Argosy S. Nazareno
Offensive Honesty
Is it? Is it when you tell the truth even if a loved one gets hurt? Is it when you write something and your colleagues are offended? Is honesty becoming a taboo in today’s society?
Definitely we can’t please everyone. When we write about certain issues, two sides always emerge. One side will praise you for what you have written and the other scorns. You will be judged and stories will pop out like a plot in a movie. Of course we welcome constructive criticisms with open arms. We are even ecstatic when a piece goes viral.
If I would say that there are employees who are not diligent to their job, they will think that I am intervening with their life. Even if I am just suggesting on what should be done, some might take it negatively. Most people take comments on the contrary, not constructively. They might brand me a meddler but that’s what I am. I only state what’s in our laws and norms. The contents I have written do not point to a single person or a group. The facts are stated in general and the readers are free to comment.
At the outset of the Pandemic, we should reflect on the things we have done to others. We should ask ourselves if we have been diligent to our job in serving not just our family but other people as well. This might be the proper season to address shortcomings and failures. Reflect on your personality if you are still fit to your job or your chosen field. Look at the mirror and ask yourself if that person touched other people by motivation or humiliation.
As they say, be honest even if others are not. In a society where social media is the main tool for airing out comments, concerns and reactions to the current events, issues and trends, public figures are conscious of their moves and actions. We encourage people to be active on social media but we should definitely not tolerate bullies and oppressors. People in the media industry are the sentries and watchdogs.
Honesty is still the best policy. Have you been honest to yourself and to the people around you?
As a columnist, I try to be as honest as possible. I am straightforward, candid and profound. It doesn’t mean that I don’t care about other people’s feelings but I just say and write what i think should be best for our town and the entire province. I write for the sake of Filipinos who don’t have the courage to stand and speak for the truth. When there is an environment wherein we can freely express our sentiments, then we can truly say that there is press freedom.
The truth will set us free. So when does honesty become offensive?