If there is such a term, I will then take it out of the cellar and throw it out in the yard. In the middle of this global health emergency, the culture of blame has once again, reared its ugly head. There.
My mother once said to me, if you cannot hold your tongue, always aim to try suggesting something much better. Her more biting critique of this type of attitude had been (and I will never forget it), “do not be a pseudo-intellectual.” There again. It is out in the yard. Behold! This is a free-bie, take it home with you, especially you, politico-friends who have more influence than us mortals.
My family had discussed this at length last night. The world is undoubtedly changed forever, and people are all struggling to cope. Health-wise, it has been a nightmarish experience for everyone, rich, poor, farmer, doctor. The economic aspect of all things we know as part of our ordinary lives are likewise changing, and we are all aimlessly looking at where to turn.
While others turn to their faith, whether blindly or not, many are still like confused animals, paralyzed under the headlights. Like cats cornered against the wall, the only recourse is to turn around and flail wildly, and one of the most common reactions is blaming.
We had reminded our son to understand this kind of lashing out among people, particularly those in his circle. This herd mentality is real and it is out there, so much like the virus that threatens us all.
In the swarm of all these finger pointing goings-on, I offer my mom’s advice as my only shout-out. Have you anything more constructive to offer? If not, please shut the front door and make room for others as they do their work.
As it is, social media has become nothing but a veritable platform to hurl negative comments while hiding behind the luxury of our insignificant lives. Insignificant because the world matters. Other people’s lives matter more, and not just our own and our vested interests.
Incidentally, I am once again reminded of the final moments of the Titanic. (Nope, I wasn’t there along with JPEnrile, I only read about it.) There had been three types of people during those final moments: First, the ones at the lifeboats (women and children) who were first priority; then there as the second group who insisted that they be included among the first group, fighting it out even; and finally the last; members of the crew, plus some fathers who insisted they stay behind as long as their loved ones were safely inside the limited number of boats. Included in this group were the musicians, who played lively tunes in an effort to uplift the spirit of all the remaining passengers.
The middle group is just so clearly out in this time of the pandemic; exercising self-importance that they be prioritized, and then broadcasting their discontent at every turn. These privileged few, with their pomposity and superiority complex are the most probable virus carriers who will insure its longer life. Aside from the virus itself, they are the threats that everyone should be looking out for. Their refusal to conform only affirms their belief that they, unlike the rest of us, are special.
While we follow the rules to stay home, let us notv forget there are the front-liners who risk their lives and battle it out to save everyone.
In the end, unless everyone gets their act together, in this most important segment of human history, it will be this arrogance that might as well spell defeat for us all.
