Sides to a story

It’s been unbelievable the way I seem to notice the littlest things these days. The cute youth, Gen Z and even millennials, may deem these things less than “littlest,” yes — minute, almost like a speck of dust — but for me, basic courtesies are, well, just that: basic. And by this, I do not mean the urban definition of boring. Such “basic” expectations will always be big, at any time, in any decade, no matter what universe you are in.

Why does it seem to be such a giant effort for some these days? I cannot fathom why. Is it shyness, rudeness, distrust, plain bad juju, or simple cluelessness? Do people go around just trying to avoid other people’s eyes now? In my former life as a human being who cared about how everyone else felt, it was nothing to make eye contact or acknowledge someone’s presence — not for one’s status in life or position in a company or rank in the family — but just because that was the normal thing to do. Yes, maybe because it was “respectful,” if that word means anything to anyone these days.

In recent years, I have had the displeasure of meeting people who go about their daily lives expecting some kind of one-upmanship — as if everyone in the world were like that politician who promised them the moon just to get a vote and promptly forgot about it; or the government official who got so used to being “worshipped” by hangers-on that they forgot where they came from; or the family member who just takes and takes, whether these be possessions or privilege.

They are everywhere, and sometimes I am tempted to ask point-blank: do you have a problem to face or is the problem your face? Joking aside, the world is not against you, I would advise. I mean, you can stop walking around with a frown or a smirk because no one in their right mind will believe the things you seem to believe.

Then again, this brings me right to another peeve: those who feel that the world orbits around them. Simply put, they should know that they are not China, or Russia, or Donald Trump.

I suppose, of course, that the previous sentence will sound biased to those whose sentiments veer toward the opposite end. It is the same thing we are encountering these days with the Duterte conundrum.

One side will say the former president has been sorely disrespected — that his position in Philippine society as long-time Davao mayor and former president entails a certain kind of treatment. Still others will add that his service to the country should be considered on top of the charges against him, period. Never mind if the charges cover basic human rights that we all treasure so dearly.

The other side will say, as may be expected, that outcomes are a result of one’s choices — and that in the case of the former Chief Executive, the events of the recent past are justly deserved. Still others will add that his actions should be considered on top of any sentimentality under the rule of law, period.

Never mind if his family and followers are in despair, just as any loving family would be.

The world is full of people and, as such, differences — what do we do about these?

When the world is in disorder, or not what it used to be — stay in touch with your humanity, and stick to the basics.