Dilawan? Am I?

DILAWAN has been the label for all those who criticize Tatay Digong. The use of labels is effective in propaganda. It provides the needed mental shortcut to strike down opponents.

I am reminded of Elaine Pagel’s book “The Origin of Satan.” It traced how Satan was conceptualized and re-conceptualized by Christians through the ages. In the end, Satan isn’t just one evil spirit. He is a corporate personality of those who do not follow the will of God.

The concept of dilawan is not different. Dilaw was the color of Cory (Aquino). It has been associated through the years with the anti-Marcos sentiment. Eventually, it also became the color or Noynoy and the Liberal Party. Thus, being dilawan means anti-Digong.

Dilawan is now used to demonize all those who criticize the current administration. I can only imagine what a dictionary of a Dutertard (a Dutertesaurus or a Dutertionary if we may) would contain. Likely, dilawan would be synonymous to destabilizer, pro-human rights, pro-liberty, and pro-life. There are more synonyms in fact to the word dilawan: proChurch, pro-life, pro-God, pro-women, and pro-due process.

All those who stand for integrity are called hypocrites. Those who fight for human rights are called destabilizers. Those who support the investigations of Calida are called supporters of Trillanes. Some are now afraid to publicly ask the government to hasten the help for those hit by Ompong. The trolls would give them a lecture about the missing Yolanda funds.

I got a few comments that my analyses are sophisticated. I would like to beg pardon from those whose minds can only comprehend pictures and memes.

Someone also said that if I am concerned with justice, I should criticize all unjust people. I should also say something about the rapists, drug addicts, abusive clergy, and schools that oppress their teachers. Wish granted! I have said a lot about these things as someone who earns a living by teaching philosophy and social science. I have risked friendships. Someone even called me a heretic for saying something about clericalism in the church.

I would like to make it clear that the ultimate issue that concerns me is not Digong. It just so happened that he is the President of this republic. Just because I have not said anything about Hontiveros’ issue does not mean that she should be beatified. Bring her to court if needed. If she needs to go to jail, then let it be.

When Noynoy Aquino started his presidency, he had his share of criticism. So why shouldn’t we criticize? The German philosopher GWF Hegel said that without an anti-thesis the universal Spirit would not unfold.

And why not focus on Duterte? He is the president of this republic. He runs the system: the departments, military, and police. He transacts diplomatic business on behalf of the Philippines. He can, by an order, monitor our communications. He can constrict Congress and even shut down the courts. We are not talking about what the constitution says. We are talking about what a person like him is capable of doing.

Without doubt, a drug addict should go to jail. But who is that drug addict or rugby boy? Why should GMA and ABS-CBN devote their time in analyzing the stupidity of a rugby boy? Without doubt all cold-blooded criminals should go to jail. There is no logic and wisdom however if we waste our time repeating things that are ordinarily condemnable. And for what? Just to be emphatic? Nothing has changed with the Ten Commandments.

To those who would want me to explain in the simplest way why I spend too much time with Digong and not the rugby boy or the rapist, perhaps Spider Man who remembered what his uncle Ben told him can make you understand better: “with great power comes great responsibility.” skills but to give their players opportunities to overcome their fears in the game. Skills are enhanced in trainings but the tranquility of the spirit during a game can only be achieved in proper exposures and proper orientations of the athletes.

We cannot escape fear. Somewhere, somehow we will it meet along the way. When this times come, we should know how to overcome it or else it enslaves us. It hinders us to reach our highest potential. It will make us desperate in times of troubles such as calamities and similar disasters. Our mind cannot function well when we are under the spell of fear so we must know how to deal with it. The best way and simplest way to face it is by being calm. When everything in us is calm, our mind works well and our spirit is much alive. Calmness allows us to be ourselves thus prevent us in committing unnecessary mistakes.