Peace in the East

Wearable"chainge" bracelet made by: yours truly, Dom

(made from recycled belts and material for sustainability and each bracelet is unique with a number. This one is engraved with "1" because it is the very first one made.)

Despite recent vitriolic threats and rhetoric coming from North Korea and its unavoidable presence in the news, we can argue all day about political warfare and Kim Jong Un playing a seemingly irrational role in the framework of the rational action theory--let's not even begin to think of the implications and possible nuclear apocalypse scenarios….

What I like to shed light on is the plight of  24 million people who are stripped of basic human rights where approximately 200,000 people are imprisoned in modern day concentration camps often compared with Stalin's gulags and Hitler's camps. Sprawled out into 6 locations, people are punished for various reasons even for simple things such as watching a South Korea television channel. A plethora of problems surround the country: starvation, torture, and in many cases, execution. People around the world are often oblivious to the situation shadowed underneath the nuclear weapons and military activity that is funded by literally sucking the life out of its people..and the unethical, inhumane abuse women and children undergo in China being sold into prostitution and sex trafficking. From many testimonies, they'd rather choose this life over going back to North Korea.

Despite public opinion on and overwhelming sentiments from the community viewing NK's situation as "hopeless", there are still many things we can do. One being, spreading awareness. With this bracelet I made, it goes along with the chain anklet I've mentioned before on my post: representing the stories and solidarity of the people of North Korea, and focusing attention away from  the "crazy" government and capricious nature of the military and leader. The proceeds will go towards helping North Korean refugees resettle into their respective places: (South Korea, North America, China) where I will be partnering with PSCORE and other human rights organizations. I'd eventually like to raise enough support to create a scholarship or mentor program to help refugees who have to make mental, physical, and emotional transitions after fleeing the most isolated and repressive country in the world and making all attempts to avoid repatriation. One of my ultimate goals would be to build stable safe houses and protection for women and children in China who flee Norht Korea. 

 I helped mentor and tutor defectors while living in South Korea and you would be amazed at their stories and harrowing tales of escape, but most of all, their courage and fervor for a better life. You can also read about my experience at the UN in Geneva, Switzerland here. 

This bracelet represents the continuous tightening of the borders, bounded by a despotic regime and ultimately, the plight of the North Koreans who are imprisoned- physically and ideologically restrained and binded- without a voice or choice, under an extremely oppressive state. By wearing the bracelet, you acknowledge the solidarity of the people and begin spreading the word and creating a movement. Almost every person I've met has asked me where I've gotten my bracelet from and after my response, they reply: "Oh wow, I didn't know that." Knowledge is power. 

The first 5 people to send FFF an email pledging to tell at least 5 people about what you've learned will be sent one of these for FREE! Just include the color (black or tan) and indicate how many straps you want(1-3)--I have 3 on mine. We will even feature your picture on the blog for helping to support a wearable cause. What are you waiting for?!

**UPDATE: In response to overwhelming inquiries, stay tuned for more info on buying your very own bracelet exclusively sold on FFF. Thanks for all of your support!

Peace and Love,

Dom

*FFF is a proud partner of NKHRFF, who helps to support our cause, support them here.