Tuesday, July 28, 2009

She Let Me Break the Rules

The Simpsons overdo it, though.

When I was growing up, my parents prohibited us from talking back when an adult, or anybody who's at least 10 years older reprimanded us each time they saw fit. Filipinos see it as an act of respect when a kid shuts his mouth in the face of intolerable criticism by an elder.

Five days ago, I can't believe my mother gave me permission to brazenly retort to a self-righteous, haughty, and pretentious family member who's 20 years my senior. Not that my mom has lost her cultural morals and decided to promote abdication of sense of respect. It was simply the right thing to do.

Sometimes, you can't just sit still in a corner with your lips zipped when your relatives are trampling on you and your dignity, especially when they're trying to haul your dead father into the picture. It's sad that it reached this point, since I thought family will always be family, but I guess there comes a time when you need to defend yourself and immediate kin to folks you learned to venerate most of your life.

Painful words had to be said out of necessity, because it would be downright wrong to opt for silence in a situation that requires you to fight back.

The details, I'll spare you. If you belong to a decent family that values confidentiality, I'm sure you'd comprehend.


7 comments:

bingkee said...

I agree with you. My parents sternly disciplined us and one of the most important thing to do ---is never to talk back to older people----at least even 5 years older than you. I adhered to that rule and embraced it as a moral value . But being assertive and outspoken by nature, there are times, I cannot stop myself from just talking back because it;s the right thing to do and it;s the right thing to say.

You've got a new look here on your blog, Kate. It's like you were in a long hiatus....where were you....kinda miss you na . Hope is all well with you.

Rachel said...

I understand you. I choose my relatives. Hindi ako nakikisama sa ayaw ko.

Panalo ka, girl.

Russ said...

We can only take so much. Shouldn't take sh*t from people.Ü Hope you don't mind me snoopin' around.

Nick Phillips (15/03/1967 - 04/11/2022) said...

Sometimes I believe we should just follow blindly. Standing up (of course within reasons) for what one believes in is sometimes the right thing to do.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

You are mature enough to know what's right or wrong and when to shut up or speak. I just hope you can still patch up your differences with your relatives. It is always wise to choose the path of peace than the path of strife. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.

riablahgs said...

Well, if you know you're right, stick to it.

chubskulit said...

Hi Kate, I'ts bee a while.

My father was very strict to that kind of discipline but sometimes you can't just let other people stump on you.

By the way, I am trying to generate some support for our daughter. We entered her into a Smile Contest, and was wondering if you could please vote for her (just once), the contest runs until October 31st. Your vote would be so much appreciated.

To cast your vote, please go to this link. Please look for Jillian Rylie Cottrill.

Thank you very much!

Rose