What was he thinking?
The University of the East has apologized for the actions of one of its students. The student was seen on video mopping the floor with the Philippine flag. Laughter was heard, apparently from others who also saw what he was doing. Because it ended up on social media, netizens slammed the outright disrespect this student has done on the flag. If some thought it funny, most condemned the act and called for sanctions on the student. Both the university and the DepEd have promised an investigation on the incident to see if the student is liable for sanctions or punishment. They have said that the student may have been forced to do the disrespectful deed.
I disagree. The student was smiling as he was mopping the floor. I did not see any signs of duress. If this was a fraternity rite of sorts, that does not make it any more acceptable. There is actually a law that forbids utter disrespect for the flag. A country's flag is sacred. It should never touch the ground, which is actually symbolic of its defeat or downfall. Flags are disrespected by an opposing army's victory. There are also proper ways to dispose of an old, tattered flag, not just disposing of it in the garbage bin. So mopping the floor with it? Really? What was he thinking?
I recall an uproar from a government agency regarding the way the national anthem was sung by certain singers, adding their personal flair to the melody and tempo. This was considered unacceptable, as there apparently is an official way to sing "Lupang Hinirang." The singers were even threatened with lawsuits. So what do they have to say about the flag being used as a mop? Shouldn't there be an uproar as well?
This is obviously the problem with today's youth. Many have neither sense of the importance of history nor culture. This was highlighted by some actually asking why Apolinario Mabini did not stand for the entire length of the film "Heneral Luna." Goodness. There is a need to review what is actually being taught in schools when it comes to history and culture. Do they know what happened during the Marcos regime, specifically the Martial Law years? Do they know the events that led to the EDSA revolution? Do they know the history of the country under Spain, the US and Japan? Or are the only things that matter to them is that they are free and have a smart phone to take selfies with?
History and culture are very important in a person's education. There is always a lot to learn from history, and knowing one's culture ensures one's identity. The youth have to be aware, and be respectful of both. There is nothing funny about disrespecting the flag, much less allowing it to go unpunished.
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