So haven't blogged for awhile; blame the vacation. I have absolutely nothing to rant against...maybe except for those missionaries preaching in buses. Now, I'm well aware that they have the right to freely express themselves but it is so tempting to make their activities illegal. What about my right to freely enjoy the bus journey itself? But enough of that. It's April 2013 with the May 2013 elections looming and guess what; I'm not voting.
Let's see, between you and me; it is such a waste of time and effort. Now, now...before you dismiss this as a rant born out of laziness, lack of civil duty and disgust for my country; in fact, I love my country but I'm not blind to its defects. Kind of how I love my college alma mater. I respect how it molded me and how I currently view the world but it doesn't mean I am not blind as to how some of its graduates are flawed and that's putting it lightly.
Ever notice that most Senators, Congressmen and Presidents, with President Aquino as the very epitome, are idiots. Worse, they win solely on name-recall. In fact, if Corazon Aquino didn't die just before the May 2010 elections; her son wouldn't have won the presidency. Even if some Filipino with some brains campaign; they have little chances of winning. Our current system favors the popular so it is no wonder why Filipino politicians are a)idiots, b)celebrities and/or c)have famous last names. So potential voters like myself who are not easily bought into popularity and have a tendency to scrutinize everything are diminished against the majority of the Filipino populace who tend to view things in a more simplistic manner.
Not saying that the Filipino masses are idiots because that will tend to put the blame entirely on their shoulders. They are partly responsible yes, but the current system is the bigger culprit. Notice how the senatorial candidates campaign as individuals whereas in other countries; politicians campaign as parties with solid platforms, policies and programs. And who can help not notice that our parties are just instruments to power with candidates shifting to the favorable party. In short, when politicians are voted into power; they are voted as individuals with no regard for cooperation.
Our entire system is flawed. There is no escaping this stark reality. You will have some Filipinos proclaim loudly onto cyberspace that "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PHILIPPINES!" but the bitter reality is there is something utterly and devastatingly wrong with the present country. And the sooner one realizes this; the sooner the Philippines can become better.
Let's take poverty: it has remained unchanged since 2006. And this despite the Aquino administration's massive spending on its CCT, conditional cash transfer, programs. Gee, when you tend to provide dole-outs (let us not kid ourselves, no matter how many word-plays the Aquino administration provides; it is in essence a DOLE-OUT), it makes people dependent on other people to succeed. In other words, you are just promoting a culture of free-loading and mendicancy.
So do we take to the countryside and wage open war on the current government? Let's see, an armed group has been doing that for so long: do you really want to give your lives for an outdated ideology that has already been proven inapplicable in reality?
I propose these solutions:
Let us start at the personal level. The sooner you realize that no one can save your self except for your self; the better. Take for instance alms-giving. I used to give money to those who were asking but thanks to encountering a very self-entitled man along the avenue of E. Rodriguez I've longed discontinued the practice.
Seriously, I mean imagine me walking alongside E. Rodriguez when I get accosted by this man, along with his family and child, asking me for money because he forgot to bring enough to commute back home. So I asked him all sorts of questions but for some reason I felt he was a scam artist; by an act of coincidence, I also encountered a scam artist along E. Rodriguez. In the end, I didn't give him money. And he had the nerve to get all high and mighty with me! Imagine, the very nerve! I was seething inside because first of all, not my fucking fault you forgot to budget enough money to commute back home and second of all, you should be ashamed that a grown man like you is begging for money from a complete stranger in front of your child. I just stared at him, not wanting to make this father seem more impotent in front of his child; I'm not that cruel.
It may seem a sadistic philosophy but what would you prefer, babying other adults? It is this sense of mendicancy that pervades the Philippines and you wonder why we don't progress. And by extension, how some politicos get into office. And how the Catholic Church got its stranglehold over the populace in the first place.
And the more far-reaching solution: support Constitutional Reform. See, those idiotic politicos are given the chance to assume political power because our 1987 Constitution is especially designed that those with popularity win. And by extension, why jobs are so scarce here. The very ultimate example: our UPCM, University of the Philippines College of Medicine, doctors are working as doctors...IN THE USA! Oh, don't get mad at them; get mad at the 1987 Constitution with all those economic restrictions.
Until that wretched 1987 Constitution is corrected don't expect our politics to progress beyond popularity and name-recall. Don't even get shocked if Nancy Binay manages to become a Senator because that's how our Constitution is designed.
Until that time, don't expect me to vote.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
A Priori Assumptions
These are assumptions that already have it's conclusion beforehand. The very common example of this is "
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. If you are an atheist, why you do affirm that God does not exist?". I encountered this early on in my life in high school when a professor uttered this formulation: "you cannot deny something which does not exist". So, at first glance; seems my unbelief is unjustified and in fact, I held on to this formulation as basis for believing in a god.
However, this is a very good example of a priori assumptions meaning that the existence of a god is already assumed when it should be the other way around: assume first a neutral stance, a god does or does not exist. Then, you go about proving your deity's existence.
Let's use this analogy:
Suppose you want to discover a cure for cancer. You don't start with the assumption that there exists a cure for cancer. You start by assuming there doesn't exist a cure then you search for answers that will lead you to said cure. Imagine the laughter you'd get if you were to defend your research protocol with the a priori assumption that you already have a cure for cancer.
I post about this because I encountered this argument in the Filipino Freethinkers Facebook page. A theist, a Theology student, posted it and I had the pleasure of refuting his biological justification, he used the existence of the genetic code to argue for the existence of an intelligent god; so I had cause to jump in. And I was a bit disappointed with the refutation he gave me: original sin caused those genetic imperfections meaning because Adam and Eve did it and by extension the bible is literal. So imagine hard science facts, I used the existence of introns and exons, genetic diseases and reverse transcriptase to argue against an intelligent god, while he used Adam and Eve. Can you imagine if he was to defend a scientific thesis?
Anyway, I mention that incident because such people, theists, always cheat on their arguments. They always assume beforehand that their god exists and instead of resorting to hard facts like Science they always use long philosophical ramblings or their holy book.
So if someone wants to prove a god's existence, it's very simple: provide evidence. However, I will tell you that these things DO NOT count as evidence:
1. the bible (do you really want to go there? With your god condoning slavery, genocides, rape, misogyny and torture)
2. subjective experiences like miracles and apparitions (I mean it should be something objective meaning I, personally, can go out and check it INDEPENDENT of you. Heck, use this as evidence and I'll think there's something wrong with your pre-frontal cortex.)
And please, do not even think of shifting the burden of proof on me. The one who proposes the claim (God exists) must be the one who proves it.
However, this is a very good example of a priori assumptions meaning that the existence of a god is already assumed when it should be the other way around: assume first a neutral stance, a god does or does not exist. Then, you go about proving your deity's existence.
Let's use this analogy:
Suppose you want to discover a cure for cancer. You don't start with the assumption that there exists a cure for cancer. You start by assuming there doesn't exist a cure then you search for answers that will lead you to said cure. Imagine the laughter you'd get if you were to defend your research protocol with the a priori assumption that you already have a cure for cancer.
I post about this because I encountered this argument in the Filipino Freethinkers Facebook page. A theist, a Theology student, posted it and I had the pleasure of refuting his biological justification, he used the existence of the genetic code to argue for the existence of an intelligent god; so I had cause to jump in. And I was a bit disappointed with the refutation he gave me: original sin caused those genetic imperfections meaning because Adam and Eve did it and by extension the bible is literal. So imagine hard science facts, I used the existence of introns and exons, genetic diseases and reverse transcriptase to argue against an intelligent god, while he used Adam and Eve. Can you imagine if he was to defend a scientific thesis?
Anyway, I mention that incident because such people, theists, always cheat on their arguments. They always assume beforehand that their god exists and instead of resorting to hard facts like Science they always use long philosophical ramblings or their holy book.
So if someone wants to prove a god's existence, it's very simple: provide evidence. However, I will tell you that these things DO NOT count as evidence:
1. the bible (do you really want to go there? With your god condoning slavery, genocides, rape, misogyny and torture)
2. subjective experiences like miracles and apparitions (I mean it should be something objective meaning I, personally, can go out and check it INDEPENDENT of you. Heck, use this as evidence and I'll think there's something wrong with your pre-frontal cortex.)
And please, do not even think of shifting the burden of proof on me. The one who proposes the claim (God exists) must be the one who proves it.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
A Conversation While Walking Near Trinity
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 14, 2012
A Physician's Integrity
That adjective that we demand of all people yet so hard to achieve. This came from a lecture in Physiology by the Physiology Sensei; you'll see why if you see him in person. Anyway, he has this habit of inserting guest speakers into his lectures talking about principles that future physicians should have. However, the downside is he is a bit religious; so during those talks I feel like a minority. Oh don't get me wrong; I agree with his intentions: strike them while they're still in 1st year Medicine and that's partly what the intention of SLCM - WHQM to begin with. We're not just taught Medicine but also values. Let's just say I tune out when the speaker mentions a god but the rest of the substance of the talks; I agree.
Anyway, what brought about this talk from Physiology Sensei is he was slightly disturbed when a very unethical practice was brought to his attention: the request of procedures that are not even needed so that PhilHealth has no choice but to reimburse the requesting physician. Did I scare you off from our Filipino physicians? Oh, this practice is not just limited in the Philippines; some physicians in the U.S. do the same principle. So yes, some physicians are a bit unethical that they value money over the patient.
So I better react to his talk while endorphins are pumping through my body. Sure, its unethical but let's take a look at the journey a physician-wannabe takes. After an undergraduate course in a college, he/she enrolls in a medical school (in the Philippines, medical education is for 5 years). And then, residency training so that he/she becomes a specialist. That takes an additional 3-6 years. And if he/she wants to sub-specialize, that is to add another segment of knowledge to specialization just attained, then it takes another 3 years at the most. So let's add them all up: 5+3+3 = 11 years or 5+6+3 = 14 years. So take note, the average age of a medical student is 21; for the rest of his/her 20s are spent in books and studying. These are the prime years of a human's life. So if for some they have already earned their first million in their 20's; for us, we earn that in our 40's.
I haven't mentioned the cost and the effort and the stress that it entails in getting that MD and other initials after one's surname. And here's somewhat of a downside; we are expected to provide cheap service. Our attorney-brethren, on the other hand, have very high legal fees. Not that I have any problem with the legal profession but there is something inherently wrong if a person who saves lives is valued less over a person who exists to give honeyed-words. Sure, I agree with the cheap service provision. We exist to serve human life.
But I have to disagree if it is all the time. Excuse me, how much did we study, how much years of our lives did we give up and not to mention the stress? And in fact, I posited this question to 2 of my friends.
Me: So are you willing to provide the best of your abilities if in exchange it's only a "salamat doc"?
Them: Heck no!
Well to be fair, I asked them an extreme case. No physician in his/her sane mind would ever say yes to that. A "salamat doc" doesn't feed me, doesn't pay my rent and doesn't clothe me. So I posed this follow-up question:
Me: So are you willing to provide pro-bono work for some cases?
Them: Yes.
However, the downside is that it was based on the assumption they would be having a decent practice. That is one of the problems facing Philippine Healthcare: our physicians do not want to go to the provinces. Believe it or not, there are some people in this country who have not even seen a medical doctor. Our doctors are concentrated in the urban areas. Because face it; we have to eat, we might want to start a family and we have wants too.
Look at UPCM. Almost all of their graduates are abroad; so, part of your money goes into funding physicians for other countries especially the USA. But, don't get mad just yet. Have you been to UP-PGH? Are you aware of the burden on those dear 160 students, how much they have to study and what is expected of them? So, if you ask me; I don't really blame them for going out of the country. Sure, they got a cheap medical education but the UPCM environment is a very stressful one. Their clerks and interns face a different level of hell in PGH compared to private hospitals (not that its easier in private hospitals; it's more of the equipment is lacking and the increased patient load).
Oh you might think I'm going to be a money-grabbing physician; I assure you I won't be. It's just that I'm offering a pragmatic analysis. In fact, I'm a bit angry with then-Senator Noynoy's speech to the graduating class of UPCM (forgot which year, just go to pinoy.md and search for it there). It was the same "please, please serve our country!". No mention of health reforms, salary increases and manageable workload. So are we expected to just take it? Are we just going to easily sacrifice? So easy to say for those outside the medical field but for us in this field; it's a different proposition. Remember, our parents paid like a million pesos for our medical education; so are we just to sublimate our desires and their sacrifices? And not to mention, residency doesn't have a formal salary. Really, really being pragmatic over here.
To future medical doctors: yes, this is the dilemma you will have to face. If you want to walk away from your dream then better do it before your entry to a medical school rather than after graduation. If still you want to continue with our profession; you're like me, insane but committed and I commend you and I welcome you with open arms.
I really don't have the answers but I hope that at least some people will value our Filipino physicians instead of looking at us as automatons of diagnosis. Remember, we are human beings like you. We eat, breathe and get tired also. Get out of that self-entitled mentality Filipinos seem to have!
Reforms would be nice; getting paid the best salary eases our burden a bit because let's face it, we also need money. I'm not averse to providing free services but I have to limit it to "depends on the situation".
Anyway, what brought about this talk from Physiology Sensei is he was slightly disturbed when a very unethical practice was brought to his attention: the request of procedures that are not even needed so that PhilHealth has no choice but to reimburse the requesting physician. Did I scare you off from our Filipino physicians? Oh, this practice is not just limited in the Philippines; some physicians in the U.S. do the same principle. So yes, some physicians are a bit unethical that they value money over the patient.
So I better react to his talk while endorphins are pumping through my body. Sure, its unethical but let's take a look at the journey a physician-wannabe takes. After an undergraduate course in a college, he/she enrolls in a medical school (in the Philippines, medical education is for 5 years). And then, residency training so that he/she becomes a specialist. That takes an additional 3-6 years. And if he/she wants to sub-specialize, that is to add another segment of knowledge to specialization just attained, then it takes another 3 years at the most. So let's add them all up: 5+3+3 = 11 years or 5+6+3 = 14 years. So take note, the average age of a medical student is 21; for the rest of his/her 20s are spent in books and studying. These are the prime years of a human's life. So if for some they have already earned their first million in their 20's; for us, we earn that in our 40's.
I haven't mentioned the cost and the effort and the stress that it entails in getting that MD and other initials after one's surname. And here's somewhat of a downside; we are expected to provide cheap service. Our attorney-brethren, on the other hand, have very high legal fees. Not that I have any problem with the legal profession but there is something inherently wrong if a person who saves lives is valued less over a person who exists to give honeyed-words. Sure, I agree with the cheap service provision. We exist to serve human life.
But I have to disagree if it is all the time. Excuse me, how much did we study, how much years of our lives did we give up and not to mention the stress? And in fact, I posited this question to 2 of my friends.
Me: So are you willing to provide the best of your abilities if in exchange it's only a "salamat doc"?
Them: Heck no!
Well to be fair, I asked them an extreme case. No physician in his/her sane mind would ever say yes to that. A "salamat doc" doesn't feed me, doesn't pay my rent and doesn't clothe me. So I posed this follow-up question:
Me: So are you willing to provide pro-bono work for some cases?
Them: Yes.
However, the downside is that it was based on the assumption they would be having a decent practice. That is one of the problems facing Philippine Healthcare: our physicians do not want to go to the provinces. Believe it or not, there are some people in this country who have not even seen a medical doctor. Our doctors are concentrated in the urban areas. Because face it; we have to eat, we might want to start a family and we have wants too.
Look at UPCM. Almost all of their graduates are abroad; so, part of your money goes into funding physicians for other countries especially the USA. But, don't get mad just yet. Have you been to UP-PGH? Are you aware of the burden on those dear 160 students, how much they have to study and what is expected of them? So, if you ask me; I don't really blame them for going out of the country. Sure, they got a cheap medical education but the UPCM environment is a very stressful one. Their clerks and interns face a different level of hell in PGH compared to private hospitals (not that its easier in private hospitals; it's more of the equipment is lacking and the increased patient load).
Oh you might think I'm going to be a money-grabbing physician; I assure you I won't be. It's just that I'm offering a pragmatic analysis. In fact, I'm a bit angry with then-Senator Noynoy's speech to the graduating class of UPCM (forgot which year, just go to pinoy.md and search for it there). It was the same "please, please serve our country!". No mention of health reforms, salary increases and manageable workload. So are we expected to just take it? Are we just going to easily sacrifice? So easy to say for those outside the medical field but for us in this field; it's a different proposition. Remember, our parents paid like a million pesos for our medical education; so are we just to sublimate our desires and their sacrifices? And not to mention, residency doesn't have a formal salary. Really, really being pragmatic over here.
To future medical doctors: yes, this is the dilemma you will have to face. If you want to walk away from your dream then better do it before your entry to a medical school rather than after graduation. If still you want to continue with our profession; you're like me, insane but committed and I commend you and I welcome you with open arms.
I really don't have the answers but I hope that at least some people will value our Filipino physicians instead of looking at us as automatons of diagnosis. Remember, we are human beings like you. We eat, breathe and get tired also. Get out of that self-entitled mentality Filipinos seem to have!
Reforms would be nice; getting paid the best salary eases our burden a bit because let's face it, we also need money. I'm not averse to providing free services but I have to limit it to "depends on the situation".
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Chameleon
Masks and that verb that accompanies it: judging. All of us have masks. Some don masks because of professional reasons. It lessens the dignity of, let's say, a doctor if he/she acts like a child while in the vicinity of his/her office. And some don them because they've been hurt so they wear a fake persona in order to avoid getting hurt. It's safer that people think you're an ass rather than show who you really are. A sense of laughter can be derived from the fact that you show a caricature of yourself.
Well, I've recently confessed to a former batch mate of my decisions and some revelations that you wouldn't expect of me. Let's see: there's this 5'10" guy who always smiles and is seemingly oblivious of the world...but he contemplated on killing himself. I know, the irony still makes me smile. A very happy guy but had, once upon a time, suicidal tendencies. What, were you expecting me to be all dressed in black and depressed all the time?
Anyway, I also told her that I wasn't really being myself during my time in undergrad. I was scared and scarred because of prior experiences. Let's just say my dislike of a current classmate and my abhorrence for religion is connected. Both are unified by an act of judgement. Anyway, just recently did any lingering sense of self-loathing was washed away but still the caricature remains.
Part of it is my personality. I took the Enneagram Psych test and low and behold; it revealed I'm an Achiever/Perfectionist. Sure, it fit me because I'm always this driven guy but hates conflict and not in touch with his emotions. Believe it or not; really used to be mature thinking and acting back when I was a little kid but kids being judgmental ass-wipes took note and made fun of that. And one of the characteristics of Achievers according to Enneagram is that they are chameleons able to adapt. So adapt I did. My adaptability was so effective that my parents, brothers and close friends were not aware of my past suicidal tendencies. Heck, I even believe half of my classmates believe I am this oblivious jock-looking dumb-ass who is not capable of insight; but again that was the point. A caricature to shield one's heart from potential harm. A decoy so to speak.
Hence, the caricature was made. If you think I'm not aware of how annoying I can get; I'm aware. That is exactly the point. Better people think you're aloof, clueless and a dumb-ass rather than be involved with potential enemies and get potentially hurt. I know, a bit paranoid but when you were raised on a diet of nothing but judgmental bitches, girl classmates who did nothing but judge you and being in the Philippines and being born male you cannot physically nor verbally harm them; you sublimate your rage and anger and channel it into lies. I know, idiotic. We can all laugh about it right now but that was my rationale back then.
So yes, I lie. Everyone lies as Dr. House would say. In my case; I'm an effective liar. Well, maybe not a liar but an effective salesman. I know what to pitch to other people so as they have a "correct" impression of me. I can be friendly, formal and even flirty. Believe me, given the proper instruction, I can assume almost any personality-type. Looking back at it right now; maybe that was why I was so fixated upon finding a relationship. Because the caricature was getting tiresome. Putting up a facade gets tiring even with friends so you long for that person who you can be yourself and you're confident that whatever you say and do will not be met with judgement, only acceptance. Believe me, haven't been honest with any of you people (well except for Unexpected Friends).
Well, I did get that in the form of Tanduay Ice Person. Maybe not the relationship, I got friend-zoned after all, but the non-judgmental encompassing acceptance I've been searching for but sadly, haven't gotten in a long long time. So maybe that's why I'm not anymore caring if Prospect becomes Current Reality. Well, if it progresses into that; all well and good. But it's not anymore a priority. Relationship or friendship is acceptable. More positive energies and outcomes for me! The priority is the insane dream of physician-hood.
But I don't think I'm going to let go of the caricature. It's been a part of me for so long that I'll still be Gibs communicating with people through his Iphone (that was from "Ang Nawawala"; a great Cinemalaya film so watch it now!). So yes, still going to be a suplado but who knows; I'll gradually lift the facade little by little. Maybe a little less annoying but its great fun! Anyway, it's a work in progress and I'm not rushing.
To end it: this was written in response to Classmate code-named "L" who is near my height. And I blame the exchange gift; so effective.
Well, I've recently confessed to a former batch mate of my decisions and some revelations that you wouldn't expect of me. Let's see: there's this 5'10" guy who always smiles and is seemingly oblivious of the world...but he contemplated on killing himself. I know, the irony still makes me smile. A very happy guy but had, once upon a time, suicidal tendencies. What, were you expecting me to be all dressed in black and depressed all the time?
Anyway, I also told her that I wasn't really being myself during my time in undergrad. I was scared and scarred because of prior experiences. Let's just say my dislike of a current classmate and my abhorrence for religion is connected. Both are unified by an act of judgement. Anyway, just recently did any lingering sense of self-loathing was washed away but still the caricature remains.
Part of it is my personality. I took the Enneagram Psych test and low and behold; it revealed I'm an Achiever/Perfectionist. Sure, it fit me because I'm always this driven guy but hates conflict and not in touch with his emotions. Believe it or not; really used to be mature thinking and acting back when I was a little kid but kids being judgmental ass-wipes took note and made fun of that. And one of the characteristics of Achievers according to Enneagram is that they are chameleons able to adapt. So adapt I did. My adaptability was so effective that my parents, brothers and close friends were not aware of my past suicidal tendencies. Heck, I even believe half of my classmates believe I am this oblivious jock-looking dumb-ass who is not capable of insight; but again that was the point. A caricature to shield one's heart from potential harm. A decoy so to speak.
Hence, the caricature was made. If you think I'm not aware of how annoying I can get; I'm aware. That is exactly the point. Better people think you're aloof, clueless and a dumb-ass rather than be involved with potential enemies and get potentially hurt. I know, a bit paranoid but when you were raised on a diet of nothing but judgmental bitches, girl classmates who did nothing but judge you and being in the Philippines and being born male you cannot physically nor verbally harm them; you sublimate your rage and anger and channel it into lies. I know, idiotic. We can all laugh about it right now but that was my rationale back then.
So yes, I lie. Everyone lies as Dr. House would say. In my case; I'm an effective liar. Well, maybe not a liar but an effective salesman. I know what to pitch to other people so as they have a "correct" impression of me. I can be friendly, formal and even flirty. Believe me, given the proper instruction, I can assume almost any personality-type. Looking back at it right now; maybe that was why I was so fixated upon finding a relationship. Because the caricature was getting tiresome. Putting up a facade gets tiring even with friends so you long for that person who you can be yourself and you're confident that whatever you say and do will not be met with judgement, only acceptance. Believe me, haven't been honest with any of you people (well except for Unexpected Friends).
Well, I did get that in the form of Tanduay Ice Person. Maybe not the relationship, I got friend-zoned after all, but the non-judgmental encompassing acceptance I've been searching for but sadly, haven't gotten in a long long time. So maybe that's why I'm not anymore caring if Prospect becomes Current Reality. Well, if it progresses into that; all well and good. But it's not anymore a priority. Relationship or friendship is acceptable. More positive energies and outcomes for me! The priority is the insane dream of physician-hood.
But I don't think I'm going to let go of the caricature. It's been a part of me for so long that I'll still be Gibs communicating with people through his Iphone (that was from "Ang Nawawala"; a great Cinemalaya film so watch it now!). So yes, still going to be a suplado but who knows; I'll gradually lift the facade little by little. Maybe a little less annoying but its great fun! Anyway, it's a work in progress and I'm not rushing.
To end it: this was written in response to Classmate code-named "L" who is near my height. And I blame the exchange gift; so effective.
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