Lunch time with Mary John was over and as we were walking near Trinity University; a bell struck and some ritual prayer was being broadcasted in the university speakers. If I had been alone; I'd have walked on because I don't belief in such rituals but out of respect of my friend I had to stop and pretend obeisance. Funny thing is, he's not Catholic (from his explanation, he belongs to another denomination of Christianity so essentially not a Roman Catholic like me. But unlike me, he's still a theist). He stopped out of respect of their beliefs.
Well, he knows of my unbelief and he respects them. While I also respect his need for religion. The only comment I make is that I hope he doesn't trade his glorious La Sallian brains and blindly follow someone just because said someone claims he/she hears God speaking through him/her. Anyway, we had a very animated discussion about respect. That while my views are valid; I should also give Roman Catholics respect. However, I disagreed a bit because what does this "respect" mean.
Notice how I'm forced to go along with Catholic religious rituals just because it is the majority's religion. Just because it is the majority position; I have to go along with it because I belong to the minority? I mean I wanted to walk out of a lecture by the Physiology Sensei last December (it wasn't Medicine-related and it was the partly the subject of this entry). He basically invited a religious alumna to share her experiences and emphasizing that belief in the Judeo-Christian god is necessary for one to have values and to survive medical school.
They also emphasized that values come from the bible and it is integral to being good physicians. Part of me wanted to question this; apparently the bible can be the source of all values...well disregarding the genocides. Alas, did not. Well what would you have done had your Physiology professor been lecturing? Would you have risked being given a failing grade?
And this happened when I was questioned by a fellow classmate about my newly-found unbelief. I'm a bit wary answering these types of questions from theists because I know I'd be met with disdain. Oh, I met disdain all-right. Well, not from the questioner, he was genuinely curious, but from his friend. I've made my dislike for her clear but apparently my unbelief cannot be respected. She was acting bored and I was getting the feeling from her that she really didn't want to listen. See, I could tolerate her dislike (she isn't completely faultless by the way; anyway I don't begrudge her dislike of me. I'm not in medical school to be liked by everyone). But I couldn't tolerate sloppy manners and thinking. I mean had I wanted to inquire about their theism; I would have listened whole-heartedly and if I had questions I would have asked them with respect. I mean had she, the one I disliked, been the one speaking about her views I would have listened, at the very least I would have faked listening. But apparently, I belong to the minority so I am easily dismissed.
To be fair, we were all tired from waiting for a long experimental procedure so maybe that wasn't a time for a proper philosophical discourse. Still, really couldn't tolerate sloppy thinking (her manners are somewhat excused but her disdain and lack of respect isn't).
Also, where is "respect" when I can't question their beliefs? How can I turn a blind eye to these items: a woman dies needlessly in an Irish hospital because the fetus still has a fetal heartbeat; never mind if the baby is already dead, our increased HIV cases is partly caused in part by the blind obedience of GMA to the Church's demand that condoms should not be distributed, the cover-up of many child molestation cases (there are many so I'll just cite one) and so much more. See, how can I stomach these many wrongs done by the Church? Also add the pope's erroneous statement that condoms cannot prevent HIV/AIDS. See, as a physician-to-be; I cannot stand by and let these erroneous medical judgements be perpetrated by these so-called "holy men". So imagine how many people has the Church killed or molested either directly and indirectly?
So excuse me for escaping my veneer of apathy but I couldn't stomach these inconsistencies and wrongs. And "respect" doesn't mean I can't question your views; in fact, it means we can question each other. It doesn't mean I have to agree with your views (or you with mine). We can leave the discussion, I refuse to call it a debate because a debate implies a winner and a loser, with disagreements. These disagreements actually strengthen us. Respect means that all views are given equal air time and not just because it belongs to the majority position.
To end this entry; I think the reason why theists have this false idea of respect is due to what is called "The God of Personal Necessity". I provide a part verbatim:
"Of course, it's also one of the hardest fallacies to explain to a
believer because so much of their persona is invested in this delusion. That their god fills their personal requirements so perfectly and
completely is often the reason they subscribe to the 'faith' in the
first place. To consider for one moment that their god might not
conform to their requirements is to attack their entire reason to be
deluded in the first place." Taken from here.
Just because I question your belief does not mean I am attacking you personally; it just means I couldn't stomach the wrong being done by your fellow believers and your religious leaders.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Values from the Big Three
What school are you from?
Red flag alert! You see, when someone asks me that, especially someone who I meet on a dating site; I have a sinking feeling in the deepest pit of my stomach. That only means one thing; there is a high chance that said person is either a La Sallian or Atenean.
But, we are getting ahead of ourselves. The night began as any other night; me, reading my favorite medical school book, Guyton, after exercising. In my favorite haunt, a 24/7 Burger King; really can't study in my room because of the temptation of the bed. Exams were nearing; hence, the necessity for re-re-reading. But I am only mortal and require breaks here and there. And with the presence of the Internet; it's easier to meet random strangers.Then that person send me a message and I sent my contact details. As we were conversing; that infamous question came up.
You see, for me; I really do not care what school you graduate from as long as what you say and do is not idiotic. And if you wave that Isko, Atenean or La Sallian diploma then be prepared to meet my high expectations. And my suspicions were correct; I was speaking to a La Sallian. A fellow brethren; no matter how you spin it Ateneans and La Sallians resemble each other. Both schools have high tuition fees and are run by liberal religious orders. See, I have this rule for not considering my fellow brethren because they have this tendency to be so full of themselves. This tendency is even increased if the course has something to do with the corporate world. But being me; really lenient so decided to give it a shot.
To cut this entry short; it was literally and metaphorically a date from hell. An incarnation of the very essence of the infernal pits if it ever exists. If it doesn't then this experience can serve as basis for said place.
Some snippets of conversation:
"You know, my father bought this condo unit for me" (Notice the false pride; since when has it been bragging rights if someone else bought a very luxurious condo unit for you. So no dignity for the labor of your own hands then?)
"So where is the Ateneo High School Building located?" (Really now, paranoid much?)
"Why are you staring so far off; is the condo unit small?" (It wasn't because I was controlling my anger)
"Eww, you're not that hot; you know, you are okay to look at but I think you should focus on bulking up" (As if my body is any of your business!)
"Are you really a medical student? Come on; show me your ID!" (At this point, I was waiting for the moment that coitus would happen. I was hoping my rage would disappear with the post-coital bliss)
Alas; it did not. I initially said I would spend the night but I couldn't stomach the pomposity and the arrogance. So I stormed out of that condo unit; never mind that I looked like the asshole. If anything good came out of that experience is that I was given the necessary fury to first-read 3.5 Physiology transes at 12 midnight.
During that date; I was really dumbfounded. Where were the values of La Salle? I mean for Ateneans; we are taught "magis" (literally means "more"). So you are expected to be very good at anything and to give it your best shot. Also we are taught to be "cura personalis" ("persons for others"). For La Sallians; I have no idea but I know they are taught values along with excellent education. I mean I have La Sallian friends that I look up to; heck, two of my medical school friends are La Sallians.
I was literally comparing that date with my two La Sallian friends. Let's call them "Mary John" and "Don". Mary John and Don aren't the typical La Sallians; not conyos or anything that would suggest they come from that respectable school in Taft. They are so laid-back and down to earth that I instantly warmed up to both of them (well, I'm closer to Mary John because I had this tendency to use his Iphone during classes and now, his personal wi-fi hot-spot but I digress). See, Mary John is the very quiet type but I wasn't fooled. Day one from spotting him; I knew he was someone to watch for and true enough, behind his quiet and thin demeanor lay the seeds of excellence.
He's the very epitome of what a La Sallian should be; smart yet caring as he demonstrated to me when I, uhm, fucked up. Partied BEFORE an exam and I paid for it for getting exam grades lower than my usual standards. So I mourned it and even came to the verge of crying and asking him his personal assessment if I still had what it took to be a kick-ass physician (well, I don't want to be just any garden-variety physician). With his quiet words of encouragement and his humble smile; he still said yes with the follow-up,"Huwag ka na mag-party before ng exam ah".
So really can't be mad at all La Sallians. I have great respect for that venerable school in Taft; not really into the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry. For me, it can lead to disastrous results because the exaggerated version can lead into disunity and distrust. So what are the values taught by the La Sallian education? If at the end of your La Sallian or Atenean education you end up being like that date from hell; then I feel sorry for you. So don't blame me if I tend to gravitate towards Iskos.
Well, not that all Iskos are down-to-earth but the chances of meeting persons who are full of themselves are markedly increased if said person comes from either that school from Katipunan or Taft and if their courses have something to do with business.
Then again maybe I really have the shittiest luck.
Red flag alert! You see, when someone asks me that, especially someone who I meet on a dating site; I have a sinking feeling in the deepest pit of my stomach. That only means one thing; there is a high chance that said person is either a La Sallian or Atenean.
But, we are getting ahead of ourselves. The night began as any other night; me, reading my favorite medical school book, Guyton, after exercising. In my favorite haunt, a 24/7 Burger King; really can't study in my room because of the temptation of the bed. Exams were nearing; hence, the necessity for re-re-reading. But I am only mortal and require breaks here and there. And with the presence of the Internet; it's easier to meet random strangers.Then that person send me a message and I sent my contact details. As we were conversing; that infamous question came up.
You see, for me; I really do not care what school you graduate from as long as what you say and do is not idiotic. And if you wave that Isko, Atenean or La Sallian diploma then be prepared to meet my high expectations. And my suspicions were correct; I was speaking to a La Sallian. A fellow brethren; no matter how you spin it Ateneans and La Sallians resemble each other. Both schools have high tuition fees and are run by liberal religious orders. See, I have this rule for not considering my fellow brethren because they have this tendency to be so full of themselves. This tendency is even increased if the course has something to do with the corporate world. But being me; really lenient so decided to give it a shot.
To cut this entry short; it was literally and metaphorically a date from hell. An incarnation of the very essence of the infernal pits if it ever exists. If it doesn't then this experience can serve as basis for said place.
Some snippets of conversation:
"You know, my father bought this condo unit for me" (Notice the false pride; since when has it been bragging rights if someone else bought a very luxurious condo unit for you. So no dignity for the labor of your own hands then?)
"So where is the Ateneo High School Building located?" (Really now, paranoid much?)
"Why are you staring so far off; is the condo unit small?" (It wasn't because I was controlling my anger)
"Eww, you're not that hot; you know, you are okay to look at but I think you should focus on bulking up" (As if my body is any of your business!)
"Are you really a medical student? Come on; show me your ID!" (At this point, I was waiting for the moment that coitus would happen. I was hoping my rage would disappear with the post-coital bliss)
Alas; it did not. I initially said I would spend the night but I couldn't stomach the pomposity and the arrogance. So I stormed out of that condo unit; never mind that I looked like the asshole. If anything good came out of that experience is that I was given the necessary fury to first-read 3.5 Physiology transes at 12 midnight.
During that date; I was really dumbfounded. Where were the values of La Salle? I mean for Ateneans; we are taught "magis" (literally means "more"). So you are expected to be very good at anything and to give it your best shot. Also we are taught to be "cura personalis" ("persons for others"). For La Sallians; I have no idea but I know they are taught values along with excellent education. I mean I have La Sallian friends that I look up to; heck, two of my medical school friends are La Sallians.
I was literally comparing that date with my two La Sallian friends. Let's call them "Mary John" and "Don". Mary John and Don aren't the typical La Sallians; not conyos or anything that would suggest they come from that respectable school in Taft. They are so laid-back and down to earth that I instantly warmed up to both of them (well, I'm closer to Mary John because I had this tendency to use his Iphone during classes and now, his personal wi-fi hot-spot but I digress). See, Mary John is the very quiet type but I wasn't fooled. Day one from spotting him; I knew he was someone to watch for and true enough, behind his quiet and thin demeanor lay the seeds of excellence.
He's the very epitome of what a La Sallian should be; smart yet caring as he demonstrated to me when I, uhm, fucked up. Partied BEFORE an exam and I paid for it for getting exam grades lower than my usual standards. So I mourned it and even came to the verge of crying and asking him his personal assessment if I still had what it took to be a kick-ass physician (well, I don't want to be just any garden-variety physician). With his quiet words of encouragement and his humble smile; he still said yes with the follow-up,"Huwag ka na mag-party before ng exam ah".
So really can't be mad at all La Sallians. I have great respect for that venerable school in Taft; not really into the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry. For me, it can lead to disastrous results because the exaggerated version can lead into disunity and distrust. So what are the values taught by the La Sallian education? If at the end of your La Sallian or Atenean education you end up being like that date from hell; then I feel sorry for you. So don't blame me if I tend to gravitate towards Iskos.
Well, not that all Iskos are down-to-earth but the chances of meeting persons who are full of themselves are markedly increased if said person comes from either that school from Katipunan or Taft and if their courses have something to do with business.
Then again maybe I really have the shittiest luck.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Glory of the Vagina
The following exchange happened during the last-minute studying for Physiology (Urinary and Reproductive Physiology). Well, not exactly verbatim.
Me: (Speaking to a girl friend). You know, your vagina is a very beautiful organ
Girl Classmate: It's getting a bit creepy discussing that.
Me: What?! (Got surprised at this point because I was like practically praising their genitalia and yet, here she was acting all bothered and disturbed. I mean I would have totally understood had I been making disparaging remarks about their genitalia but I wasn't. I was like pouring praise upon praise about menstruation, ovulation and pregnancy. Seriously, it is a very beautiful topic. I can only appreciate what women go through intellectually; I don't have a vagina. Hmmm...imagine if I'd been born a woman; I'd be praising penises but I digress)
Me: There's nothing wrong with it; your reproductive cycle is a very beautiful process.
Clearly, there is something wrong when a biological male can freely discuss a woman's vagina while a biological female cannot. Not that I'm reducing women to their vaginas; I mean gender is a very complicated topic. Gender is something not just reducible to one's genitalia. But since I'm a scientist; I only can discuss something that is concrete. And in this case, the human female vagina.
Here I was, after studying the female reproductive tract intensively, spreading my new-found praise and appreciation for what women go through; only to be met with disdain by a biological female.
Women, there is nothing wrong with discussing your vagina. Don't let anyone else discuss it for you (not even me, even if I am a well-intentioned fellow). Own it; spread your own vagina-lore. I mean I understand about treating your vagina as sacrosanct, I agree it is a very divine organ, but does it have to be coupled with profanity. Why does the mere word "vagina" cause you alarm?
See, the problem I have with this line of thinking is that it fosters ignorance of sexual matters. And if we extend this line of thinking further; it fosters sexism in the bedroom. Look at the recent RH Bill debates when Senators Santiago and Cayetano inserted the line "safe and satisfying sex" only to be met with laughter among 5 male senators. And further compounded by Senator Escudero's assumption that just because penile penetration happened; the woman gets an orgasm which of course, is not the case.
And contrast this with the proliferation of penis vandalism; there were many such drawings in Ateneo. So, discussing a penis is okay while vaginas are profane? See the sexual double-standard. Not discussing about the vagina is a very sure way of avoiding unwanted pregnancies; oh wait...why did I just see a girl-child carrying a baby just days ago?
Think on this: Of all organs, only the vagina is capable of physically touching all of humanity. Well, excluding medical interventions such as Cesarian sections and test-tube babies; safe to say, the vagina can touch/is touching/will touch some of humanity. As I write this, a new-born baby has been graced by passage through a vagina. See, nothing profane about your genitalia and in fact, a very beautiful and powerful organ.
So please, stop thinking of your vaginas as profane and freely discuss it.
Me: (Speaking to a girl friend). You know, your vagina is a very beautiful organ
Girl Classmate: It's getting a bit creepy discussing that.
Me: What?! (Got surprised at this point because I was like practically praising their genitalia and yet, here she was acting all bothered and disturbed. I mean I would have totally understood had I been making disparaging remarks about their genitalia but I wasn't. I was like pouring praise upon praise about menstruation, ovulation and pregnancy. Seriously, it is a very beautiful topic. I can only appreciate what women go through intellectually; I don't have a vagina. Hmmm...imagine if I'd been born a woman; I'd be praising penises but I digress)
Me: There's nothing wrong with it; your reproductive cycle is a very beautiful process.
Clearly, there is something wrong when a biological male can freely discuss a woman's vagina while a biological female cannot. Not that I'm reducing women to their vaginas; I mean gender is a very complicated topic. Gender is something not just reducible to one's genitalia. But since I'm a scientist; I only can discuss something that is concrete. And in this case, the human female vagina.
Here I was, after studying the female reproductive tract intensively, spreading my new-found praise and appreciation for what women go through; only to be met with disdain by a biological female.
Women, there is nothing wrong with discussing your vagina. Don't let anyone else discuss it for you (not even me, even if I am a well-intentioned fellow). Own it; spread your own vagina-lore. I mean I understand about treating your vagina as sacrosanct, I agree it is a very divine organ, but does it have to be coupled with profanity. Why does the mere word "vagina" cause you alarm?
See, the problem I have with this line of thinking is that it fosters ignorance of sexual matters. And if we extend this line of thinking further; it fosters sexism in the bedroom. Look at the recent RH Bill debates when Senators Santiago and Cayetano inserted the line "safe and satisfying sex" only to be met with laughter among 5 male senators. And further compounded by Senator Escudero's assumption that just because penile penetration happened; the woman gets an orgasm which of course, is not the case.
And contrast this with the proliferation of penis vandalism; there were many such drawings in Ateneo. So, discussing a penis is okay while vaginas are profane? See the sexual double-standard. Not discussing about the vagina is a very sure way of avoiding unwanted pregnancies; oh wait...why did I just see a girl-child carrying a baby just days ago?
Think on this: Of all organs, only the vagina is capable of physically touching all of humanity. Well, excluding medical interventions such as Cesarian sections and test-tube babies; safe to say, the vagina can touch/is touching/will touch some of humanity. As I write this, a new-born baby has been graced by passage through a vagina. See, nothing profane about your genitalia and in fact, a very beautiful and powerful organ.
So please, stop thinking of your vaginas as profane and freely discuss it.
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