"The Filipino Catharsis"

By Drei Toledo
September 19, 2017

Like a magnet, a kindly tongue—and the honeyed words it imparts—mollifies hatred and draws in the listener. Its affect has great effect. The hearer responds, rather than reacts. Why then has it become the norm today for most Filipinos to celebrate, instead of to be offended, by supposedly hurtful curse words?

In this post, I will attempt to briefly explore some of the reasons why we Filipinos are currently ok, in general, to hear and make use of offensive words when we discuss our politics.

Let's explore the following, and let me know your thoughts in the comments section below:
1.) Why is it that some people can discuss their politics and not cry, get upset, or resort to cursing, while others cannot?
2.) Why is it that some people are capable of compartmentalizing their personal relationships from their politics, and others cannot?
3.) Have you ever cut ties with old friends and/or family simply because of politics?

In all the three questions above, how did you make use of the power of words to express yourself?

I would love to read your stories. If you don't want to comment publicly, you may send me a private message too.

BRIEF MEDITATION ON THE POWER OF WORDS:
"For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century." – Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 193.
(Excerpt from the “Tablet of the True Seeker”, part of the Book of Certitude, which Baha’u’llah revealed in two days and two nights in January 1861)

WHAT DOES THE QUOTE ABOVE MEAN?
In reality, the tongue can be a brilliant light. While material light lasts for but a short time, the effect of the latter can endure a century.

Think about how you felt, as a child, when someone said some very kind words to you. Isn’t it true that you remember and cherish these words, after all these years?
What about how you felt, as a child, when someone said some very cruel words to you. Isn't it true that you remember these hurtful words after all these years too?

Now, consider a third alternative:
What if, as a child, you were raised in an environment where people never said bad words, but sexually, emotionally, psychologically, and/or physically abused you?

What if, as a child, you felt so horrible about yourself and you did not know what words to use to express the pain, anger, and shame that will continue to haunt you throughout the lowest points of your life?

Most likely, you will go through a phase in your life wherein cursing will be your means of expressing truth, as well as your rage.

To me, I see the current political situation in Philippines as being a bunch of children and teenagers who grew up for the past THIRTY YEARS in a country wherein the art of diplomacy and "decent" language were strategically used to cover up for all kinds of HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.

THIS IS WHY FILIPINOS TODAY, IN GENERAL, ARE CELEBRATING EVERY TIME THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS TRUTH PEPPERED WITH EXPLETIVES.

President Duterte's JUST RAGE is cathartic.

Regardless of what side of politics you're at, if you are Filipino, WE are collectively healing as a people.

THIS. IS. OUR. CATHARSIS.

The reason I am asking the questions above is because while I strive to see past the hurtful words of those who speak their perception of truth, I myself continue to struggle with tempering my own rage and tendency to curse when I'm overcome with so much anger.

I strive to take to heart Baha’u’llah’s counsel — “A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men” — and clothe our words with greater meaning.

Kindliness magnetizes words, charges them with greater significance, attracts the listener, enhances communication — and makes you look and feel better. And of course, it doesn’t hurt the speaker, either.

Purpose affects purport. Tone tempers tenor. Kind words unite. Unkind words divide.

Kindness is an art. You are the painter, and the painting. Color your words — your world — with soft tones and enhanced effect.

I know that it's easier to shout obscenities. There's a profound calm after expressing rage over injustices with the help of profanity.

I am not here to judge what stage of enlightenment or overcoming anger you're at. I'm just here to listen, to perceive, to learn.

At the end of the day, for all those souls I may have hurt with my choice of words in the past, I sincerely apologize.

I will never silence you when you choose to express yourself with obscenities now. But please strive to overcome your double standards and allow those who are also hurting to grieve whichever way they need to.

I know there are those who choose to cut people off simply because of politics.

I miss some of you terribly. I pray, in due time, you will see that I am not the enemy.
I'm always here, when you're ready.

Believe me, the Cojuangco-Aquinos and their allies cannot say the same for you if you turn your back on them.

Love and Light,

Drei Toledo