An abundance

One Bible verse often quoted nowadays goes: “From the abundance of the heart – the mouth speaks” – Luke 6:45 and if that is the case one has to wonder what sort of abundance do today’s leaders have and how that abundance that flows out of their mouths affect their audience, the people and most especially our children. I remember how in the ’70s and ’80s the language and level of profanity on western television turned dark and unpalatable because of the Vietnam War and the protests and counter protests that took place in the US. Media personalities, celebrities, KOLs or Key Opinion Leaders all got swept up and used the S word and the F word as if they were part of daily language. As language in media got worse so did pornography, radicalism etc., etc.

However, something good did come out of all of that. It started with people who started to speak out against the foul language in media particularly television. Concerned group spoke out against the profanity and lack of censorship, but in America where freedom of speech is often used as an excuse or justification for offensive language, it was not easy to pull back the crazy horses into their stables so to speak. Instead, people campaigned for “Parental Guidance” at home. Parents were educated about how TV and celebrities become role models for bad behavior and it generally starts with jokes of many “color,” veiled in humor, and eventually become hate speeches or attacks justified on the basis of stature, rights or naked political power.

We in the Philippines now have a modern version of those events in America but in our case, TV and media is not actively selling, promoting or showing profanity or hate messages, we are merely covering the events and personalities who are now the source of such foul language and public conduct. The best that local media can do is to bleep words or statements after the actual delivery or during replays. Otherwise it’s what you hear is what you get. The problem is, majority of the bleep words are coming from high government officials particularly President Rodrigo Duterte. It is one thing if only one guy does it, but I’ve noticed that a couple of the President’s Men have (as expected) started to copy his style and language. This presents a whole new set of problems because when profanities and crass words or direct “jabs” are used repeatedly by persons in government, such words become common place and “popular.”

A Filipina volunteer in South Korea recently posted on Facebook how shocked she was that Filipinos actually laugh at what she felt was conduct unbecoming. There are those who ask what Filipinos find funny when leaders crack green or sexist jokes. Recently our editor and fellow columnist Marichu Villanueva speculated that many such crowds that laugh or act amused by crass words and Pinoy profanities are generally a “political crowd.” By this I infer that they are followers, or people politely accommodating a high government official. As crass as the jokes may go, “politeness” dictates that they laugh or clap or cheer. Sometimes their reaction may be “un”-voluntary because their presence is often not voluntary either. Government employees do what is required of them.

Sadly, our coverage of political events and personalities also end up giving more than the intended message of officials. We in media end up portraying a scene where profanity and cuss words end up being comic and amusing and acceptable. Whether it’s a motto like “Kaya Natin ‘To” or a flippant remark such as “Bahala Na Si Batman” or P….. I.. Or “Bugok,” they all cascade down to people and children and given enough time and repetition, it all become part of our conversation and mentality!

In today’s world I would like to believe that we are already doing our best to provide parental guidance regarding foul language. The question is: what are we doing about providing public guidance to our elected officials, friends, associates, etc? As vigilant as I may be I still spill out expletives in an accident or unguarded moment. But I correct myself, apologize when need be and give authority to others to call out such related behavior. In like manner, because I care for those around me, I have been known to quietly or subtly call out a person’s foul language or profanity gently and in private. Often I point out that in business circles, people may nod, smile, but on the inside many real business people frown on foul language and profanity.

Understand that even if you are the president of a country or a global conglomerate, profanity and crass words are not the globally accepted language and terms of engagement. Just like the “political crowd,” other businessmen and leaders around you might laugh, smirk, or smile, but it is often to be polite or because you’re the host or the boss. Some argue that such language and behavior is a reflection of “being real” or “transparent.” The question then is a “real what?”, “transparently being what?”,  “abundantly what?”

In this day and age of cyber bullying, trolls, haters and bashers, there is a need for good men and women to stand up, speak out for civility, respect and gentleness toward each other. If we were invited guests or hosts in our homes how would we conduct ourselves before others? Would our words and speech be welcomed and pleasing to others, would people want to listen to our words for hours or would they wish to take a leave and be as far away from you as possible?  You know what, it is possible to bring respect to our conversations both personal, and online. We simply have to start with ourselves.

* * *

Email: [email protected]