Being judgmental

The three judges at “Britain’s Got Talent”, the infamous Simon Cowell included, never expected to hear a wonderful rendition of “I dreamed a dream” of Les Miserables fame from the quirky Susan Boyle. After all, the world has seen the likes of William Hung and his “she-bangisms”. Like, okay, here’s another one of THOSE people who look for their fifteen minutes of fame. Another contestant was seen rolling her eyes as Susan engaged the judges in light conversation. But as the first notes floated melodically from her, everyone was stunned. Here is the female version of Paul Potts, who also showed that he got talent! And so, the 47-year-old single lady was catapulted into instant stardom, again thanks to YouTube.

It is so easy to be judgmental of people. Sometimes, we just want to, because we feel that the person does not deserve our benefits of the doubt. And even more often, because it feels good to talk bad about people, especially people in the limelight. Paul Potts, a bartender and Susan Boyle, a “spinster” – of all descriptions - surely got a lot of eyes rolling when they first walked into center stage. But now, we all can eat our hearts out! The same is true of what happened to my friend and colleague, Ted Failon.

When news first broke out of what had befallen Trina Etong, one of the very first theories floated by still unknown sources was that Ted and Trina had an argument inside their vehicle, and that’s where she was shot. She was then only transferred to the bathroom and everything was made to look like a suicide. Everyone, especially some news agencies, bought the story, and was even bolstered by the fact that the vehicle had been washed by the family driver. It was so easy to swallow, made even easier by the celebrity status of Ted as a newscaster and radio commentator. People just wanted to crucify Ted right away. Of course, as the days passed, it was established that she was indeed shot inside the bathroom where she was found. But to this day, the police, some media outfits and some personalities have refused to officially say that this was a suicide.

The events that followed, like the collaring of the household help, and the now infamous treatment of Col. Mabanag and his men towards the sisters and brother of Trina Etong show exactly what the police want to conclude. Even if everyone else, including the daughter, sisters and close friends of Trina Etong say otherwise. That she had a very big problem that was weighing down on her, to the point of surrender. This is a case of hearing hoof steps out your window, and you insist they are zebras. A clear case of being judgmental.