This is something disturbing: A Mass Communication graduate in a commencement exercise in Cavite heckled Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In the same graduation rites, protesters were positioned at the row of chairs meant for the parents and relatives of the graduating students.
There is no justification for such behavior. Even if GMA is Fake or not, that was conduct unbecoming of a supposedly learned person. That was plain disrespect not just to the guest speaker but also to the other graduates, parents and the educational institution.
The end does not justify the means. This is not meant to slight the agent/s of the action. It is the act that was wrong and should be shunned.
That was not activism. That was not idealism. That was plain rudeness (whether GMA deserved it or otherwise). And that was not a Filipino trait.
It is ok to disagree. It is ok to protest. It is one’s right. But one’s right is not absolute. And in any right is a corresponding responsibility.
There is a right place and a right time for such things. If we want change in our country, let us do something about it but PLEASE let us do it RIGHT.
We ALREADY have failing proficiency in English, Math, Science, and Filipino. And now even Values? Is this the path we would like the youth to take?
Was George Bernard Shaw right to quote that "Youth is Wasted on the Young?"
I still believe otherwise. I still hope.
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Personal by Simon Francis Blaise.
Let us give dignity to the 74 people who died. Let us not blame poverty. Let us not trivialize their death. This is not a pathetic game show. This is real life.
It was pure exploitation. Real people- poor, destitute and desperate- used as pawns in a numbers game. It was not about helping people. It was a ratings game.
Enticing a small piece of bread to hundreds of famished people is not charity. It is a disaster in the making. Feeding people false hopes, eroding the Filipino psyche, and insulting their intelligence is unforgivable.
Charity is inherently good. The goodness or badness of an act however depends on the intention.
Charity and true concern is educating the Filipino to be self-reliant. Charity is airing shows that are worth watching- value oriented, relevant and spiritually and morally uplifting. Charity is helping without anything in return. It is not about producing game shows that insult or make fun of people. It is not about encouraging Filipinos to gamble or rely on luck. It is not about unjustly raising electric rates.
Entertainment is also a responsibility. The incident was an invitation to tragedy. And what a tragedy it was. At this point, finger-pointing won’t help. Prayers, support and learning our lesson will.
We have no one else to blame but our indifference and our loss of moral vigilance.
Fact- 74 people are dead. Let us not reduce their death to naught. Let us work for national renewal- spiritually and morally.
Author’s Note:
Let us put the issue to rest. Let us put the dead to rest. Let us stop giving ABS-CBN or Wowowee free publicity. I hope it ends here. IT IS NOT ABOUT POVERTY. IT IS THE EXPLOITATION OF ONE’S POVERTY. And there lies one’s culpability and responsibility.
See other related articles:
Wowowee Tragedy
Thoughts of a 15-year old
Scores Dead in Deadly Stampede
Lapses in Security
The Good Side
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Reactions by Simon Francis Blaise.
