In search of idols

Even as the investigation into the ULTRA stampede continues to hog the headlines, to many keen observers, the root cause seems to be more of a social syndrome than a mere problem of crowd control. Behind this mob instinct – a phenomenon apparently the manifestation of a society not sufficiently steeped in civility, as anthropologist Michael Tan posits in his column, there is a large population of Filipinos looking for role models or people to look up to.

It is unfortunate that mass media offers a very thin lineup of role models, or idols, if you wish. Most of these personalities are nothing but fluff – creations of media with very little to offer by way of exemplary competence, accomplishment or skill. News readers, game show hosts, movie and TV actors are a sorry bunch of prospects if all they have to offer is concocted TelePrompTer wisdom (in the case of news readers), orthodontically engineered smiles (actors) or plastic bleeding-heart acts (show hosts).

What was lost in the emotional aftermath of the stampede was the televised scene where host Willie Revillame came onto the set inside the ULTRA and faced the audience already settled in the auditorium. A somber mood did not prevent his fans from applauding him as he sobbed at the center of the stage, perhaps to reassure him that his legions of fans did not blame him for the tragedy. Is Revillame the masa’s modern idol and hero? How did he earn the adulation of his fans? Through exemplary work, extraordinary diligence or exceptional courage?

Let’s look at another modern-day hero of the Filipino people. Now that Manny Pacquiao has returned to his country and his family an apparently healthy and richer man, we might want to take stock of events we’ve just exulted in, which was the one cause that had, for a few moments, at least, united us as one people, cheering for this lone gladiator as he systematically destroyed his opponent in the ring. Even as Pacman faces another bout, this time with his alleged extramarital affairs, he is preparing for another match that will surely cause great anticipation among his fans.

Boxing is one of the most violent sports, a vestige of gladiatorial combat from the dark ages, satisfying a bloodlust by a mob – or a nation – yearning to witness the triumph of their champion at the expense of the destruction of another human being. Professional boxing brings out the killer instincts of those who take part in it, no matter if they were timid and peace-loving individuals when they first got in the ring.

The physical damage suffered by boxers has been extensively documented, with over a thousand deaths attributed to boxing-related injuries over the last century (see the online magazine Journal of Combative Sport). The US National Parkinson Foundation reports that 15 to 40 percent of ex-boxers develop symptoms of chronic brain injury. These symptoms appear, at an average, around 16 years after beginning the sport, some reportedly suffering as young as 25 years of age.

Head injuries are not the only effects of punches meant to disable or maim the opponent. In columnist and sportswriter Recah Trinidad’s column "Bare Eye" (Jan. 30, 2006), he shares how a Pacquiao aide witnessed the very real and life-threatening effects of boxing on the champ. After the first fight between Pacquiao and Morales last March, the aide was "terrified [when] he saw Pacquiao had blood in his urine: dark blood."

On Sept.17, 2005, American boxer Levander Johnson defended his IBF Lightweight title against challenger Jesus Chavez in Las Vegas. The referee had to stop the fight in the 11th round, although Johnson was able to stagger back to his dressing room. He collapsed shortly after and died from massive organ failure as a result of a blood clot in his brain.

While millions of fans the world over cheer for their modern gladiators, televised boxing matches are wreaking havoc not only on the bodies, brains and spirit of the fighters, but also eroding the moral values – be it Christian, Muslim or whatever faith they might believe in – which define the humanity and dignity of everyone, including the boxers.

The Jesuit USA News, an online newsletter, reports that the Jesuit magazine La Civilta Cattolica, a publication reviewed by the Vatican Secretariat of State and thus thought to reflect Vatican opinion, condemned "professional boxing as a form of legalized attempted murder," saying it has left more than 500 boxers dead over the last 100 years.

It further reported that "unlike other sports that also include an element of risk, the violence of boxing is intended and inevitably provokes physical damage." For that reason, it goes against the basic commandment, "Do not kill," it said.

Boxing fans are quick to point out that, just like any competitive sport, there is the intent to win over the opponent. But, in only a handful of sport, boxing and cockfighting included, is the intent of the game for one to inflict harm on another – "merciless and inhuman."

And what does it say of the hordes of fans who cheer and swoon to every punch and every sign of pain from the hapless fighters? Have we ultimately found a legal and socially acceptable outlet for our uncivilized and base instincts? With the edification of Pacquiao as a national great, have we brought savagery to a level of patriotic excellence?

Pacquiao’s millions may have changed his life for the better, but in a TV interview, he said he wouldn’t want his kids to follow in his footsteps. Wise decision, and one that betrays his own misgivings about the career he has chosen for himself. In the meantime, he rides the crest of his popularity and accepts the adulation from 80 million Filipinos and puts up with the politicians who cling on to him like leeches. Wait until, heaven forbid, he pees blood again or gets the shakes, like Muhammad Ali. Will all these glory days still be worth it?

At the very least, Pacquiao earned the respect and adulation of his fans through, literally, his blood, sweat and tears. He has, in fact, sacrificed his own future health to achieve what many of his countrymen consider to be a source of great pride. If we were to consider the declarations of the Catholic Church, he has also endangered the salvation of his soul. And that is a very steep price to pay for national pride.

Revillame and Pacquiao are the two polar extremes that bookend today’s range of Filipino heroes, with overseas workers, neglected teachers, altruistic doctors and professionals, and a sprinkling of public servants, filling the space between them. I daresay there’s slim pickings for the Filipino public to choose from, considering that our national icons carry the legacy of the likes of Rizal, Bonifacio, Quezon and Aquino.

Perhaps we should just stick to game shows and pugilistic matches. That way, the government can – as the President alluded in her statement regarding terrorist and rebel groups in the country – "deliver a punch" and eradicate the problems bedeviling national security once and for all. Indeed, that may be all that’s left for the Pinoy to choose from: a life of game shows, Lotto and other games of chance, or a chance at the good life by getting a solid punch on the head.