By Rhona Canoy
SO… The legendary rock group U2 came to the Philippines to perform, a dream-come-true for those who could thoughtlessly afford the exorbitant ticket costs. And because of their lead singer’s penchant to make statements about issues that he feels will bring him closer to the political heart of whatever people he will be singing to, the band’s short stay in our country left behind a s#1t storm of overheated and emotional reactions to words and images displayed during the show.
Personally, I don’t care either way. I mean, there is no question that I like U2’s music. I have, for a long time now. They definitely have the skill and the talent to be called legendary. But as to their political views, that’s where I don’t care either way. It is, after all, so easy to make statements that will incite some emotional reaction if you don’t have to live in the beehive you’re poking at. And for sure, that’s what Peter David Hewson did. By the way, that’s his given name.
And like everyone else, I acknowledge that his personal views and standards serve as his jumping-off point for whatever opinion he may espouse. It’s just amusing to me that we Pinoys find so much “comfort” in thinking that some celebrity may share our opinion (for those who agree with him). By the same token, it’s funny how easy it is for those who disagree with him to express ridicule and negative statements regarding his thoughts.
How easy it is for us to be triggered. Like the bees in the hive. Poke it with a stick and they will defend what they see as theirs, and attack what they see as a threat. So many opinions, so many thoughts. Does it really matter? The man left the day after the concert. Not to be seen or heard from again till the next commercial musical venture. And, no offense to his supporters, I can’t see the logic in putting Maria Ressa and Lea Salonga into the same folder. That’s all I can say about that until I ponder upon it some more.
Let’s leave Bono alone, as he jets through the sky to his next concert venue. But we Pinoys have some thinking to do. What was the big deal about his opinion? It was just an opinion, which some like and some don’t. He can have it, as we all can. I can’t see him as controversial, though. He’s just another Joe poking his nose into other people’s business. And that’s what it is. It’s our business, not his. Until he decides to make a bigger emotional investment in his statements and stays here in Pinas to do something about his dramatically-expressed opinion.
How needy are we that we blossom with the knowledge that some world-famous person takes an interest in our junk (no matter how shallow his interest may be)? Side with him, don’t side with him—think what you like. But either way, if you’re going to be so emotional about Bono’s opinion then do something about it. You live here. He doesn’t. You are the one with the moral obligation to rant and rave about the side you take. About anything, really. Stand up and do something about it.
I heard someone say that pecking at your keyboard in your underwear, or yelling at the TV in your pajamas as some crap is going down doesn’t make you a protester. Only those who take to the streets and willingly risk it all can be called a protester. If you don’t get up and get out to stand for your opinion, then you’re just someone bitching about something you don’t like.
Think about these words: “In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism which is fun to write and to read But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.” Wise and thought-provoking words from Anton Ego, in the cartoon movie Ratatouille.
As for Bono? I’m interested in his music, not his opinion. And Duterte let him leave the country unscathed. There is that.
