Idiomatic and Problematic

It takes two to tango, there’s the lead but one has a pair of left feet.

There is always this good and bad character in stories, the witch and a princess, the stepmother and the poor real daughter or even the hero and the villain — a protagonist and an archenemy.

It is not obscure in our lives that they exist in our own personal stories yet, at some point, not all enemy thrives with a touching story to be told but rather a point which is unlikely to be helpful or a criticism that is not constructive at all.

Now, let’s watch how this pairs dance — step on each others foot.

An enabler and a victim

“You have the right to remain silent…” A line from the Miranda’s oath, commonly dictated for those accused or suspects to a crime. Yes, they do have a choice, as stated on Article III Section 12 (1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, due process indeed. Justice served if the case runs smooth and the accused is found guilty.

On the other hand, it takes almost forever to hear a “…the accused is found guilty by the court and shall…” A breathtaking moment for the victim to feel safe from the suspect. Here, justice is a painstaking process of waiting, gathering oneself to present the case to a court, find a lawyer willing to defend and even have the means to have one.

With the lack of quality justice system, people rely on the so-called quick justice like trial by publicity. But we must be reminded that there are situations that does not fit a phrase to be tagged on.

For instances, the power of social media, its capability for bandwagon is enormous, however, this bandwagon could lead to an unclear vision. Empathy and emotionally captivating the crowd is one of most notable features one could look into on why a certain story appeals to the public. The more relatable, alarming and concerning, will make a bigger impact, how more if a person would seek justice with the use of platforms.

In terms of that case, trial by publicity starts in criticism which makes it worse for the accused with no succeeding judicial decision or action or accusation without further evidence. It can end on cancelling yet, cancel culture have somehow created some positive reputation.

In other instances, appealing for justice to be served is a good bandwagon if done right. Calling out a person who, in terms of communication, is incapable of delivering a defense for the actions made, thus, the pressure of the public discourse encourages the defendant to be engaged with the victim in order for due process, and at times, offenses also arise from other who have experienced the same event on the same perpetrator.

Then there born this enablers, these were people who defend the perpetrator despite of the evidences laid upon. Though there is no step made but the victim have themselves signs of abuse or harassments, these enablers will still consider that person to be not guilty.

The blamer and the victim

This issue is a usual route, especially for rape cases. The clash of culture/tradition to new norms and the ever changing societal freedom of expression and manifestation of patriarchal ideas.

Harassment and rape is caused by the harasser and the rapist not by the way they dress, look or appear. Wearing clothes that shows way more skin is not an invitation to feast and sexualize the person wearing it. Men experiencing abuse is not something to laugh and especially not an excuse to call them gay. Being part of the LGBTQIA is also not a reason for inequality of all forms.

A victim is a victim no matter what.

in a society where injustice is prevalent, there is hesitations to speak up. the trauma and distress, the criticism and blaming they could get form those makes it more powerful.

I takes two to tango, it takes an enabler and a blamer to destroy the hope for recovery and justice.