Violence, anyone? No, Thanks!

    Since the time of the Romans, violence and gore had become one of the most popular forms of entertainment not only for the elites but for plebs as well. These entertainment scenes include the persecution of the Christians. Many suffered under the reign of the infamous emperor, Nero. He had many people executed by crucifixion, burning alive at the stake, feeding to the hungry lions and dogs, stoning to death and decapitation. In spite of these pitiful scenarios of gore, the early Romans were fascinated by such forms of entertainment. They enjoyed watching these in fact like movies or sports games. Speaking of sports, the Romans had athletic games that would surely be bloody- chariot racing, lion hunting and a battle brawl between gladiators. Without bloodshed and brutal death, the show would definitely be boring. The audience even applauded and cheered for all of these events. It was a pop culture at that time indeed.

    Going to the Philippines in the Spanish times, our ancestors got also this knack for watching criminals, filibusters and subversives being executed may it be by hanging, by firing squad or by beheading. It could probably Rizal who was the most prominent Filipino to be executed. He was seen as a celebrity- a poet, writer, nationalist, scientist, a traitor, a subversive and nothing but the living soul of rebellion. A multitude had witnessed his trial and death which only showed that no matter how famous an individual was, nobody could escape from the threat of being killed. In fact, executions were just warnings by the Spanish administration to all of the indios who would make an attempt betray Spain by sacking the Catholic Church or overthrowing the government by revolution. For many,it was like a blockbuster hit seeing someone dying under the hands of the oppressors.

    So in the modern times, human rights are already attained by everyone. There are no bloody executions anymore but still, the Filipinos are still fond of looking at the things more what they used to be. Violent entertainment goes up with spirit. It is still alive and kicking. Yes, but already shape shifted. Pretty much like sabong (although it originated from the Spanish Era) wherein either of the fighting cocks should die to proclaim one the winner. Death will be the determinant of the winning cock. Actually, there is a new trend of sabong here in the Philippines. Not only cocks but even dogs and horses are used for entertainment likewise. These animals are made to fight until death. Aside from the excitement it brings, sabungeros (cock fighters) are wiser enough to even make money out the latter-day craze. Boxing is considered too as very much fascinating not only in the country (as you see, there are prevalent indie boxing shows nationwide) but globally especially in third-world countries. Death may not be the basis for winning but the effect of seeing men (and even women) risking their bodies to the hard-hitting punches, smashing head butts and clashing cross bodies made its way to attract fans all over. Together with wrestling, kick boxing, mixed martial arts matches, boxing could be lined up to an appropriate tagline which is ‘sports entertainment.’      

    The matter does not end there. Swerving from sports, I guess the media also plays a major role to how many Filipinos became so aware and interested. Before the Maguindanao Massacre and the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Fiasco, Filipinos have already been stern with must-see headlines concerning violence and brutality. As a matter of fact, our daily bulletin will never be complete without police reports which unveil proofs of how dangerous it is outside. Heinous crimes like rape, rape-slay, kidnap for ransom, murder, suicide, bombings, ambushes, media killings, massacres, hostage-taking incidents, holdups and other eye sore reports like shootouts and road accidents trounced the consciousness of Filipino families that indeed, no wonder, metro street sides are now cradles of every form of crime. So, preoccupied thoughts begin to inhabit the minds of the Filipinos causing intense anxiety.       

    Western TV shows undoubtedly add a little flavor to our daily dose of viewing especially the ones with crime-scene themes and twisted-bloody-mess features. Besides the mere fact that these shows are just ‘shows,’ the effect will be some sort of different depending upon the perception of the viewer. Thoughts and beliefs, if not flexible enough, will definitely be affected by such programs- caution ahead.

    The concept of violence which enters into our consciousness as Filipinos could be influenced by multiple factors aside from those stuffs mentioned above. Our beliefs and thoughts toward the world around us bring impacts to our lives as well. Because of our interests in violent movies, shows and headlines, the way we conceptualize our society revolves around our perception. It is like a ricochet. We build our community with a thinking that it would be safe physically for those who will dwell into it. However, if we open ourselves to the concepts of violence because of various influences upon us, the community we used to build could be a different place- a spooky, grim and dangerous one.

    Of course, we cannot deny that the Philippines currently makes it to the top notch of the most dangerous place for journalists and tourists because of the numerous incidents that happened concerning the safety of foreigners who stay in our country. We can’t erase our fondness of violence because our nation itself became so much used to it. Historical accounts will be provident enough.

    Still, violence fondness will forever stay in our minds. This will be the template of Filipino psyche. Perhaps we cannot change the thoughts that lasted for centuries already but I guess with the flexibility of the Filipino mind, we can modify the way foreigners think about our nation. I believe, with existent Filipino values, we can dismantle the negativity that has dumped our country for so many years.