Many Filipinos have had their egos smashed by the most irrelevant comments from people around them, even if these are not intended to offend. The oversensitivity reaches the point that, in turn, they become ignorant of other people’s feelings and beliefs. However, with an open mind, one may eventually realize that being sensitive towards every little thing can be a waste of time and energy—especially when there are greater things deserving of our attention.
For Filipinos, one of their most endearing traits is sensitivity. This is shown by our ability to be kind, empathetic and compassionate and sensitive to others’ lives. But sensitivity can be a pro and a con. Being sensitive to the needs and the plight of the poor connotes compassion, kindness, and empathy. But being sensitive, as in having sensitive skin, means the opposite.
It is no surprise that this sensitivity makes us not sensible at all. There are instances when being sensitive goes out of hand. That is when we become too sensitive to our own lives rather than others. However, when this judgment is not exactly in line with our beliefs or morals, there comes the other side–the darker one.
When faced with opposing thoughts and ideas, most of the time, it can get irrational, even if the remark was just misunderstood or under a wrong impression. The chance of explaining one’s self to a bruised Filipino ego slims as the offended switches into a “defensive mode.”
Ah, the irrational Filipino strikes again
So everything points towards irrational sensitivity. It can get blown out of proportion when Filipinos close their mind off to criticism and growth. The hard-to-swallow truth is that as Filipinos, we let pride rule over our minds so much that we only focus on what hurts us, and not who we’re hurting. They always want to be on top of the situation, to force our own beliefs onto others—these are the very things that hinder us as a people.
It is ironic that being so sensitive leads one to be insensitive, forcing others to believe in one’s own beliefs without even considering the other person’s feelings. This oversensitivity has brought petty fights to the court, even tarnished relationships of former friends and spouses. Through a typical Filipino’s eyes, comments highlighting the not-so-good Filipino traits made by foreign celebrities or any other foreigner immediately offends a Pinoy. Sadly, these comments tend to be taken out of context by Filipinos to make it look like they are the victim.
If it’s a foreigner, they are accused of being racists; if the comments are from a fellow Filipino, they are deemed “ungrateful” towards their own motherland. When they “bash” another country, it’s okay; but when the Philippines is bashed, all hell breaks loose. So in the end, nobody wins; the crazy notion that the Philippines is so perfect, and that one Filipino’s achievement is the whole country’s can get so delusional.
But that’s enough of the nonsense oversensitivity towards every little thing. There are bigger things, much more pressing concerns that affect our lives. There are issues that we’ll notice just by looking around and seeing how we can somewhat help people who may need our support.
If Filipinos can be so sensitive towards issues as trivial as misinterpreted criticism, then there is room for the same type of sensitivity to prevail in more important issues whether it be Philippine politics or human rights violations.
There may be two kinds of sensitivity; as Filipinos, let’s hope we let sensitivity towards the needs of the community prevail.
The challenge now is: Are we ready to let go of petty things to make room for much bigger matters?
This article is also featured in Volume 6 No.1 of The Benildean:Clickbait.
