I like it when students form their own opinions. Even when they are not in line with mine. I seek to educate, not dictate. However, some may have misconstrued my apprehensions about the Pepsi Max ad that stated "Bawal lang kung mahuli".
It has not escaped my good sense that Pepsi was simply trying to appeal to the youth by telling them to "live life to the fullest". That is what they apparently wanted to convey. I'm sure if asked, Pepsi would also condemn the belief in "bawal lang kung mahuli". So why condemn the ad when apparently I get the message behind it? Two reasons:
- The condemnation of "bawal lang kung mahuli" is implied and not stated explicitly. The problem here is that an assumption has to be made, And when assumptions are made, we cannot be sure. Is Pepsi telling us that the use of these "obviously" inverted thoughts is appealing to the youth? Are you then agreeing that the youth is characterized by rebellion and attracted to it (kahit na hindi naman kayo rebelde)? If so, then I challenge you to rebel against the stereotype. Besides, is this the only way to say "live life to the fullest"?
- More importantly, posting signs like these, deaden our senses, today, we see the message behind it as "live life to the fullest", but how about the next generation, and the generation after that? Will it still be "live life to the fullest" or will it be literal? If we do not oppose the posting of such words, we are implying that the literal message is acceptable. The next generation will perceive our silence as tacit approval.
A generation ago, no advertiser would dare post that message. Today, it is acceptable, but only because we get the "real" message behind it. How about the next generation? Will it be acceptable because it's already a way of life? I hope not. By not voicing out, we are gambling with the values of the next generation. It's like saying, "Let's keep quiet, maybe it'll go away". And what if it doesn't go away? "Better sorry, than safe?" My apologies, students, but your life is too precious for me to gamble it away. Pag buhay ninyo ang nakataya, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
We just inched closer to the edge of the cliff today with that ad. We are still safe. But we are nearer to the edge than we were a while ago. And before anyone falls over the edge, I believe that warnings must be given. Not necessarily, to back up (although that would be prudent move), but at least to keep those near the edge become aware of the danger.
My intention was for your to voice out your opposition. For you to make a stand. To remind yourself of the danger. That is the only way I can know that you've heard my warning and you're saying "Yes, we're near the edge, I know. I need to be careful."
For you to deny that there is even the tiniest bit of danger in the ad, simply because you understand it's true meaning, is to deny the reality that for some people today there is no other meaning, it is already a way of life.
PS
I am a conservative I believe that we should exercise caution. Other people are liberal, they believe that in order to improve, we must sometimes leave our comfort zone and take risks. I agree with the liberals on that. A balance has to be struck somewhere. We must choose when to be liberal and when to be conservative. We cannot apply the principles of one at all times, lest we perish.
What I am not however, is that part of your body where poop comes out of. I would advise my liberal minded friends who do not share my opinions to keep the discussion civil. Many conservatives may fit your crass description, but not all of us. To lump us all together is unfair. Those obnoxious conservatives give us a bad name, while liberals who resort to cussing do nothing to uplift your perfectly defensible position. But then again maybe cussing has become perfectly acceptable to you already? Is that a cliff I see?
