The good out of the bad
“What the enemy had meant for evil, God had turned into good”.
The recent uproar of Filipino Catholics and Christians over the “Anti-Christ” exhibit held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines proves that a lot of good can come out of a very bad idea.
Instead of undermining and further diminishing support for the Catholic faith, the “Anti-Christ” exhibit ended up becoming the long awaited “prick” that aroused public indignation and awakened dormant values and sentiments on faith.
In their pride, the artist and officials of the Cultural Center of the Philippines waved the flag of Artistic Freedom to stage an exhibit that they knew would be offensive to the public. Someone even admitted that they; “went out on a limb”.
Confronted by anger and indignation they retreated while continuously waving their flag of artistic freedom.
What they did not expect was their exhibit would become a “Viagra” for spiritual and moral indignation. Least of all, they did not expect that by waving the flag of Artistic Freedom, they have called attention and action against abuse of such a freedom as well as the abuse of power by officials of publicly funded institutions.
In so short a time, the artist, the exhibit and the CCP officials involved, managed to draw unfavorable attention to several things such as:
Freedoms and liabilities, Restrictions and limitations on officials manifesting moral or political views by way of art in publicly funded institutions and how ambitious authors, artists and movie producers attack God and religion for fame and profit.
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Artistic freedom, just like Freedom of speech, is a very dangerous blade to play with because it can cut both ways. Freedom of speech ends where libel takes place or endangering the public begins.
In the case of the “Anti-Christ” exhibit under the auspices of the CCP, Artistic Freedom ends when art or its exhibition assaults or violates publicly held moral values or standards, especially when that very exhibit is staged within a publicly funded venue managed by “public” officials.
As private individuals, officials of the CCP are entitled to their opinion. However as guardians of public trust and public institutions, it is dangerous and in bad judgment to influence or use their position to convey personal opinion or beliefs.
It is one thing to assault public sentiments, but when art and public office becomes a tool to promote political, moral, or sexual agenda then it is time to draw the line and lay down the law.
If Cabinet members are constrained to be politically correct, how much more for those in “lower” positions. This uproar should also serve as a reminder to those who come from the private sector thinking that they can still act like bosses or owners in public positions. Sorry, no can do.
Having won the initial battle, the religious and the faithful may now be emboldened to lobby or push for written guidelines or laws that would forever ban, prohibit or deny any and all exhibits that “prick” public sensibilities and moral standards such as “Penis” inspired souvenirs as well as art shows.
Given how laws and jurisprudence has evolved in view of cultural and technological changes, it is not far from possible that Artistic freedom may one day be restrained by legislation and jurisprudence governing “Artistic libel or defamation”.
That would certainly spoil the fun for the leftists who perpetually make ugly representations or effigies of politicians or artists crossing from art to politics!
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Thanks again to the “liberals” at the CCP, Catholics, Christians and even Muslims have become more sensitive and aware of the current practice among a handful of writers, artists, and film makers who attack God, insult and assault religion to fast track their way to notoriety and profit.
Because of the “Anti-Christ” exhibit, media has drawn attention to other “disrespectful” works by Dan Brown, Salman Rushdie, etc. Now, people have come to realize how fiction and heresy are combined to stir up reactions and draw attention to books and movie projects. In the end it is no longer about art but profit or dubious fame.
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Aside from being an Opinion Writer, one passion and “profession” I am engaged in is being a non-traditional “Corporate Coach”, Motivational speaker, and Mentor-Trainer”.
Last Thursday, I had the privilege to speak before a 120 guests all of whom were top retail partners of Acer Philippines during their annual conference, held at the Sheridan Resort in Sabang, Palawan approximately an hour and a half north of Puerto Princesa.
During the event, local officials presented a TVC or a TV commercial featuring none other than President Noynoy Aquino and Mayor Edward Hagedorn promoting the Underground River and Philippine tourism.
The audience reaction around me was: “Why aren’t they showing the commercial on TV? ”; “How come we haven’t seen that in Manila?” People obviously liked the idea that the President himself was promoting tourism.
Not very many people know that PNoy first insisted on seeing the Underground River personally to be sure that he was promoting something worthwhile and properly managed.
With very little fanfare, the President went to the Underground River last February but for some unfathomable reason, no one in Malacañang saw the value in showing the President of the Philippines doing something that every Filipino should do: Visiting our tourist destinations.
If the President really wants to boost our chances of making the Underground River one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, then he should talk to all TV executives and cable operator to join in and show the TVC.
It’s not everyday you have a President for a “Product endorser”.
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