YPS

Considering that today we celebrate a Filipino Hero (and upon receipt of an Email from James/Neil/The man) I've decided to put a few thoughts down.

I have issues about using a person as a "shining example" of change (especially if the only focus is on his heroism) ...if only for the simple reason that arguments may be made against the validity or sincerity of the change via the inevitable dirty laundry that surrounds each and every one of us.

Since Rizal was mentioned in passing ( in Neils email)...I also thought Id mention that a group of us (older) sideline quarterbacks have always expressed doubts about Rizal genius. Could someone have been claimed as so great with nothing said of his flaws? I hardly think so.

Which begs a question; Is this the way we ( Filipinos) look at our heroes? As perfect? Perhaps this is why politicians project perfection in the months prior to elections. And perhaps why we bite? We like our heroes perfect.

Truly, be it Rizal or Ninoy makes no difference to me. I guess Im just too jaded to accept a human being as without flaw.

For me, I fear that in the act of glossing over a hero's human failures we may fail to see the significance of his brilliance.

In the absence of a complete human picture of Rizal or any other hero, that person is caricaturized to the point of unbelievability.

In personifying the ability to effect change in a superhuman package we run the risk of intimidating others into an inability to follow their footsteps.

Or to put it in the context of the greatest superhero of all ( well at least according to Catholics)...even Jesus Christ was allowed a few moments of doubt, anger, frustration, and, if you believe last Sundays gospel, a hint of arrogance and selfishness.

I suppose it is in its humble ( and acknowledged) origins as a lump of coal that the diamond presents its true value.

On this day of Ninoys death,and in the context of the long view of the 2010 elections ( and beyond) I think we should all take a long hard look at how we represent our human agents of change.