The Fabric of the Microcosmos

At the risk of sounding bitter over my loss, I now post here my post-election assessment piece, which shall also become my J111 "Whatever" Article.  Hehe.  =P

They say that our university is the microcosm of society.  Every evident social structure, semantic and symptom can be found inside the very walls of our hallowed institution.  We abide by the same code of rules and thrive under the same set of natural, social and political norms that govern the outside world.  If you want to know the current state of society, the issues that have to be dealt with, and the triumphs that our nation has achieved, you only need to look into our very own university to find the very fabric that weaves our larger society.

We have produced hundreds of great men and women that have become harbingers of our country’s progress.  We are a factory of presidents, senators, government officials, lawyers, doctors, and a lot of other personalities that are held by our people to the highest esteem.  We have made groundbreaking discoveries, stunning developments and noteworthy contributions to every field of endeavor known to man.

Indeed, we are the very source of society’s nourishment that aids in its growth and development.  But, sad to say, we’re also responsible for society’s rotten lot, the dreadful few people that have created a culture that has entrenched itself in society’s very roots, eagerly awaiting its painful demise.

I need not talk of large-scale corruption and bribery that has begotten our country lately.  I also need not talk of deposed presidents, even those who refuse to be unseated.  Talks of outlawed criminals and sinister masterminds are likewise unnecessary.  Those issues are best left for the experts to be dealt with.  But beneath all these issues troubling our society today lays an awful truth, idly waiting to be discovered.

For years I have considered myself a spectator of politics, specifically the elections, in the university or in the national scene.  I have made my thoughts known through writing, especially on pertinent issues that needed utmost concern.  I stood by the sidelines and watched how each politico paraded his achievements on the floor, wooing support from unassuming constituents that would soon fill the ballots with their prospect leader.  I saw what was considered “the circus” play before my very eyes, each stunt and trick better than the one that came before it.

It came, therefore, as a surprise that I found myself being wooed to play a part in this grand circus of politics.  I immediately resented the idea, but behind my mind I knew I wanted to dabble my feet in it anyway.  I wanted to give it a try because I knew I had something to offer, and I knew I could do a lot of things for my fellow students.  But the thought of this dirty role-playing game swamped with nifty tricks up every man’s sleeves made the decision-making very hard for me.

It was a tough race to begin with, but it didn’t stop me from facing the fierce competition head on.  With loyal friends by my side, I dived into uncharted territory, unmindful of the dangers that lurked beneath the dark waters.

And, as it turns out, those years of being involved in the issues as a spectator by the sidelines were merely the tip of this gigantic, inconspicuous iceberg.  Being the player in this game of politics involved a lot more than just being mindful of the issues that concern the everyday iskolar ng bayan.  It took a lot of courage and strength, will and determination, integrity and conviction.  I’m lucky I still came out of it alive, merely bruised and battered, but still standing and walking tall.

I learned that it is true what they say: you can never really know and understand something unless you’ve experienced it yourself.  And, judging by the many trials me and my party mates had to endure, the field in the university is indeed as mired by mud as it is in the bigger world out there.  Politicking is nothing new, and dirty tactics to discredit the other was the norm.  Black propaganda left and right, elbowing one’s way to the top, just to get that prized position everyone’s clamoring for.  A candidate affiliated with a certain fraternity has been attacked by releasing fraternity pictures depicting pledges during a hazing session.  A party’s position on a certain issue is being questioned.  A certain candidate’s credentials for running are being put to the test.  Ironic how the people who are disgusted by national politicians’ dirty antics are the very ones doing the very same nasty tricks to woo would-be voters to their favor.

Between all the mudslinging and controversies, I just had to ask myself: is this all worth it?  Is every issue raised against the competition rightful just to get what one wants?  What is it that we want anyway?  Why did we choose to run in the council?  Didn’t we all want to serve our fellow students?  Aren’t we all one in all our causes?  What is the point of all the trouble?

In the middle of it all, the students were forced to make a difficult choice.  Thankfully it was not a matter of personalities as it is out there, because that would’ve definitely spelled a different game.  But even though the issues were central in the campaigns, the attitude of the candidates towards those issues became the steering wheel that drove their struggles into people’s hearts and minds.  And that made the choice even more difficult.  It therefore became a bit tempting to just abstain from voting than making that awful leap of faith.

If this is what’s happening in the grassroots level of society, what are we to expect when these people step out to face the real world out there?  If at the very first steps of this game of life, a person is exposed to such horrid and awful realities, what chance is there for him to take on a crueler and ghastlier reality out there?  If this is the state of affairs of our youth of today, what hope is there left for the future of our motherland?

They say our university is the microcosm of society.  No wonder our society is stricken with many ills and pains.

Therefore I tell you, if you want to change society, you better start with this university.