Silent Romance

I'm seeing someone.



...just so y'all know. (But no questions, please. Not yet. The silence is ceremonial.)

How To Become A 'Real Man' (tm)

In response to a thread in Pinoy Exchange:

If you're desperate to be a 'Real Man' or appear 'Manly' ("Tunay na Lalaki" or "Lalaking Lalaki" in Tagalog) in the eyes of the masses (God bless their superior intelligence), or at least the masses of American and Americanised society (that includes you, Philippines), you must remember to follow the steps below like dogma.

1. Don't ever, ever let anyone see you cry. Emotions are for sissies. Suck it up like a man!

2. Never, ever worry about hygiene or fashion. Real men don't bathe, care about the oil on their faces, clean their ears, or worry if they're wearing crosstrainers or rubber shoes to a wedding.

3. If your male friend says "I love you", even if he means platonic love, humiliate his feelings and rudely point out that he's gay. Then punch him hard. Real men are very violent and rarely think before doing anything. Like gorillas.

4. You are the hunkiest, handsomest man in the world. Every other guy is a twit. But when another guy acknowledges this handsomeness of yours, point out he's being gay. Men are in constant competition with each other, why should he praise you?

5. Stop being articulate or philosophical. Men don't have to worry about brains. The only body part that matters is the penis (and maybe the balls).

6. Play every god-damned sport there is. (In the Philippines, this is limited to basketball.) Culture can only be expressed through sports. Writing, dancing and the others are for girly men.

7. Eat like a pig. Slurp, chew with your mouth open, talk while your mouth is full, and belch as rudely as possible. Men are the kings of the world, why worry about good manners?

8. Treat girls like they're sexual objects. Never ever respect what they say, or how they think. Slap the bitch if she doesn't want to have sex with such a hunk like you. Being gentlemanly is so gay.

9. Be insecure. Be very insecure. Always doubt other guys' sexuality and/or gender identity. You're the only one that's macho, remember. All the others must learn from you.

10. Don't even think of cooking, washing clothes; fixing them; ironing them, gardening, knitting, or reading. Those are girls' stuff. Men were designed to hunt deer, and that should be it.

11. Do not show affection towards your son, nephew, or younger brother/cousin/friend. This way, the little boy's psycho-emotional needs would be so messed up, he'd turn out exactly the way you are when he screws up, err, grows up. Be a role model, and repress.

That said, I pity those who actually believe being any of what I just satirically pointed out makes them real men. Fuck, these are the unfair stereotypes that brand us men as the insensitive, inutile, dick-brained trolls of feminazi mythology. Please, stop giving Manhood a bad name.

Friends

From my online bulletin board, 5 March 2007:

I was reading through my Friendster messages (not all of them, of course, there were 704) and it just dawned on me how I had jollier relationships before than I do now, number wise. Now I have friends who ignore me; who've ditched me at some point of my life; who consider me dead (judging by awkward year-long silences); who've broken their promises of perpetual brotherhood; who've totally forgotten the sweet things we once shared. It makes one wonder whether one has done something wrong; something unnatural. Tell me. Have I changed for the worse? What ills have I cast, what evils have I spun? I need to know and I want to. So I can atone for them; and better myself.

That said, at least now I know who my true friends are. Those who've been patient with me all this time. The numbers may have been reduced drastically, but the sifting is worth it. Painful, considering how I've always treasured memories, but the Gods are wise and sweet in their cruelty.

I thank you, friend, for staying with me. I thank you for your sincerity and loyalty. I promise to stay with you as long as you want me to.

To those who've "gone", I still consider my part of our friendship valid. You are still very welcome to reclaim your end, if you wish. If you wish.

Sincerely, this week's drama.

...
AND just when I was about to fade back in time and regress again, a friend replied:

“It's gonna go away. Savor the pain because in the long run, when you are old and weary and you'll look back... you'll realize that they were the best years of your life.

There is always a price for being who you are or what you are becoming. We pay for it on a daily basis... with interest.

And you are right, the Gods are sweet and wise in their cruelty. And we can only hope that there is a purpose for all this.”

Very wise....and sweet (the whole message). I will remember his words forever. May it also send you comfort in dim times. Safest winds...

The Real Elves And Dwarfs

Why do elves prefer bows; and dwarfs, axes? Why are elves, lean; and dwarfs, stocky?

Possibly it's how they evolved to adapt to their natural habitats, perhaps in a way not very different from that of our species. I'd say: elves are more adapted to living in the valleys and forests --- the ears to hear better over large distances and lean bodies to move from tree to tree with agility, and bows and spears to protect themselves from a distance. The stocky dwarfs are obviously better suited for the mountains -- where their large axes are fit to call death upon a single blow; perhaps to compensate for their lack of agility. Their art also reflects how- and where they live.

Of course, this is just taking things seriously. None of us can prove at the moment if such creatures really existed in the natural world.

Being a fan and student of both mythology and anthropology, I've postulated this theory, partly for fun, and partly as an attempt to "rationalise" their existence in a naturalistic way:

Elves: About 150,000-100,000 BCE, stable populations of a tall and lean breed of late archaic Homo sapiens---or perhaps, an advanced breed of Homo habilis---slowly emerged as a separate species in the temperate valleys of Eurasia. Anatomically similar though far more complex than the breed of Homo Sapiens sapiens later to appear in East Africa, they were far slower in ageing, more agile in reflexes, keener in hearing, and sharper in eyesight. They were taller and leaner in appearance (ave. of 6 feet in height), had light-weighed bones, a long skull, high nose bridge, smooth skin texture, and fair--almost pale--colouring. Thus, a physiology developed in the temperate regions in Eurasia – well equipped for a region of deep valleys and large forests, barred by high mountains. Evidence of earliest urban civilisations must have appeared far later, as the ice sheets retreated and the regular celestial manifestations of the sun reappeared. They bore a culture which centered on extensive hunting/gathering and animal herding. They preferred abodes around large old trees and/or within valleys (often camouflaging their architecture with its surroundings) where they developed textile-weaving, metallurgy, and smithcraft celebrating their habitat. An area between the west Caucasus mountains and east of the Black Sea (then Lake Euxine) would have been the earliest possible site of urban "Elven" culture (cf. Cuvienen).

Dwarfs: About 250,000-100,000 BCE, stable populations of a short and stocky breed of early archaic Homo sapiens (possibly related to Homo Sapiens neanderthalis) emerged as a separate species in the European part of the Arctic circle; in the highly mountainous regions of northernmost Europe and possibly nearby lands in northern Asia. Short and stocky in built with an average of 4 feet in height with heavy bones, they were hardier and tougher than most current hominid breeds of the time, thus were well equipped in living in mountainous areas, and in the deep, dark places under them. The earliest evidences of their urban civilizations are believed to have appeared much later in their history; where they built cities made mainly of stone and metal; and centred on metallurgy, smith-craft, and mining. The prehistoric mountain ranges of [now] Norway, the Swiss Alps and the northern Urals could be a plausible candidate for the earliest cultural Urheimat (homeland) of their pioneering urban civilisations (cf. Durin).

There exists a more "rational" way of explaining their [possible] historical existence, though. Quote, Wikipedia on Dwarf: Stories of dwarves may have a historical background: during the Bronze Age, tin miners from southern and south-eastern Europe slowly migrated northwest, since the relatively rare tin, which is needed to make bronze, was more common in the north. Being southerners, they generally were of shorter stature than northern Europeans and had darker skin, hair and beards. Their knowledge of metallurgy might have seemed magical to the northerners, whose lifestyle was still neolithic; the southerners' superior weapons and armour might well have been perceived as enchanted. This would explain why stories of dwarves are especially common in Northern Europe, and also why dwarves are portrayed as workers, while few other mythological creatures seem to be associated with any kind of organized industry.

More generally, the pygmies of Africa, the short Eskimos, Sami (Lapps), the Asian Dropa pygmies of Tibet, short rainforest natives, people with dwarfism, and similarly short people may have had a hand in the origin of dwarf legends in many countries.

The field of Depth Psychology has suggested that dwarfs are most frequently psychological symbols of what Carl G. Jung termed the "Shadow." The Shadow is the portion of the human psyche which contains personalities, behaviors, and/or events that have been suppressed by consciousness in the unconscious in a personal, societal, or collective manner.

Another origin might go back to hunter-gatherer times, when only those with physical defects would be available to do anything other than hunting and gathering. Those with dwarfism might be stuck as permanent craftsmen, and an association between crafting, and dwarfism might have developed.

Pfew. I took that rather seriously, didn't I?

....................................................
Images from The Battle for Middle Earth II.

Tears

An excerpt from my private journal, 24 February 2007.

“I have never felt so down in my life. I feel broken inside. I feel like a girl who hates herself [and who says guys can't?]. I need a tight hug. I'm holding back my tears again. I want to cry in someone's arms. I know I'll get over it soon. I know this is a tiny matter. But it hasn't really stopped aching since tonight. The truth hurts. Sadly, I had to hear it from someone else. And all too late.

...
For both our sakes, expect nothing from me. Forget all the visions; dreams you have of me. Do not believe anything you hear, read, or assume about me. Expect nothing.”

Nobody sees me when I cry. Nobody sees the sadness in my eyes. Nobody sees me for all that I am. Nobody really understands. This is being lonely even when not alone. I'm tired of holding back my tears. I'm tired of playing 'strong' for other people. I have the right to be vulnerable.

...
There went another piece of my inner sanctum for public reading. This is therapy for the 'emotionally guarded'. The walled hearts.

To those who make me smile, I thank you beyond words. To my family, all my love and life. Behind everything, you love me undyingly.

Instik, Instik!

恭喜發財, 新年快樂!

Today is the only day I can be Chinese to the fullest. Thus, Chinese-for-a-Day. I'm taking the day off to wallow in whatever is left of my Chinese ancestry because it's back to being "Hybrid" tomorrow. It's the least I can do for the 10% of myself that belongs to the Middle Kingdom.

10 things about today:

1. This still boggles me: Saan napulot ng Pinoy ang "Kunghei Fatchoi"? It's Cantonese. Aren't the majority of Chinese Filipinos, Fujianese? So far, the only public figures I've heard use the local 'Kionghi Huatzai' are Lito Atienza and Joey De Leon.

2. Can we please stop using the word "Instik"? It is so yester-century. It's either Tsino or Chinese. Tawagin kaya kitang indio?

3. I firmly believe both parents should be in charge. Not just the father. If the father dies (or is simply non-existent), I think it's only fitting that the mother take the kabisera. I think it's awkward for the eldest son to sit there when the mother is still very much alive (and definitely more able). There are a few parts of Confucianism that I'd wish to reform.

4. It's fish for luncheon and dinner today. "Nian nian you yu," as they say. I'm not complaining. I'm not the biggest fan of pork. Chicken ("isang kahig, isang tuka") doesn't sound so fitting either.

5. I'm actually feeling a bit ill today. Bowing 13 times isn't helping. Great. Way to herald the new year, eh? I've heard Tigers aren't very lucky this year. Damnit.

6. I haven't had my chongsan washed for 3 years now. Damn the absence of cheap dry cleaning!

7. I'm not compelled to learn Mandarin. I know it sounds classy and sophisticated, but it's not my language. It's like a Cebuano v Tagalog thing. I'm only learning it if I have to.

8. I think China fared better when it was still under the Emperors, don't you think? Piss off, Reds! Where would the Orient be without the Emperors?

9. I still favour Traditional script over Simplified. Not that I know how to write it. It just feels better.

10. Currently listening to: Kelly Chen, Faye Wong, and the Twelve Girls Band.

Oh, and something extra:

11. I think the Koreans and Japanese should scratch the Gregorian-determined New Year's Day (1st Jan) off their calendars. Let the West have what is theirs, and East its own. Sehebong Manibaduseyo and Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu, respectively.

Napakahirap Mabuhay Sa Bansa Na...

...walang ibang alam na author kundi sina J.K. Rowling at Paulo Coelho.

...artista lang ang malakas (MAKAPAL) ang loob/mukhang tumakbo sa pulitika.

...pogi si Mayor kaya siya nanalo.

...Amerika ang pinakamataas na pangarap.

...mataas na grado ang basehan ng tunay na talino.

...Taglish lang ang hindi pangit pakinggan. (...baduy daw ang Pilipino, maarte daw ang Ingles.)

...basketball lang ang laro ng isang tunay na lalaki.

...ang tunay na lalaki ay pawisan, walang class, at kuneho kung mag-anak.

...ang lalaki ay para lamang sa babae; at ang babae ay sa lalaki.

...ang tanging katutubong sayaw ay "harlem".

...ang tanging genre na alam ng masa ay Hiphop at Rock.

...psychologically abnoy ang hindi kumakain ng karne.

...ang "pwede na" ay kasingkahulugan ng perpek.

...ang babaeng malakas tumawa ay puta o paglaki ay talipandas.

...Satanista ang nakikinig sa Rock music.

...ang doktor ay gumagamot para kumita at hindi para tumulong.

...ang ospital ay hindi para sa maysakit kundi sa may pera.

...tinutuli ang bata para "lumaki".

..."cute" ang batang sumasagot ng pabalang at pinagsusuot ng "spaghetti strap".

...okay lang murahin ang limang-taong gulang.

...kinakain si bantay.

...masarap magpulutan ng endangered species.

...madaling mag-inuman ngunit mahirap magsumikap.

...minimum wage sa guro at maximum sa artista.

...santo si Pacman at diyos ang mga letseng artista.

...kinse mil ang bayad para ngumiti sa patalastas.

...ginagawang katawatawa ang walang pera sa gameshow.

...ginagawang acting workshop ang TV (read: walang K umarte sa TV).

...pinapakanta at pinapasayaw ang mga artistang hindi naman kaya.

...amo ang dayuhan, katulong ang lokal.

...ayaw sa maitim (akala mo kung sinong maputi).

...mabaho daw si Bumbay at tulo-laway daw si Intsik, pero sino ba ang mahirap?

...na may taong walang alam ngunit ayaw magpaturo.

...na may taong may alam ng lahat ng ito ngunit walang ginagawa.


Hanggang dito ka na lang ba, Juan?

Akda ni Kekel at Andin (Kaye, Aldrin).

Tomboys And Grace

Jesi Corcuera, the (token?) tomboy lesbian from the 4th (ugh) installment of the Starstruck series, was lamenting on how she was not being treated amicably by ("Kuya") Paulo Avelino, a male colleague, on Startalk.

Paulo responded: “Kung babae ka lang, eh di tinrato ka na naming parang babae.” (Or something to that effect. Don't sue me.)

Jesi quickly made a dignified rebuttal: “Kung may utak ka, makikita mong babae ako.”

...
For someone his age (Paulo's) in the 21st century; from someone who seemed articulate and educated to my ears (by sole judgment of enunciation), I did not expect such a backward and moronic sentiment.

Well said, Jesi. Something (unfortunately) elitist in my heritage mistook you for just another mindless, mono-talented aspirant of the local Entertainment industry. But you proved me wrong. You may not be the best artist-in-the-making (don't worry, none of your rivals are) but you've shown me grace.

Just shows that not all people who study in good schools have good values, and not all those who were born of "lowly" heritage are devoid of grace and class. Cheers, young lady!

Paulo was a turn-off. Big turn-off. Walang magandang mukha sa pag-iisip na sira.

Stale Spirituality

Because saying "this is the way it's always been" doesn't make any sense.

These are my issues with orthodox/Biblical/fundamentalist Christianity:


Why do we do good things? Why do we avoid bad things? Is it because we await reward from Heaven? And are frightened by the punishment of Hell/Tartarus?

To quote and rephrase Sam Harris: Isn't it more noble to help people purely out of concern for their suffering than it is to help them because God will reward you for doing it, or will punish you for not doing it? This type of mindset gives people bad reasons to help other human beings when good reasons are available.

* * *

Why do we look to the sky when we want to find God? Is the animating force limited to the stars? Isn't it that He lives in all things, in the dark earth with the worms as well as with the birds that sail the clouds? Why do we look so far for His solace, when it is found everywhere around us?

* * *

Why are we so arrogant of our existence? Why do we continue to treat this earth as God's gifts to humanity, free to exploit to our hearts' content? Isn't it that our blood differs not far from the beast? And our kindreds have all sprung out from the same waters? Ultimately, don't we all come from that same ball of energy that preceded the Big Bang?

* * *

Why do we limit ourselves to the teachings of men and scripture? Are we sheep? Blindingly following what is taught to us rather than musing for ourselves? Is faith about the gouging of eyes, or the strengthening of hearts?

* * *

Why do we keep on yakking about "The One and Only True Way" and how it is exclusive to us? True religion is how we live our lives, not what creed we choose. Isn't spirituality a personal experience?

* * *

Why is it when our ministers do wrong things, we curse and forsake the ways we hold so dear? Is our faith rested on their morality? Shouldn't it that our principles be rested on our understanding of the world's order? How do you see life? What they teach, or what you believe?

* * *

Why do we feel remorse for things that are natural to us? To live, eat, have sex, and die? Does not God live in these natural processes? Must we limit the experiencing of Him to the four walls of the temple, in eating stale wafers, and prostrating?


To be continued. This is all I can think of at the moment. Of course, there are more.

Disowned Openly Gay Prince And Syngman Rhee

No, Syngman Rhee is not Gay, nor is he a prince. Those are two different tags.

***

Prince is out but not down

In India, where being gay is a crime, a royal son was shunned when he told his secret. Now he fights to change the law and public mind-set.

...
His straight friends were shocked to find out he was gay. His gay friends were shocked to find out he'd been married.

For his parents, it was the last straw. He is no longer on speaking terms with his mother. His father, despite disinheriting him, has softened slightly, declaring in a newspaper interview that he had felt pressured by friends and relatives into taking such a drastic step and describing Gohil as "a gifted individual" and "a good son." The two men still speak occasionally, but their conversations are awkward.

...
"They cannot get a prince on hire. I am the prince, and whether I am gay or not gay is hardly the issue," Gohil [the prince] said. "I'm the only son — there are no cousins or brothers they can go to. They have to come back to me."

Read the rest of the story here.

***

I hate Syngman Rhee right now. 이승만! 승만야! 왜 그런냐?? (Yi Sŭng-Man! Hey, Sŭng-Man! How could you??)

“After Korea's liberation in 1945, President Syngman Rhee suppressed the imperial family to prevent the restoration of the monarchy. Syngman Rhee seized and nationalized most of the family's properties. The imperial family also had to shoulder the psychological and historical burden of their ancestors' responsibility for the "collapse of the nation". Stripped of most of wealth and authority, many members of the family secluded themselves from the merciless world, even from other family members. Some flew to the USA or Latin America in desperate effort to disown their ancestors.”

4 millennia, Syngman. 4 bleedin' thousand years and you sold out on them.

The World

I believe in the Old World. I believe in myth, magic, and mystery. In the awe for majesty and respect for simplicity.

I believe in learning. In the sciences. In philosophy, in history. I believe in the undying love for culture and heritage. And class. And grace.

I believe in Civilisation. In her great minds. And mighty wills. And compassionate hearts. In Ramesses II, Plato, Alexander the Great, Boadicea, Julius Caesar, Jesus, Buddha, Confucius, Shakespeare, Jung, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Karol Wotyła.

I believe in memory. In the Heartland. I believe in one blood, one spirit. I believe in return.

I believe in the dreams of the New Generation. Straightforward, outspoken, and true. I believe in the fervour for liberty and equality. In the growing consciousness of our humanity. In treasuring the world and everything in it. In recognising our commonalities and relishing our diversity.

I believe in hope. In new dawns.

Pearl Harbour And All This Nicole Shite

Remember this day. Remember Pear Harbor. December 7th, 1941---a date which will live in infamy. Salute and prostrate. Hail, the valour of the victorious dead.

***

A few days ago, I was still on the neutral/rather-not-speak side. I thought to myself, I'm just a spectator anyway, what do I know? Sure, Daniel had always made more sense; sure, I've never really trusted that lying no-brainer skank, erm, immaculate genius, Nicole. But to claim that Daniel was innocent to the world wasn't a very stable thing to say considering my lack of knowledge of what really happened. You see, unlike those crazy rally-freaks, if I don't know shit about something, I'd rather be humble with my views.

But now, I've heard what I've needed to hear, went through with what I've needed to go through, and have summed up enough to stand by Daniel. I am not saying that Daniel is completely innocent. Like the rally-freaks who claim they support the "truth", I still remain within the spectator grouping (again, just like them; they just arrogantly think they're not). But unlike the flag-burners and rally-freaks---blinded and intoxicated by their own selfish, one-dimensional political causes---I, however, sincerely want a fair and just trial for both Danny and 'Cole, and actually do know enough to formulate an educated say at the very least. Yes, he might have done something wrong or unethical somewhere in the events described by the complainant as "rape". Dannyboy is no angel, we all know that, but neither is the girl. You all know what I mean, we've all heard her inconsistent stories and politically-puppeted speeches---and especially for the unbiased who actually know her---we all know that she's far from being the damsel-in-distress that she (and her feminazi overladies) try so hard to put up. I quote: “Let's not create a fantasy world here where she's the innocent girl who's the damsel-in-distress type. For the love of LOGIC, let's not even discuss that. It's intellectually insulting.” I just loved that interview with Mel Tiangco where she got slapped hard by the lady's devious but smart-arse questioning (read as: "Huli ka"). That's what you get when you're unprepared to lie all over again. Integrity-wise, bagsak na si ineng. Tsk, tsk.

I still don't know much, though. Not near what his lawyers know, that is. But I think I've summed up enough for myself to separate the lies from the bigger lies. Judge Pozon made a mistake by letting his emotions rule over him. Did you hear his little speech? How unprofessional to mingle your personal, biased sentiments of sympathy towards the woman with the facts that truly matter but were obviously sadly ignored. If it were indeed his emotions, then he is a fool. But of course, it might as well be politics. In Daniel's somewhat prophetic words: “Oh we’ll find the three innocent and convict the other one just so everyone’s happy.” Poor Daniel. It just breaks my heart. Victim of the nearing elections. A sacrificial lamb. What, set him free, and leave the militant's cry for blood unappeased? Not wise, the puppet-masters agreed. What they stupidly didn't foresee (could they be really that stupid not to?), is that such an enormous error in judgment would, most definitely, sour relations with the country's most valuable ally (though not my favourite).

Poor Nicole. She thinks she's won, having had the sympathy of the court. But sympathy it is not. It's all a bleedin' scheme. Plus, poor girl's "humiliation story" is obviously being milked by the communist whores. Gamitan, bow. At makialam pa daw sa VFA? I bet she doesn't even know what it is. Bloody Mary. You're being used and abused (ergo, raped) by these maenads for their oh-so-tiring publicity press releases, and you're just letting them? But hey, it is your life. Feel free to whore (ah, familiar word...) your integrity.

And you, Gabriela, don't you have more important things to attend to, besides all these political ramblings? Gang rape in Maguindanao? 15-year old girl abused by 3 Filipino soldiers? Domestic violence, all around? Fools. They think they matter, but they don't. They've lost whatever it was that they originally stood for.

Again, I pray for the naked truth. At 'tanginang yaya naman, huwag nang makialam kasi ang mga walang alam.

***

I urge people all around to write and say what you feel and what you know. (We'd appreciate it of course if it'd be sensible.) Speak up. Hail your free and bright minds. End this grey age, where the wise are nonchalant; choosing to be silent and letting fools rule over their lives. Take charge of the world. Change it. There is hope. There is always hope.

Smith Guilty, Nicole Glorified

Okay, it just came out. Cpl Danniel Smith has been found guilty. The other three have been acquitted.

Now that it's out, we can make something close-to-concrete out of all this. Now we can move from simply being in assumption.

Therefore I say:

1. Dannyboy should be punished accordingly. Evidence seems to prove him guilty of abuse. But I say he should be locked in a separate cell away from the scum of Filipino society. It wasn't just his fault. Let's be real here, people. It wasn't like he snatched the girl and raped her à la Quest For Fire. Do you get what I'm implying here?

2. As for Nicole, she shouldn't be glorified. Not at all. She should be given due justice, sure. But not glory. As Marvin Tikvah would say “Come on!” I say she's far from the innocent angel some people assume her to be. Poor lady's going to be just another postergirl for the maenads of Gabriela.

3. Our mediamen should not be biased, or at least not be so obvious about it. Report news as it is, personal stands please sell separately.

4. No more childish flag burning, for the nth time. Respect begets respect. Burning one nation's flag is an attack on the whole nation, its people, and its culture. Burn an effigy or something, not a flag.

Though verdicts have been spoken, nonetheless, we--the spectators--still remain "pare-parehong walang alam sa tunay na nangyari". Ano? Ano?

Amen.

Whatever!

I've been aching to rant about this. Good thing Matt here had the right words. I'm linking his article on this often misused American phrase.

“The word "whatever" is, to me, one of the most offensive out there when used in a certain way. I used to say it a lot when I was in my first years of high school, until somebody unloaded on me for it. I hadn't realized how offensive I was being, but I agreed with him immediately, and have hated the word ever since.”

...

“...in the context of a more serious conversation, its use can range from rude to devastatingly insulting.

On one end of the spectrum is the ungrateful teenager whose mom calls up to his room and says "What would you like for dinner, Sweetie?" and the kid says "Whatever, Mom." That shows that her efforts will probably go unappreciated, and will at least deflate her desire to do something nice.

Slightly more offensive is when the mom has already made dinner, the kid comes to the table, she smiles and excitedly tells him that she's made his favorite, and the kid says "Whatever, Mom" and picks up the plate and goes to sit in front of the TV. That's worse because it dismisses all the effort and care she went to as not being of any importance to the kid.

The harmfulness of its use varies proportionally with how much the person being scorned cares about what is being scorned. So, if the mom really prides herself on doing special things for her kid and he knows it, it's more hurtful when he says "whatever" than if she was mocking him when she asked what he wanted because she was just going to give him cold spaghetti-o's anyway.

I think the worst possible use of the word (and probably the most common, unfortunately) is in the context of a serious discussion or argument. When people discuss something important to them, they become personally invested in their argument. For however brief a time, they are staking their identity on that argument being respected and hopefully believed by others. To say "whatever" in a situation like that is to express indifference not only to the argument they're making, but also to the person investing herself in that argument. It indicates that her argument is not only wrong, but contemptible and not worthy of a well-reasoned response.”

Read the rest of the article here.

In a more local context, bratty airheads would often use this as a senseless filler of some sort. Fuckin' teenagers.

By the way, Matt is from New England (originally from California). If you'd like to make him happy, leave him a comment. His blog is for adults ONLY, though. So if you are not your legal age, it is advised that you do not pursue the rest of his blog - which contains, from time to time, visuals suitable only for adults. I've been reading his blog for sometime now. Don't let the images of Abercrombie homoerotica scare you (they shouldn't), he can be the most profound person with his more personal entries.

Subic Rape Case: Nicole And Daniel

The Subic Rape Case is to be decided next month, I've heard.

I won't ask your forgiveness. Magalit na ang may nais magalit, dalahin niyo iyan. But I do not believe alias "Nicole" was raped by Cpl Smith and gang. They had sex, yes. But rape? That is yet to be proved. Those feminazis should keep their mouths shut, and their childish flag-burning antics to rest. Save it for the decision. I'm not saying this because Smith is a fellow of my own sex. In the same way that I wouldn't be supporting Nicole (say she really was raped) just because we both sing the same national anthem. I say this because I have a mind of my own, keeping it open as much as possible, and because I choose to keep my opinion an opinion and not go yakking on TV as if I actually knew what happened. Sa madaling salita, huwag tayong mayabang sa opinyon, tutal simula't sapul, pare-pareho lang naman tayong mga walang alam dito. Ano? Ano?

I pray for the truth, whatever it may be.