All about respect, no trouble
This week has been the most grueling since I landed the job I have now. With two religious activities, my focus seemed to scamper. On the other hand, I feel rather lucky to have witnessed these two big events even if I am not one of their kinds. Being a person with an open mind, I have learned to understand the goings of the Catholic church, although a first timer finds difficulty.
What bothers me are people who does not know how to draw the line between respect and freedom of expression. We are in a democracy. Yes. But this does not mean that we have every right to go all out on how we feel on all forms of media, especially social media.
You see, when the Pope arrived last Thursday a certain maiden who apparently hails from Cebu spat on a social networking site that the Catholic's leader is a false teacher. Speaking in the dialect, she outrageously picked on the most awaited visitor saying that he is bound to go to hell. Totally, not cool. Another pastor from a Christian denomination also outwardly spoke on his page that may his followers be spared from the lies of the Pope. Again, not cool.
The phrase, "Mind your own business" stands true. While others do not have the same faith as those of the Roman Catholics, we do not have to bash them. They have done nothing offensive against us. The traffic and pre-empted television shows are just minute inconveniences. We can easily just let them be while we do our own thing. That is called respect. We live in a country where one dominates but there are also minorities which are harmonized by respect. If you do not want anybody to hurt you, then keep your thoughts to yourself. Or better yet, learn to accept that we have differences.
Even our Muslim brothers and sisters traveled from their area to see the Pope, as a form of respect. Many were touched too from his message during his visit to Tacloban where he spoke to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. His few hours in the area brought hope to those who lost almost everything. Those tears of happiness and encouragement should also put a smile on our faces knowing that our fellowmen have been enlightened.
If we want to keep out of trouble, then raise the banner of respect - that is how the world goes. Keep an open mind. The world does not revolve what you believe in. Learn to embrace diversity because that is just how it is. There is no one race or religion. What is important is your personal faith and relationship with your God is a perfect harmony according to how your denomination teaches it.
The same goes with the Charlie Hebdo attack. Although the response was rather extreme, the root cause was out of line. Cartoons that express opinion that are offensive is not an ethical cause. We are rather tamed here in the Philippines that there are guidelines such as the journalist code of ethics, KBP code and company rules which set the standards in reporting.
At the end of the day, it is not about who came and gathered millions of people. It is about how you responded to those that happen around you. Take a raincheck and evaluate. How do you react to the latest current events? LGBT acceptance - have you got a voice to say? Yes you do but make sure it does not hurt a person or another. Remember, do unto others what you want others do unto you. No freedom is absolute, we are refrained by respect.
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