Ladrik in Majol eo

     Iakwe from Dorine Laura Youngstrom Karwon. A proudly strong Marshallese and Kosraen working with the Diversity Center. As a dAdvocate, she has been learning how to craft and use her voice by connecting with those who help and support her to establish her journey in DJS. She is a second year here at PLU, majoring in Business with the hopes of concentrating in Finance or Accounting while pursuing to study in the Legal Field as a Lawyer. Although working from her second home on Oahu, Hawaii with all the chickens interrupting zoom classes. Working remotely with the time difference does not stop her from showing up to learn more and connect. There is always room for improvement, and as a Navigator by heart, she is ready for more excursions. Which, also, includes taking lots of pictures of nature and food. Cheers (: 

    The English translation of the title means “The young Marshallese boy”. This story is a historical event that took place in the Marshall Islands. However, it is being told from a young Marshallese boy’s perspective. Although he is used singularly, he represents two male figures within the story who were great leaders of the RMI, short for Republic Marshall Islands. The first paragraph introduces him observing the scene from a boat he was on with a family member, this scene occurred when the first Nuclear bomb dropped on Bikini atoll.

    This character then follows through the story, his voice echoes in and out of each script while switching between the two male figures he represents. Paralleling how these natives were moved from Islands to Islands due to the testings. Overall, he represents much of how unaware and confused the natives were despite being noticed beforehand. They were not given time to be equipped or knowledgable about scientific things, such as Nuclear weapons.
    The over-used name Shot-gun, thunderclap, and a loud roar signifies just how horrific the sound of bombings were, they do not make one sound. There is pressure and it produces terror. The testing of Nuclear Bombs in the Marshall Islands conducted by the United States of America lasted between 1946-1958.

Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Is it the end of the world? What is that big orange-reddish fat ball? We have two suns? Asked ladrik eo, not knowing this moment will mark his home for good physically, mentally, emotionally, financially? A whole lot. Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Ah, that sound! The sound that took away all the peace and harmony. 

I said Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Can you hear me? Still not enough. Let us determine the effect of atomic bombs on American warships. Bikini, is that you? Perfect spot! Go for it, big boy. Wait, let us ask if the Rimajols can leave as we sample these boys on their Islands; I mean, they can come back later. Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar —- After all, it is for the good of all mankind. 

Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. It is March 1946. 

Bikinis evacuated: 242 naval ships, 156 aircraft, 25,000 radiation recording devices, and the Navy's 5,400 experimental rats, goats, and pigs for testing. Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar.

Did they ever consider the future of the Rimajols? uttered the concerned ladrik. Sorry, I can't hear you!! (Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar). The first testing bomb dropped. 

Operation crossroads or Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar? It does not matter; they both produced starvation, suffering, fear, and unknown. I said shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud noise! Can you hear me now? Oh Yes, ladrik en! Your Islands are still intact. You can move back now. Tootles, I meant the United Nations Strategic Trust Territory (TT) administered by the United States will watchover these Atolls. Ladrik eo looked, and -- Oh sweet home, Bikini atoll, you are not the same, you are starving!! Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud noise. You have ironically robbed me. This is not what I expected. Is this what you expected? 

Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Is this true for the good of all mankind? Or are you operating out of fear? I am tired of moving, I am starving, I miss my sweet home. Kwajalein atoll, Kili atoll, Ujelang atoll, and Rongerik atoll are not the same. Ladrik in wants his Bikini atoll. Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Never mind, it has begun the process of being irradiated. What is that sound? Ladrik eo thought. That is the sound of bombs. It does not come in one noise, it is all the above.

Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Paranoid politicians worldwide, but all ladrik eo needed was a piece of bread and fish. But wait, they are poisonous. Shot-gun thunderclap, a loud roar still moving. Bikini atoll and Eneman atoll, are you both ready to be contaminated?

They said, Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar! The decision was affirmed anyways, Bravo Blast, the Nuclear bomb went. Whoooosh! Two suns. A historical moment. One for great success. Another for uncertainty and death. Both are not very well talked  about.  

Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Congratulations! Bravo! For yielding a dangerous weapon by blasting out millions of tons of sand, coral, plants, sea life, lagoon waters, and sending them high into the air where they do not belong. Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar, Ladrik eo observed while looking hysterically confused. Scattered, what a mess! But yet a success. Radiations are increasing so rapidly. Bikini, you and the rest must be inhabited. From home sweet home — to off-zone. 

Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Have you had enough? The two suns will not shine forever; the night will haunt us with physical signs of severe vomiting diarrhea, hair falling out, skin irritation, and a state of terrified panic. Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar. Are you wanting full rights to these affected atolls?

Ladrik en, Ladrik en, Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar finally replied:

Here is some trust fund to band aid the wound. 

But Shot-gun, thunderclap, a loud roar, said ladrik eo.

This is not a wound. 

This is a scar.