Still in praise of Japan
| NO HOLDS BARRED |
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| Armida Siguion-Reyna |
I am told there’s growing resentment on the Internet, on blogs, e-groups, on comment space that follow some op-ed columns, and yes, on FaceBook, over the general presumption we cannot be as the Japanese are, in the face of catastrophe.
From “Tayo mismong mga Pinoy nagsasabi d natin kaya, pano nga kakayanin?” to “Magaling lng mga sakang kc dami cla lapad, kng purdoy gaya natn, looting na din cla ng mga grocery.” And “Pano mo cla hahangaan e bago lindol masama trato sa Pinoy worker? Sisigawan ka, sasabihan ka, ‘Filipino stupid!’ Buti nga sa kanila!”
It wasn’t easy for me to understand the texts. For instance, I didn’t know that “cla” was shortcut for “sila” and “kc” was “kasi” and yes, I had no idea what “lapad” meant, until a family member said it referred to the 10 thousand yen note, wider than the rest of the denominations of 1k and 2k, so therefore “lapad,” from “malapad.” But I noticed the derogatory use of “sakang,” an epithet used to describe World War II Japanese, and from there recognized the anger.
Which I must admit I don’t understand. To be onion-skinned in the face of criticism does not accomplish anything. We should instead ready ourselves to prove detractors wrong, anywhere, anytime, come hell or high water, and yes, come earthquake. Thing is, when was the last time we’ve proven ourselves truly capable?.... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110322com3.html
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