My boyfriend Jace and I were having this conversation earlier about how people treat other people depending on what they have achieved in life, their pay grade, or simply, how their credentials are.
We were both disappointed how some measure their respect on another based on how "well-off" they are in life, when in fact everyone—even those who are in the "lower class"—deserve some respect.
As someone who works in customer service (and formerly worked in call centers), he admitted that he usually gets these prejudices. And it's not the first time when other people look down at them or even question their skills or salary.
When we were still dating, he was honest about how intimidated he was with me because I came from one of those big four universities. Him, on the other hand, was just trying to prove his worth even if he considers his work "mundane" but "at least pays the bills".
But in reality, Jace was so good with what he does. He even got praises from his bosses and colleagues recently. Even if he denies it all the time, I felt how exciting his work is and I see how passionate he was with what he does.
Too many times I've heard from other people, especially the older ones, judgments on what someone's status in life is. You've probably heard some of these by now, too.
"Oh, 'yung anak ni ano, hindi naman nakatapos 'yan eh."
"Eh mas mataas pa sahod ng anak ko diyan eh."
"Naka-graduate nga, pero nagtrabaho lang sa call center."
"Ganda ng pinag-aralan, pero housewife lang."
The last two statements might be products of frustration and disappointment, but you get it. There are those who just naturally meddle on other people's lives as if they live and breathe with them.
There are those who tend to look down on others just because they think highly of themselves. That they are far better off.
But what they don't realize is that no matter how high your salary or educational achievement is, it won't even matter if your attitude is trash. Those written on paper won't reflect your character.
Your MAs, PhDs, payslips, and whatnots are not your personality. By the end of the day, what really matters is how you treat people. By the end of the day, you are someone's partner, son/daughter, sister/brother, mom/dad or friend.
***
I always keep in mind three good examples in my life whom I've always I looked up to.
First two are my grandparents—my mom's parents, Lolo Max and Lola Inay.
Lolo Max and Lola Inay weren't even able to finish grade school. They were both orphaned in an early age and had to work their way to survive. But even with the lack of education, they persevered. When they got married and moved to Taguig from Batangas, my Lolo started the tricyle drivers' association here in our area, while my Lola helped him out with a sari-sari store and bakery business.
They had eight children to feed and take care of. All of which grew up well and finished college. (Kudos to my mom, and my Titos and Titas.)
Until now, I am thankful of my grandparents because whatever they taught my mom with on how to value people over their money, she also passes on to me.
Another good example is my own father, Bhoy.
My Papa, for some reason I wouldn't disclose anymore, wasn't able to finish his degree in college. Too many times I've witnessed how they have treated him just because "hindi kasi nakatapos Tatay mo kaya ganyan buhay niyo."
I was aware of our living conditions when I was young. I even had to apply for a scholarship in college just to get by because we couldn't afford the fees, but I was stubborn enough to insist to my parents that I will study in UST.
My parents, especially Papa, worked hard to get us by. He worked in temp jobs and ran whatever business him and my Mama can think of. I remember they even carry boxes of food items or derby boxes (that one where you put your fighting cock before the sabong) from one town to another to offer it to stores.
It wasn't easy but we had to make do. Until now, I can see how they strive hard each day at the store. But luckily, we're now living comfortably—we have our own house now, we can spend whenever we want to, and even have some extra—all thanks to their hard work.
You see, what my mom always say, it's more of your diskarte in life.
***
Anyway, my point being is that you cannot measure a person's worth by just simply looking at their credentials. People are always more than that.
Let me share a quote I got from reading the Harry Potter books. This is one of my favorites from Sirius Black: "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look on how he treats his inferiors. Not his equals."
Treat people on how you want them to treat you. With all that's happening, the world's already mean to us. It doesn't take a lot of effort to be nice sometimes.
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