Saving Humanity, Indian Chess Prodigy, Hate Crimes
Rebel Yellow Issue 4: Stories of Hope, Action, and Triumph
In this issue, we explore stories that highlight humanity's struggles and resilience.
A Plea for Peace: Nagasaki bombing survivor Terumi Tanaka, 92, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for Nihon Hidankyo, calling on the world to reject nuclear weapons before it’s too late. His haunting words, “Let not humanity destroy itself,” echo as nuclear tensions rise globally.
Preparedness Starts at Home: FEMA and the Ad Council have launched a disaster readiness campaign tailored for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through storytelling and culturally relevant resources, they aim to break barriers and empower these communities to take small but impactful steps toward preparedness.
Breaking Records and Barriers: Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju from India made history as the youngest undisputed chess world champion, defeating his Chinese opponent in Singapore. Meanwhile, Filipino American basketball star Dylan Harper is dominating college hoops and is a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Atomic bomb survivors issue dire plea to fractured world: “Let not humanity destroy itself”
Terumi Tanaka, a 92-year-old survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, stood before the world in Oslo on Dec. 10 to deliver an urgent plea: humanity must reject nuclear weapons. Accepting the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, or the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, Tanaka recounted the horrors of Aug. 9, 1945, and called for renewed global commitment to nuclear disarmament.
Prize with a purpose
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo in recognition of its nearly 70-year campaign to eliminate nuclear weapons and sustain the “nuclear taboo.” Since its founding in 1956, the organization has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of “hibakusha” — atomic bomb survivors — striving to prevent their harrowing experiences from fading into history. With an average age of 85, the survivors’ testimony grows increasingly urgent as they pass their mantle of advocacy to future generations.
The award comes at a time of heightened nuclear tensions. In his acceptance speech, Tanaka noted that 12,000 nuclear warheads remain in global arsenals, with 4,000 ready to launch at a moment’s notice. He lamented the erosion of the nuclear taboo, citing threats from nuclear powers in the Ukraine conflict and discussions of nuclear use by Israeli officials amid ongoing strife in Gaza. “I am infinitely saddened and angered that the ‘nuclear taboo’ threatens to be broken,” he said.
According to latest figures, nine nations — the U.S., Russia, China, the U.K., France, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea possess a sum of 12,121 nuclear warheads. While the total inventory has slightly decreased due to the dismantling of retired warheads, the bulk remains operational or in storage. The U.S. and Russia account for about 88% of all nuclear weapons, with Russia maintaining the largest stockpile at 5,580 warheads, followed closely by the U.S. at 5,044. Meanwhile, China’s inventory is growing most rapidly, with an estimated 500 warheads, a number that underscores the expanding regional arms race.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, emphasized the laureates’ relevance. “None of the nine countries that possess nuclear weapons appear interested in disarmament,” he said. “The world is not meant to be a prison in which we await collective annihilation.”
Memories of destruction
Tanaka’s speech brought the haunting realities of nuclear warfare into sharp focus. At just 13 years old, he was at home in Nagasaki when the atomic bomb was dropped. A brilliant flash of light, a devastating shockwave and the collapse of his house marked the beginning of an unimaginable ordeal. Days later, he and his mother ventured into the obliterated city, discovering the charred remains of relatives and witnessing countless others suffering in agony without medical aid.
“The deaths I witnessed at that time could hardly be described as human deaths,” Tanaka recounted. “Even in war, such killing and maiming must never be allowed to happen.”
Nihon Hidankyo’s message is amplified by the sobering realities outlined in a recent policy paper by Kawasaki Akira, co-chair of the Japan NGO Network for Nuclear Weapons Abolition and member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and Keiko Nakamura, associate professor at the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition. The paper, shared by the JANA to Rebel Yellow, reveals that while Japan’s identity as a “nation of peace” is rooted in its wartime devastation, its reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella reveals a stark contradiction. Public opinion in Japan strongly opposes nuclear weapons, with 60-70% favoring participation in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Yet Japan’s government has resisted signing the treaty, citing security concerns.
This double standard reflects a broader global challenge. As the U.S. and Russia modernize their arsenals and smaller states like North Korea expand theirs, the pathway to disarmament appears increasingly fraught. Still, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize has galvanized civil society efforts in Japan, where a coalition of over 35 civil groups launched the Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons earlier this year.
The role of education and advocacy
Central to Nihon Hidankyo’s mission is education. In their paper, Kawasaki and Nakamura highlight the power of disarmament education in shaping public opinion and influencing policymakers. In Japan, peace education, which is focused on the atomic bombings, has cultivated a strong aversion to nuclear weapons. However, this approach often neglects broader discussions of Japan’s wartime aggression and current global nuclear issues.
Expanding this framework to include universal narratives — such as the indiscriminate suffering caused by nuclear testing — could foster international solidarity. Collaboration with countries like South Korea, which harbors different historical perspectives, is crucial for building a shared understanding of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons.
As Tanaka and his fellow hibakusha pass the torch to younger generations, the future of the anti-nuclear movement depends on sustained advocacy and innovation. Tanaka urged Japan’s government to reconsider its stance on the TPNW, while co-chair Shigemitsu Tanaka called on youth to “inherit the feelings of atomic bomb survivors” and expand the movement.
The stakes are clear, and the hibakusha’s message is timeless: nuclear weapons and humanity cannot coexist. “Let not humanity destroy itself with nuclear weapons,” Tanaka pleaded. Whether the world chooses to listen, is the question.
FEMA, Ad Council are aiming help save AANHPI lives with their newest disaster preparedness campaign
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Ad Council, has launched the latest iteration of its “Ready” campaign, this time addressing disaster preparedness within Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. This new effort features culturally tailored “Inner Circles” PSAs, as well as multilingual resources aimed at dismantling barriers to preparedness and fostering a proactive mindset within these communities.
According to FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey, a significant percentage of AANHPI individuals — 65% of Asian Americans and 58% of Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders — believe that taking steps to prepare for disasters will not make a difference. The latest campaign seeks to challenge these misconceptions by emphasizing culturally relevant messaging and practical steps.
Tackling unique barriers to preparedness
In an exclusive interview with Rebel Yellow, the campaign team identified a range of challenges that hinder disaster preparedness among AANHPI communities. Traci Brasher, deputy regional administrator for FEMA Region 6, highlighted linguistic and cultural barriers as key issues. “Research conducted by FEMA and the Ad Council revealed that specific barriers can include linguistic or cultural differences, skepticism about the effectiveness of preparedness efforts and a limited emphasis placed on preparedness,” Brasher explains. These insights were uncovered through exploratory research and roundtables with AANHPI community members.
Misconceptions about the necessity of readiness also play a significant role. “We learned that people may view preparing for emergencies as a daunting task or in some cases, that if they have previously survived a disaster without preparation, there is no need to prepare for future emergencies,” adds Brasher. The campaign addresses these beliefs by using storytelling to demonstrate how small steps can lead to meaningful outcomes, fostering confidence and action within communities.
Authenticity through cultural competence
Authenticity lies at the heart of the campaign’s design. Julie Lee, CEO of TDW+Co, which developed the “Inner Circles” films pro bono, emphasizes the importance of cultural competence. “We prioritized cultural competence by weaving authenticity into every phase of the campaign. This started with conducting comprehensive focus groups with AANHPI community members to test our messaging, gather insights, and refine our approach to ensure cultural relevance and accuracy,” Lee shares.
Details such as green medicated oil and familiar household items were intentionally included to help AANHPI audiences see themselves reflected in the campaign. “By incorporating familiar behaviors and everyday items, we aim to show that preparing for emergencies is not only achievable but empowering for everyone,” notes Lee. The campaign, she says, was crafted by a team that was over 90% AANHPI in composition — strategists, creatives and production professionals — ensuring it “was not only shaped by, but also created and presented by voices from the community, enhancing its authenticity and cultural resonance.”
Maximizing accessibility
The campaign’s resources, available on Ready.gov/Start, include a conversation guide offered in multiple languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese. “We recognize the rich diversity that makes up AANHPI communities nationwide and were intentional to bring different languages into the supporting resources,” Brasher says.
Michelle Hillman, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council, underscores the collaborative nature of the project. “Throughout the development process we worked with AANHPI community organizations to implement feedback along the way,” she says. “This research, community input and TDW+Co’s expertise were instrumental in helping us to channel the distinct cultural preferences of different groups within the AANHPI communities into powerful creative work.” The effort also ensures accessibility for those with limited internet access by incorporating out-of-home advertisements, such as billboards, bus shelters and transit stations, Brasher adds.
Leveraging strengths and building resilience
Despite the challenges, the campaign recognizes the inherent strengths within AANHPI communities that can be powerful assets in disaster preparedness. Brasher points out that the initiative deliberately taps into “strong family bonds, community solidarity and the importance of mutual aid and support” to encourage proactive readiness. This approach transforms the narrative from one of vulnerability to one of collective empowerment. By centering community-driven strategies, the campaign seeks to reframe disaster preparedness not as an individual burden, but as a shared responsibility that draws on the deep-rooted cultural values of connection and mutual support.
The campaign is more than a standalone initiative as it represents a sustained commitment to building community resilience. Hillman emphasizes the importance of continuously gathering insights through tracking studies and roundtable discussions hosted by FEMA with AANHPI communities. This approach reflects a broader understanding that disaster preparedness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each community brings unique cultural contexts, challenges and strengths that must be carefully understood and respected. “We knew from the start how important it was to recognize that these [AANHPI] communities are not a monolith,” Hillman notes.
The big picture
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, initiatives like “Inner Circles” become increasingly critical. By providing culturally competent resources, breaking down barriers to preparedness and empowering communities with practical tools, FEMA and the Ad Council — which have worked together for 21 years — are laying the groundwork for more resilient, better-prepared communities. The campaign serves as a powerful reminder that preparedness is not about fear, but about hope: one that comes from knowing you and your loved ones have the knowledge and resources to face unexpected challenges.
For those interested in taking the first step, resources are available at Ready.gov/Start. As the campaign demonstrates, preparedness begins with a conversation, and every small step matters.
“Monster”: Victim faces Indiana woman who stabbed her for being Chinese
Billie Davis, 57, of Bloomington, Indiana, was sentenced to six years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for a hate crime targeting a Chinese American student at Indiana University.
On Jan. 11, 2023, Davis stabbed the then-18-year-old victim in the head seven to 10 times with a folding knife as the student exited a city bus. Davis admitted she attacked the victim because she is Chinese, telling the police she was “some Asian f*cking c*nt” and claiming the assault was to eliminate “one less enemy.”
The victim, now 20, spoke in court about the persisting trauma. “Now, 701 days later, I cannot relax. My dreams and my life were destroyed by your delusions. I hate you so much. But I try not to think about it ... monsters like you,” she said, as per The Herald-Times.
Defense attorneys attributed Davis’s actions to untreated mental illness exacerbated by delusions fueled by right-wing media. Davis, who pleaded guilty in September, apologized in court, blaming her unstable mental state and vowing to continue treatment. The court heard details of her troubled past, history of psychiatric hospitalizations and a string of prior offenses. However, Judge Tanya Walton Pratt underscored the hateful intent of the attack. “There are thousands of people who suffer from mental illness who don't commit hate crimes,” she said.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to combating hate crimes, which have impacted Asian Americans especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by former President Donald Trump’s anti-China rhetoric. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all individuals and this case should serve as a reminder that hate fueled actions will not be tolerated,” said Robert “Alex” Middleton, acting special agent in charge from the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.
18-year-old from India shatters Garry Kasparov’s 38-year-old chess record
Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju from India has become the youngest undisputed chess world champion after defeating his Chinese opponent in the final match of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Chess Championship at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore on Thursday.
Dommaraju claimed the title of youngest world chess champion from 66-year-old Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov — who set the record in 1986 at the age of 22 — after besting 32-year-old Chinese defending champion Ding Liren. Dommaraju is the 18th classical world chess champion, who altogether have an average age of 30.1 at the time of their title wins. Austrian-American chess player Wilhelm Steinitz, the oldest among all of the champions, was the first person to win the title in 1886 at 50.
Entering the final day with a 6.5 tie on Thursday, Dommaraju clinched his victory after Ding made a critical error on the 55th move by placing his rook diagonally near his king, allowing the Indian player to capture it with his own rook. Dommaraju, the third-youngest to ever earn the grandmaster title at 12 years, seven months and 17 days, broke into tears after Ding resigned. Speaking to the media, Dommaraju admitted that he did not expect to win and was anticipating a draw. “I was already preparing myself to go through that huge tiebreak fight and suddenly it was all over and I had achieved my dream,” he said. He took home $1.35 million of the total $2.5 million prize fund.
Born on May 29, 2006, in India’s chess capital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dommaraju grew up in a state that has produced 29 of the country's 84 grandmasters. His parents, an ENT surgeon father and a microbiologist mother, enrolled him in chess classes at the age of 7 as an after-school activity. Dommaraju’s father stopped medical practice in 2017-18 so his son could pursue his chess dream. Since then, Dommaraju has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the third-youngest player to reach the elite 2700 Elo rating in 2022 and the youngest to surpass the 2750 barrier in 2023. He also helped India win a team bronze medal and an individual gold medal at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022, as well as both team and individual golds at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September 2024.
The electrifying Fil-Am prodigy set to dominate the 2025 NBA Draft
Rutgers University freshman standout Dylan Harper is quickly becoming a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. Analysts are already projecting him as the likely No. 2 lottery pick, just behind basketball sensation Cooper Flagg. At 6-foot-6, the combo guard boasts a 6-foot-10 wingspan and impressive shooting skills, making him one of the top shooting guard prospects in his class.
A versatile scorer who can get buckets at all three levels, Dylan's athleticism and high basketball IQ create constant problems for defenders. His breakout collegiate season featured masterful performances, including a 37-point game against Alabama on Nov. 27 and a buzzer-beater to down Seton Hall on Saturday (Dec. 14). Currently, he leads all freshmen in scoring nationally, averaging 23.8 points per game on 51.1% shooting along with 5.2 assists and 5 rebounds.
As the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., the 18-year-old rising star is making a name for himself while proudly embracing his Filipino American heritage. Raised in a household that celebrates both cultures, Dylan has spoken about the values and need to be “the hardest worker” instilled in him by his family, including his Filipina mother Maria, a former collegiate player.
Ron Sr. tells Rebel Yellow that Dylan's love for the game started almost as soon as he could walk. "He had a ball in his hands at 1-year-old and loved playing," Ron shared. Interestingly, it wasn't his father's decorated NBA career that primarily influenced him but his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., who starred at Rutgers before playing professionally. Ron Sr. said Dylan grew up watching his brother closely, emulating his moves and work ethic.
Though his rigorous schedule has kept him stateside, Dylan aspires to connect deeper with his Filipino heritage and hopes to inspire young athletes in the Philippines. “It’s great being from a Filipino background,” he told Prospective Insight last year. “I try to interact with people online and stuff like that … I think I'm gonna probably get out there sometime sooner rather than later.”
Bowen Yang is fed up with being told he looks like every other Asian person
“Wicked” star Bowen Yang is contemplating leaving TikTok after being repeatedly tagged in random videos featuring Asian people said to look like him.
“TikTok, or at least my experience of it … is, I log on and 20 of my notifications are of someone who thinks they’re being cute, tagging me and saying, ‘Oh my God. This person looks just like Bowen Yang,’” Yang said in the Dec. 4 episode of his “Las Culturistas” podcast with co-host Matt Rogers.
In response to the videos, including one featuring an Asian baby dressed in an elephant costume dancing, Yang said, “Trust me. I’ve seen it. You guys can stop tagging me in that. No, thank you. It makes me not want to use the platform.” He added that jokes about him looking like “Fire Island” co-star Joel Kim Booster is “a weird thing and I hate the internet because of it. I think this is a great reason to leave.” Yang, who is Chinese American, and Booster, who is of Korean descent, were misidentified as each other by The Hollywood Reporter and Out in 2023 — a mix-up Yang and Booster publicly criticized.
The phenomenon has a name
Being mistaken for another person also of Asian descent, a phenomenon known as the “other-race effect” (ORE) that was first mentioned in a 1941 study, is an ongoing issue many Asian Americans face. While there is no clear scientific consensus on why this phenomenon happens, some scientists suggest it may be rooted in racial biases, most notably for individuals who are not motivated to differentiate people from outside of their race. Other researchers attribute ORE to a lack of interaction with or exposure to people of other races, making the phenomenon common for those who come from less racially diverse areas.
Regardless of one’s perceived position in society, anyone can be subjected to ORE, such as when New York State Assembly member Grace Lee was misidentified as Michelle Go, the Chinese American woman who died after being shoved onto the track of an oncoming train in New York, by ABC News during coverage of a vigil for Christina Yuna Lee in February 2022. The phenomenon can also even lead to legal problems, such as when a man in Florida was wrongfully arrested in March 2023 after being mistaken for another Asian man.