Animosity

From the time my mind was filled with all worldly things, I kept on saying my hands weren’t as feminine looking as those girls I see in shows. My hands were like “a boy’s hand,” as I said. But I was unaware when and how I got an idea of the standards of beauty, though I know for certain where I got it — media.

A lot of people have been misled because of the standards set by a society shown through media. A lot would say these skinny, white women and tall, buff guys in shows are the lucky workers since they get to pamper themselves despite the stress. However, they give us nothing but pure entertainment.

The real workers are out in the open. They are busy driving public utility vehicles through the busy streets of Escario, Mandaue, and Talamban to send people to their destinations; they are busy carrying heavy loads in Carbon, Pasil,and Taboan to provide people with necessities; they are busy paying off their debts, realizing they would have to face another one to fill the stomachs of their families.

And yet, here I am complaining that my hands look ugly. In a highly-urbanized city as Cebu, being “in" is such a heavy burden that most people carry. Only a few would take the time to thank the real workers who have served the people of this country.

At a time where concern is the least priority, it is a challenge to thank those people who strive hard, but earn less.