Dan posted screenshots of a UP alumni who is now an Engineer. She was allegedly “pissed off at ignorant comments” from the AFP- UP Diliman issue/incident.
She shares her frustrations on why we do not thrive as a society and how “questioning authority” was engraved into our childhood thus when we grow up, we always seem to equate the authority or the elders to always be correct.
Rough translation:
The problem in our culture is that we were raised to NEVER question authority. Even with our families, we were taught as kids that it is a big mistake “Pagsagot” or answering back to our parents or even simply reasoning out to our elders, even explaining your side on what faults you are seeing, it is wrong.Â
Respect should always be present, yes, but it should be mutual. I see nothing wrong with point out wrongdoings especially if your ultimate desire is for those wrongdoings to be changed.
But no, even during childhood most of us were taught to be blind followers. Just because you are of authority, you are right. So when people see activists or people who are brave enough to question authority, to question the government, to question the malpractices and wrongdoings of the people who call themselves “leaders” of this country (but in reality, they seem to feel that they are kinds and queens) many people see fault in it. Many people see fault in criticizing or even just recognizing the faults of our government.
“The government is paying for your tuition fees yet you are fighting against them?” Thats what people normally say to students from UP and other SUCs who are fighting for EVERYONE’S WELFARE. I don’t understand why we are in debt of gratitude to the government for this? Just because there was a few taxes that has been given to SUCs, you cannot question their wrongdoings anymore? We are merely fighting for everyones rights! Have you even looked around? Have you not seen what we are fighting for? Just because the government gave us loose change, it should be okay? Look at your surroundings! The streets, the officials, the traffic, the really slow internet (for some of you to relate), the crimes, the corruption, ARE WE OKAY? No, right? So why can’t we complain? can’t we push for change for the better?
Democracy? Sorry but I don’t think we’re living in a truly democratic country. Our government is closer to Monarchy. We see the sense of entitlement from the politicians. Like if you’re a government official, you are above law. Like they are entitled to be exempted from the rules. That there should be special treatment. They feel that they are kings and queens (I’m not saying all of them, I think you know who I’m talking about *cough* Binays*)
So why can’t we complain? Why can’t we hope and ask for change?
She adds:
“Respect is different from blind obedience.
Pag nagreason out, hindi ibig sabihin bastos na. At pag “sumagot” nang pabalang, hindi ibig sabihin tama na. Walang absolute. Wala akong sinabi na ok lang bastusin ang magulang, ang nakatatanda, or any other person for that matter. Please lang don’t take it out of context. Wag gawing issue yan dahil lahat naman siguro tayo alam ang GMRC. Iba ang pambabastos sa paghahanap ng mga kasagutan at pageexplain ng sa tingin ay tama.
Wag lumayo sa punto. Ang point dito ay lahat tayo dapat matutong maging kritikal, magkaroon ng boses, na hindi porket may authority ay dapat nang sundin blindly at hindi na dapat kuwestiyunin. At please wag isipin na masamang tao yung mga nakikipaglaban para sa kapakanan nating lahat. Yung iba masyado nang lumalayo sa totoong issue e. FOCUS. Yun lang.”
What do you think of this? Do you agree with her?Â
