When it comes to saying what we mean, and meaning what we say, do we really walk the talk? Or are we just paying lip service to some important issue to look good before others? It’s hip to be a nationalist; in to be green; and laudable to be charitable. It’s normal to want to do good and appear to do so, but wouldn’t you rather that your efforts have a lasting positive impact? We are so impressionable and quick to sign on when we should think twice about what we’re doing, why we are doing it, and what we want to achieve.
Do activists really understand what they're talking about when they shout "down with US cultural imperialism"? I question their sincerity because I see them strutting around in their Levis jeans and Nike rubber shoes, They snack on hamburgers, hotdogs and french fries, and quench their thirst with soft drinks while smoking Marlboro. They hang out in shopping malls, go to discos, watch Hollywood movies, read bestsellers by Stephen King and John Grisham, listen to Nirvana. Nobody is holding a gun to their heads to do these things. Hate US cultural imperialism? Walk the talk, junk everything American.
Everybody is jumping into the environment bandwagon these days. Years ago when the Cebu Business Park was bare except for a building or two we saw a rash of tree-planting activities there during weekends. Organizations and companies subsequently issued news and photo releases of these activities as their "contribution to the environment." Pleeeease. This is nothing more than "trendy environmentalism." For why plant seedlings in an area that will eventually be paved with concrete in two years?
They mean well but a lot of misguided souls think that by planting trees they are doing their part for Mother Earth. Let's not confuse tree-planting as a beautification activity from an environmental effort. The former is about planting trees in some park and sidewalk in urban or residential areas. That's okay, we should have lots of green and shade in the city. When we're talking about the environment with a serious capital E as in ecology, tree-planting is just one component of the reforestation aspect. It has to be done right, too, or it might do more harm than good. For instance, it is always better to plant endemic species instead of introducing new ones to the area.
Save the environment? Walk the talk. Don't litter. Fix the leak in your faucet immediately. Don't waste your food. Save electricity. Don't burn plastics and rubber. Recycle. Don’t use the shower and hose if you have a pail and kabo. Share a ride, organize a carpool to work and school. If we all do a little, we can do a lot.
When we give alms to beggars are we really helping them or are we merely stroking our egos and conscience? Ah, we're so quick to say one thing and do the other. Mother Teresa lived as she believed, preached and taught. Many naturally wish to emulate her example in reaching out to the less fortunate. These well-meaning do-gooders are active in church activities, civic clubs, fundraisers, and charitable causes. But back home they leave children hungry for their parents' love, support, care and attention; and household servants who are denied of their workers' rights such as the legally mandated minimum wage and SSS remittances. Walk the talk, actions speak louder than words.