Friday, April 07, 2006

Hypocrisy and whatnots

There are two sorts of hypocrites: ones that are deceived with their outward morality and external religion; and the others are those that are deceived with false discoveries and elevation; which often cry down works, and men's own righteousness- Jonathan Edwards


If there is one thing I particularly resent, it's hypocrisy. Sadly, as humans, we all succumb to it. From the little, inconsequential things to the big scale ones. For example, a couple goes out shopping and the girlfriend goes and tries on a dozen outfits. All the time, the girl pesters the boyfriend for an opinion.

Girl: Darling, how do I look ?
Guy: Honey, you look just fab ! (all the while not even looking at her while surreptitiously stealing glances at his watch cos the game's going to start soon on TV )

Well, at least this is forgiveable. It is a known fact that guys and girls don't share the same love when it comes to shopping. That's why girls turn to their girlfriends as shopping partners. In all fairness, some girls do push the limits. Anyway, before I digressed, what certainly ticked me off is the issue of the arrest of a young couple because some closet minded lunatic thinks that their show of public affection is indecent ! Come on, they were only showing their affection for each other. And in the first place, I think the person who arrested them was just frigging RUDE to have been looking at them anyway. And a part of 'society' looks at them, clucking their tongues, thinking that they are virtuous and sinless and ever so right. NOT ! Yea, as if they themselves don't engage in such acts. And, the said couple is above 21 years old, I'm sure they have their own lives to account for themselves and the last thing they need is some busybody poking into their affairs.

I'm not condoning the young couple's act, neither am I going to rebuke them. Knowing the general mentality of the people, they should have had more sense than to 'display public affection' in an Asian country, what more a Muslim one. But, I think this whole uproar is senseless. Personally, I think there are much more pressing, serious issues that need the attention of the party involved. It just goes to prove how hypocritical people get. I mean, where is the love? Is showing your love in a, well, physical way wrong? Besides, if the girl chooses to defile herself and defame the good name of her family, it really isn't none of your blinking business. It's a free world. And you really can't brainwash or coerce someone into thinking the way you do. If that were the case, God wouldn't have made humans, He would have made robots. I think it's repulsive the way we hide our own flaws and find sublime pleasure in pointing out other people's flaws, without first looking in the mirror. They're young, they're hot-blooded and they're normal, healthy youngsters. They didn't do anything wrong besides having emotions and a heart. I can't say the same about those spineless nincompoops though. Sad. In turn these innocent couple have to take the brunt of the blame. Millions of other people display public affection, a chaste peck on the cheek, even the lips, an affectionate hug. Little gestures that enrich a relationship. And whether or not it's done in public or in private, the fact still remains that they did it. So, it doesn't really matter. Anyway, if you find the sight so revolting, then DON'T look ! Simple. I can't discern what's the matter with some people. Maybe it boosts their self-esteem, maybe it makes them feel great, maybe they think they're doing something really noble. Aphrodisiacs to their hollow, shallow souls. Well, to each man his own, they say.

Not everyone is a prude. No one is morally right. If so, then the whole lot of us would be priests and vicars and pastors and imams and whatever else. I myself have my own flaws, so I'll work on those first before I go around playing the role of God. Before I end, allow me to congratulate the nation. Once again,we have just succeeded in making ourselves laughingstocks in the eyes of more developed, Western countries. Ever wondered why they do better? That's because they're more open-minded, less judgemental and invest their time and effort into more promising, profitting ventures. And, they don't mess into other people's business either. Something I observe Asians find hard, if not, impossible to do.

2 comments:

stmaverick said...

Tis true that the issue has been overblown to the extent that couples get fined or arrested. But I think some of these kinds of "activities" deserve some form of control.

We are Asians and we will always be Asians no matter what. We need to uphold (at least, some of) the traditions of modesty that our ancestors passed down to us. But not till we cover ourselves up from head to toe, no! I'm perfectly fine with the way we dress and act. We're lots more open-minded nowadays, and that's good in some ways.

I'm not trying to be an old fuddy-duddy here, but, personally, some couples carry the "affection" thing too far.

In my opinion, if you truly love your other half, you wouldn't go around showing off your "love" for him/her in public. That's like shamelessly parading a cheap trophy around for all to see.

Remember, there's a fine line between being open-minded to new attitudes and cultures, and being downright shameless.

And Archangel, please. Don't belittle our dear "Enforcers". Such insults are irrelevant to the topic at hand, and very immature.

~verus rara avis~

Joanna said...

Archangel: Thanks for sharing my point of view.

Maverick: Haha, oddly, I half agree with you. Though I don't think the said couple did anything that serious to be brought to court.