same people who are easily convinced to join a multi-level marketing business and are convinced that with multi-level business, it will make them a millionaire. Multi-level marketing business is almost like a cult too. Oh yeah, some of them unfriended me already just because they couldn't convince me to believe one of their conspiracy theories. And that is quite dumb.
Why Do I Want to Go Back to Hong Kong and Mainland China?
Why do I want to go back to Hong Kong and Mainland China? Because having lived in Mainland China for three years and a few months in Hong Kong, I feel like I belong there. In addition to having made a lot of great friends and having experienced the generosity of the Chinese people, I just feel at home over there. I’ve been in a lot of countries, but the truth is that I’ve never experienced what I had in China. And I remember before coming to China, I heard that the Chinese are rude and are not friendly and other stereotypes about the Chinese people. Some of these even came from Chinese-American people. Something I definitely have learned, don’t believe everything you hear about other people until you’ve met them in person and had some interaction with them. Then again, every person’s experience is different. Maybe I was just lucky that I’ve met a lot of nice Chinese people. On the other hand, there is also this stereotype about Thai people as being very friendly and always smiling. That’s why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles, but not to say that the Thais are not friendly and always smiling, but most of my experience over there with Thai people is not that friendly at all. I did meet a lot of nice Thai people, but it is just not the same experience I had with the Chinese people. It is not to say that I prefer the Chinese more than the Thai people, but I just feel like I have more connection to China and the Chinese people. And I do feel it is my destiny to go back there. Though I try to find my place somewhere here in Asia outside of China, it seems like the path always leads me to China. Definitely I see the signs as I try to veer off course. No matter what I do, my path naturally takes me back to China. And now with this Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic going on and with the negativity that is going on in the US, I just feel that being back in China is where I feel safer and more stable. Now I am just hoping to get back there as soon as possible.
The Brainwashing of America
BEING BRAINWASHED is almost being obsessively and deeply in love. You are so in love that suddenly logical reasoning and common sense don't apply to you. You just see this object of your affection as being perfect. You're like on heaven. Whatever she says sounds like poetry to you. Anything that doesn't support this object of your affection becomes an enemy. Even a close friend who cares about you and just wants to warn you about her, knowing she would just take advantage of you. You're now ready to defend her no matter what because she's the love of your life. You will try to find a lot of reasons why she is right for you. Maybe you'll even think God sent her to you to be your soulmate. You thank Him for her. You are now in this bubble with her. It is just you and her against the world. It is a great feeling. How dare anyone wants to break your relationship with her? And the bad thing about it, probably she doesn't love you at all, but she's not complaining. She wants the attention from you. Who would not want that? It is good for anyone's ego. And maybe she'll probably pretend to love you, so she can use that undivided attention from you to her advantage and wrap you around her finger, knowing that she could do anything, and you'd still be enthralled by her. She can make a mistake, even more, but she knows you would not care. Why? Because she knows you're so in love with her that all you'll see are the great things about her. She'll even lie some more, telling you all what you want to hear. Like how much she loves you. How much you mean to her. And that is sad. This is what most cult leaders and dictators have done to influence their people.
Photography Isn't Just About Capturing a Beautiful Subject With your Camera
Photography isn’t just about capturing a beautiful subject with your camera, but for the most part, that is what most people with a camera or even a phone camera does.. If the world is perfect, that would be the case, but it also about capturing what is considered “not beautiful” or for the lack of a better word, “ugly.” Why not show two sides of the coin. In the ideal world, everything is beautiful. That’s the reason why fashion photography, advertising photography and magazine editorials try to focus on beauty, to try to show what is ideal. And then you have the opposite of this, that is the documentary and photojournalism. These genres focus on the reality of life in all its glory. In some ways, with these genres, photography is about storytelling. It tells the reality of what the subject of the picture is or a series of pictures. Well, it is not to say that fashion and advertising photography is not about storytelling. But the storytelling that comes with fashion and advertising photography is a manufactured one, just like a Hollywood film. So when doing photography, think of it as a way to tell a story. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Why not create a photograph (for fashion photography or advertising photography) or not capture a photograph (for documentary or photojournalism) that tells a thousand words. And with a series of photographs around one subject or theme, this could be a million words. Photography is a tool for telling a story the same way a computer is used by a novelist write her story.
Why I Am Glad to be in Malaysia During the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
When I came to Malaysia again, my goal was to stay in a safe country until the problem with the Covid-19 coronavirus problem ends. Seeing what was happening around the world with each country slowly getting some cases, I knew I had to lay low somewhere, and since my visa in Thailand was about to expire, I chose Malaysia. At least I get three months visa over here, so this would be plenty of time for me to just chill until everything goes back to normal, but I would have never thought that it would become a full blown pandemic and that a lot of countries are going to in a lockdown. Well, anyway I am glad that I got stranded here rather than another country which was not good enough to handle this kind of problem. By the way, a few days before the lockdown, I did get an alert email message from the US Embassy telling me to get back to the US as soon as possible due to the increasing number of cases in Malaysia. And yes, it was increasing. But good thing, I decided to stay. Now look at the stats. Right now as I write this (July 6, 2020), Malaysia only has 8668 cases and 121 deaths in contrast with US, which has 2.93 million cases and more than 132,000 deaths. So my decision was right on. And with Donald Trump as the president, the US is not doing well with the pandemic as of this moment. Actually just within the last 24 hours, the US just got more than 40,000 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases. To add fuel to the fire, there is also a battle going on between the Republicans/Conservatives and Democrats/Liberal, the Left Wing versus the Right Wing. Furthermore, also protests started happening due to the killing of George Floyd by a cop, exposing the racism that’s been hidden for so long. Well, not hidden. But more like ignored. This even created tensions between the Republicans and the Democrats. From what I could see, there seems to be more racist people on the Republican side. Well, I am not gonna talk about that for now. Then with conspiracy theories, the question of whether to mask or unmask, etc., it even made the situation much worse. For sure, I am grateful to the Malaysian government for granting me along with other foreigners who got stranded here an extended visa at least until August 31. Now that travel is not feasible anymore, my goal now is to settle down in one country and just stay put. In a way, I need to get myself established in just one place, and this pandemic gave me an excuse to do that. Would I travel again? Of course, but for now, it is on hold. If I do travel, maybe it won’t be an extended travel for a while. More like a few days or two weeks here an there.
Asian Countries Don't Play around when It Comes to Safety from the Coronaviru
Lots of Asian countries don't play around when it comes to safety from the coronavirus. These happened in South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong and other countries too. You obey the social distancing safety rules or else you get your working visa revoked or tourist visa cancelled and get deported. That's why a lot of locals are complaining about foreigners not adhering to the safety rules. Even here in Malaysia, I see a lot of foreigners not wearing a mask. It is just plain stupid. When in Rome, do what the Romans do. Respect is the key.
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/6-people-robertson-quay-gathering-get-work-passes-revoked-among-140-who-breached-law
Posting About An Issue On Social Media
Posting something like a meme or a link to an article or a video or a podcast without your extensive opinion about it from different sides of the issue is like giving us fast food without telling us why this fast-food is good for us, without any mention about its nutritious benefits and the research behind these findings. For the most part, the only people who will LIKE or make a nice comment about it are the same people who already made up their minds about the same issue and are not willing to look at it from different sides. Pretty much, they're just followers or just pandering. An independent thinker and a decent human being is more likely to look at the issue not just from her own point of view but also will also step back and look at it from different point of views and also with extensive research, before she decides if what she sees is a valid point or not.
Respect and Empathy: Two Things Missing in This World Right Now That Lead to What's Going On in the US Right Now
Respect and empathy are two things which are lacking right now and why this thing in the US is going on. It is a social contract human beings are supposed to abide by as one human race, but obviously it was broken. Because it was broken, then there's no equality. Respect can only be given if it is reciprocal. And sometimes respect can only be earned if you fight back when there's no other choice, when your back is against the wall. And based on my own experience, it worked on my case. If you take something lying down, the disrespect will continue, but if you take a stand, for the most part, it works. It is better to be defeated while standing up, rather than be defeated lying on the ground.
Put Yourself in Other People's Shoes Before You Start Talking Shit About Them
Don't make a comment about other people unless you're in their shoes, experiencing what they've experienced and continued to experience. Especially if you live a privileged life, living in a nice house or apartment in a nice neighborhood. I bet you've never experienced being in the other neighborhood or interacted with other kinds of people other than your own kind. I am so glad that I've experienced interacting and even living with the richest and the poorest margins of the society and how it is on both sides of the fence. To be able to live in different countries and to get to know the locals. To be friends with different races. To be friends with people from different faiths: Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Taoist, non-believers, etc. To be friends with people from different countries: France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Italy, Sweden, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Cuba, etc. It made me realize that we don't know SHIT about them unless we interact with them on a personal level rather hear or read about them in the news or some documentary or an article. But all I know based on my experience, everyone is the same deep inside. Same human beings with the same aspirations, to be respected and be loved and to just be happy and have a comfortable life.
2020 Just Put Everything in Focus What The Underlying Problems We Have in Our Society
2020 is definitely not the best year. Come to think of it, 20/20 is sort of a numerical symbol, that of seeing everything in sharp focus. Well, I guess it just put all the underlying problems that have been hidden for so long in sharp focus. The divisiveness of the society which should unite together in times like this: the pandemic, the racial inequality, the selfish behaviour of some people instead of fighting for social harmony and sense of community, materialism over human values, etc. Well, hopefully something positive will come out of this, but based on history, history repeats itself. Just look at the LA riots. That didn't change anything. And look at the Spanish Flu of 1918. That also didn't change anything.
One of My Most Favorite Film Krystoff Kieslowski's Red (French Movie)
Wow, it is great to see my most favorite French film again. The movie is called Red. One of Krysfoff Kieslowski’s Trilogy films based on the French Flag. It is now showing on Mubi. Check the link below and subscribe to see it and other great movies you don’t find on Netflix.
First Time Eating at a Restaurant Since the Lockdown Began Ten Weeks Ago
After writing my name and phone number down for contact tracing and getting my temperature read, finally I was able to eat at a restaurant over here for the first time in ten weeks since the lockdown began. The food definitely tastes much better than when it is delivered at home. I love the food here. The varieties of food here are just incredible. I will definitely miss the food here when I leave. Anyway still only a few restaurants are open and only a few people are going out here in Malaysia since the lockdown was gradually eased to let some busineses to open and to let people go out on May 4, but now it seems like it is picking up a little. I now see quite a lot more people going out and businesses opening up, but it is not the same as before the lockdown. Let's see how it goes, when the lockdown is fully lifted on June 9.
Is Individual Freedom More Important than the Welfare of the Whole Society?
The welfare of the society, which is comprised of different races, all ages, all countries, and all socioeconomic backgrounds supersedes individual freedom. Freedom is a privilege especially in a society in which you're interconnected with other human beings. You can't just have it at the expense of other people's lives. But on the other hand, if you live on an island by yourself, then by all means, do whatever you want. At least what you do there won't affect other people's lives. But in a society, you have to be responsible not only for yourself but also for other people's lives.
Who Believes These Conspiracy Theories?
Was I just called a smart ass by a family member because I said that I didn't believe the conspiracy theory that he had sent to me via FB message? In the message, the conspiracy theorist is saying that the virus was spread around the world so that people would be so scared that they won't have a choice but to get vaccinated, and this vaccine has a tiny microchip in it that is going to track you and know everything about you. What the fuck? So all these governments got together and decided to do this 😁 conspiracy. Even the ones who are sworn enemies. Anyway they don't need microchips to put in your body to know about you. The governments can just use your phone, Facebook, your Google searches, your medical records, your criminal background check, etc to know a lot of things about you. And what else do the governments or maybe pharmaceutical companies who produce the vaccines with microchips need to know about us? Maybe to find out how dumb some of us are. And I was told I wasn't using common sense 🙄by not believing this.
Glad to Be Stranded in Malaysia During the Lockdown and Travel Bans
Glad to be stranded in Malaysia. One of the safest countries to be in during the pandemic (7417 cases and just 115 deaths). I've been stuck (but in a good way) here for 9 weeks now since the lockdown and travel bans started (not including one month in KL before the lockdown). Lockdown has been lifted with rules since May 4, but people haven't really gone out in droves and not all busineses have opened; even though, they're allowed to, but of course, with safety measures in place. Now hoping that with the letter from the US Embassy here, the immigration extends my visa here at least until one of the countries I am planning to go to and settle down in at least until the end of the pandemic opens up its borders to foreigners coming in from less risk countries. I've been friends in different countries when their countries will open up its borders, and no one knows. My life is now quite unpredictable. I wonder where I'll end up in. No traveling for a while, except domestic travel within the country where I'll end up in, but it will be more of a nature trip.
This is What Every Country Should Do In Time of Pandemic.
I served in the USAF for five years, and by enlisting, that meant I could go to war without questions asked because that’s part of being in the military, and I won’t have a say against it. Well, some people back in the US are talking about being patriots. Well, aren’t patriots supposed to defend and protect America from enemy if invaded and protect their neighbors and loved ones? Well, the virus is the enemy, and from what I see, these people are not really patriots and willing to fight a war. They’re just selfish. I bet when a real war with guns and ammos really happens, these people would be the same people who would go in the back of the frontline and let the real patriots to really fight the war. I mean, if they are having problems with doing something easy as wearing a mask, keeping a six feet distance between himself and another person, etc., then it means they are not the kind of people you want to be with as a military person when you really go to a war that involves guns and ammos.
I am so glad I didn’t go home and stayed here in Malaysia. I feel so much safer here. Just look at how Malaysia is dealing with this covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Check out this video:
This is what FUCKING everyone should do whenever there is a pandemic. It is a must-see in what a country should do. NO CRY BABIES here. I am lucky to be stranded here 😁😁 This is a must-see. Some countries could learn from this.
Coronavirus Cases:
6,941
Deaths:
113
Recovered:
5,615
What If The Covid-19 Cases Go Up Again After Lifting the Lockdown Fully?
Malaysia just started lifting the lockdown gradually, opening most businesses except cinemas, karaoke, gyms, etc and the number of cases started going up again in one place. So the majority of the states here were right against the federal government here, not to fully lift the lockdown but gradually.
By the way, here they use the military to really impose the rules of the lockdown since there are some "bad apples" here too. And wearing a mask here are not fully required except in some areas but it is highly recommended by the government. So for the most part, most people do wear masks based on what I saw as I started going out. Yes, we are allowed to go out now, but we are not allowed to do interstate traveling (so I can't go back to Kuala Lumpur yet where more likely I will leave from when I go to another country by plane)
Anyway I am now in a panic and stressful mode, not knowing which country to go to once the lockdown is lifted fully. That's when my visa ends. Most countries still won't let any foreigners in. At the same time, OMG, the fares are so expensive. About 4 to 10 times more expensive. 😧😷
Lockdowns in the US Being Compared to Nazi Germany and Others
It is funny how the lockdowns in the US are being compared to Rosa Parks fighting against the bus segregation, Nazi Germany controlling its people and the internment of Japanese Americans. All you are being told is to just follow the social distance safety measures such as to stay home and watch Netflix and YouTube or TV, keep six feet away from people and wear a mask. What the fuck. Such easy things to do. You are not being told to sign up and go to a war where you can get killed by a bullet easily. You are being told to protect your health, the health of your loved ones and your community. Such cry babies.
A Society Needs To Trust in Science, Not Politicians
"Taiwan, a society where he said there was strong trust in science and respect for medical professionals."
That's why they have the least cases and deaths due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus, along with Vietnam, in the world. They started implementing safety measure as early as December, when they started seeing what was happening in China.
I was actually alerted by Smart Traveler enrolment Program from the travel.state.gov in the middle of March that most of the borders were closing down, and I had to get on a plane back to the US as soon as possible, and yet I decided to stay here because I knew I'd be much safer here. For the most, I felt Asia was the place to be during the pandemic. They've been through SARS and survived. In addition, seeing President Donald Trump downplaying the dangers up ahead, I felt that the US was on its way to a catastrophe. And it happened.
Values, That's the Reason Why the US and Malaysia Deal With The Covid-19 Coronavirus Differently
Below was the message sent to me by a Malaysian in response to my comparison between how the US and Malaysia deal with the lockdown. My other friends here in other Asian countries (South Korea, Thailand, Vietnamese, Chinese (Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan) also share the same sentiment.
"I guess it will come down to the values; Americans value individualism and freedom, thus it is hard for them to follow the Stay Home Stay Safe order and hence the demonstrations against the rule. On the contrary, Malaysian value of ‘doing what right for the community’ made it easier for us to follow the Movement Control Order and to stop the pandemic crisis, even if it means we will endure some economic loss."
This is what is known as "social harmony" in East Asian culture. Without social harmony, a society has a tendency to fall apart.