Sharkbites Newsletter

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JUNE 10, 2022


Hello, everyone!

Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country and the second Asian country to legalize same-sex unions.

The bill avoids using the word “marriage” but allows Thai couples to register their partnerships legally, jointly own property, adopt children and have inheritance rights between partners.  

Currently, the bill still has to undergo approval in the nation’s Parliament, but the Civil Partnership Bill is a big step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and protections in the country. 

Race in America 🌎

The Indian American community is rallying together in cities across the U.S. to
honor those killed in recent mass shootings.


In Los Angeles, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin’s Inland Empire chapter marched with their signs along the Riverside’s Peach Walk of statues, denouncing gun violence and advocating for gun reform. This is an example of the many vigils, marches and demonstrations erupting across the country.

Indian parents also shared their sentiments about gun violence and how nervous and fearful they are — the “what if” haunts parents everywhere.



For Olympian Suni Lee, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, seeing murals celebrating her athletic victories brought immense joy and appreciation.

Community artists and local youth have gathered together to paint gorgeous murals celebrating the Gold Medalist. One of these murals featured the Hmong champion kissing her gold medal, and many feel that this picture represents the potential for their daughters to flourish. As a role model in the community, Lee describes the love and support she receives as “surreal” and continues to shine a bright light on her hometown on her Instagram and through her achievements. 


 


In Other Asian News 🗞

NPR has not traveled to Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover nearly a year ago. On June 9, NPR’s Diaa Hadid reported on what she saw in the aftermath.

From the get-go, Hadid saw a sharp difference with the conservative choices the Taliban-ruled government imposed on airports, safety, clothing and women. Flags and local murals were switched to black and white, there is a lot more order and less chaos, and images of women are taken down or painted over.

More significantly, since the West pulled out of Afghanistan, the funding that the country depended heavily on had run out. Hunger and desperation crowd the streets and blend into the environment. The Taliban themselves had not realized their economy's fragile situation until after they had control of the government, but they also have ambitious plans to rebuild a stronger Afghanistan.




On June 10, Malaysia confirmed it would be abolishing its death penalty, leaving punishments for offenses such as murder and terrorism up to the judges.

Previously, Malaysia was one of the only nations in the world that still used the death penalty. Still, after reviewing expert reports, the government seeks to install alternative sentences. Activists are relieved that this step is being taken, showing that the country is reasserting its assurance that human rights are respected and protected.

Currently, over 1,300 are on death row. Most of them carry drug offenses, which does not justify capital punishment. 


 


Music 🎶


At 12 a.m. EST, or 00:00 O'Clock, BTS’ newest album, “Proof,” was released. Along with a stunning new music video for their track, “Yet to Come,” that left me squealing every other second.

As we approach FESTA season, “Proof” is the perfect album to listen to as it covers tracks that the members picked to reflect their thoughts “on the past, present and future of BTS.” For the members, this album represents an end and a beginning as their ninth-anniversary rolls around the corner. Wrapping up chapter one of their story, “Proof” also includes a few new and unreleased songs that, according to J-Hope, “contains BTS’s soul.” 



Then, after I watched the new BTS MV a few times, I listened to Joji’s new single, “Glimpse of Us.”

A complete 180 from BTS’ vibes, Joji made me cry, sob and throw up (inside) at 3 a.m.


Personally, I think this single is comparable to the emotions I felt when I listened to “Slow Dancing in the Dark.” Joji combines ethereal vocals with lyrics capturing the listener in a nostalgic and painful microcosm of past loves and growing pains. His use of piano and a beautiful melody makes it impossible not to put the song on repeat and puts an ache in the small things that remind us of people we used to love.

V, a band member of BTS, stands in front of a bright blue background with a rose to his nose. He wears a dark blue suit and looks off into the distance.

Image: HYBE LABELS

What else is on our minds? 
 

 
Would you want a cyborg finger that has real skin?

On a semi-related note, Daniel would like to inform everyone that the androids in “Dragon Ball Z” are actually cyborgs.

Sincerely, Mya Sato and Daniel Anderson
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