The Bland Taste of Apathy

The world has exceeded its “problem quota” for the past year, and now entering the second quarter of 2021, it still shows an unwanted consistency. Let’s talk about these issues—or not? These demand everyone’s attention—does it? All of us should be concerned—should we? The contrast of being involved versus looking through apathetic lenses. You see, in a world full of “events” in general, people tend to turn a blind eye to things that they find troublesome. Fading into the background as issues get too loud. Now, considering how Ateneo runs carrying the Ignatian values on its back, is it justifiable for Ateneans to get a pass on being apathetic, or should we check our privileges? Socio-political issues are known for having to pick a side and standing up for what you think is just. But there’s a gray area in this picture and it’s called “the neutral side.” Choosing to sit down on the neutral side because it doesn’t involve them, or simply because there’s no point in trying to get involved and be concerned. Perceiving it as a waste of time and the thought of “nothing will change even if I try so might as well stay put.” Some would even say that the country is way past signing petitions and protesting for the issues at hand to be fixed and be rid of—basically saying that it’s hopeless so why bother. Others would pitch in with sentiments like “it doesn’t even affect me so it doesn’t concern me, thus, my attention is unwarranted.” There may be other variations of these types of reasons or completely different ones but most of these root from a place of privilege. Availing the privilege of not being the first line of individuals who get the blow from whatever’s happening, and being able to sit back and let matters unfold by themselves. Most are unaware of this and some deny it, but in the grand scheme of things, everyone is involved and attention is needed where attention is due. To whom it may concern, take advantage of that privilege and stand up for what’s right. Being a bystander feigning ignorance does absolutely nothing, it’s time to step out of the gray area. Excuses such as having no idea what’s going on have been less credible and believable considering the time we spend with screens stuck to our faces. We practically have gone virtual, and this may be one factor that contributes to students’ apathetic perspective on reality. How? Well, seeing everything online creates sort of an illusion, like watching a movie where everything is fictional. This detachment from the outside world heightens the level of apathy students have as they have a harder time truly fathoming the magnitude of these issues. This is a concern worth fixing, we should remind and educate ourselves to react critically on the important matters of society. Deliberately choosing to neglect and ignore is something one should reflect upon—what does that say about yourself? It’s not even about being Ateneans that we should immerse ourselves in being active in these conversations and engage in acts that contribute to massive movements, it is the fact that we are Ateneans who are taught with values that render us with more responsibility to be involved. It calls for making use of what we’ve learned and applying it to the real world instead of putting it to waste and disregarding it after a passing grade on the report card. Taking action doesn’t mean starting meaningless fights and arguments online—educate yourself and begin from there. We should be appropriate on what we post, share or join, and be mature in handling any feedback that may come after. For those who are wary of the backlash or the conflicting opinions, a sense of duty is required of you or you could always start small since there’s no shame in trying to uphold what’s right. There are other means of countering apathy, but it always starts with yourself. For starters, we always hear the word awareness but have we ever listened to it? In the words of Oprah, “Were you silent or were you silenced?” and assuming that there’s no one stopping us, that should be enough for us to speak up for a good cause. Staying silent allows these issues to fester and give those accountable a free pass. One might think that the bland taste in the mouth may be a symptom of the virus, but it might be just the lingering taste of apathy.