Masterpiece - this was how one described Manny Pacquiao's amazing display last Sunday. The country was ecstatic at this awesome victory.
For many, it was a welcome relief from the plagues of social and personal life. One even said, that it was like forgetting one's problems even just for that moment - momentary bliss. And after that, return to difficult life. Another said, that it was an encouragement to continue battling against life's vicissitudes, and an assurance that in the end, we will get a knockout victory.
I agree. But I was disturbed looking at the bloodied face of Diaz.
Does it have to take another person bloodied and slumped on the canvass to claim victory? Does it have to take for many to be exploited, manipulated, overcome for one to succeed and be rich? Does it always have to be homo homini lupus for one to be victorious - wolf to other men? Does it have to be always a battle for the survival of the fittest?
No, I do not dislike Manny Pacquiao. He stands for the Filipino spirit of determination and passion for greatness. But I am worried of the culture that feeds even in sports like this - one of violence against the other.
Violence is as old as humanity. Even the Bible attests to this - remember the story of Cain and Abel. But violence is not the basic instinct of man. Life is. Goodness is.
If we are to overcome and knockout, not other people, but personal and social maladies. If we are to seek victory, not at the expense of other people.
1 comment:
Same sentiments here. My friend has branded me unpatriotic because I was not as ecstatic as him and as all the others with pacquiao's victory.
"To take care of one’s life and to see to it that it is safeguarded is a Christian and human imperative."
Boxing as sport I think goes against this.
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