Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary media trends is undeniably captivating. As we embrace a more technologically driven approach, it reshapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. However, the influx of these trends has blurred the line between reality and the virtual realm, perpetuating unrealistic stereotypes and expectations.
This realization has led me to a profound understanding: I have been mistaken every step of the way. My entire existence has been a continuous learning and growth journey, where I recognize the fallibility of my beliefs about myself, others, society, and the world. This awareness fuels my pursuit of a fulfilling life as I embrace the possibility of being proven wrong and remain open to the transformative experiences that lie ahead.
Change is an undeniable and constant reality in our lives. The world has transformed into a digital realm, impacting communication and connectivity. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram have become powerful tools, facilitating interactive experiences and effortless information sharing. People have become more aware of global events and the lives of others as news and updates spread rapidly.
Initially, it seemed entertaining to contemplate. I've had my fair share of enjoyable
experiences. However, as I found myself entangled in the endless web of posts and claims, I realized that social media has turned us into mere figurines on display, vulnerable to the merciless judgment of the public.
In the bygone era during the early 2010s, which I affectionately refer to as the "glory days" because it lacked the toxicity we see today, Facebook was a platform for sharing content and memories, not for boasting or seeking attention. I can still vividly recall my older sister capturing a video of me dancing to Beyonce's "Single Ladies," shared on YouTube and Facebook when I was 6 years old. It was embarrassingly amusing, considering I was just a child back then, but oddly enough, people didn't seem to care. Only those we knew watched those videos. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted in the present context.
In today's interconnected world, most individuals are actively present in the virtual realm of the internet. Social media platforms have allowed everyone to showcase themselves to the world. However, amidst this digital landscape, we are confronted with a troubling abundance of content that reinforces harmful stereotypes. It has become commonplace for people to flaunt expensive and trendy fashion items or accessories, perpetuating a culture of materialism. Furthermore, idealized relationship standards are often glorified, while simultaneously, posts and comments promoting discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia have gained an alarming foothold.
The online environment has become saturated with content that perpetuates harmful norms and fosters an atmosphere of exclusion and prejudice. This widespread dissemination of harmful messages not only normalizes discriminatory attitudes but also exacerbates social divisions.
What do these types of content have in common? They are not aimed at fostering individual empowerment or simply sharing one's daily life. Instead, they strive to captivate and appease the virtual audience. For some individuals, the affirmation they receive from others fuels their ego and pride because it validates their existence. We flaunt our lives and make judgments on the lives of others through the many platforms at our disposal. If this is the case, imagine if my "Single Ladies" video would be posted in 2023. I would likely be subjected to ridicule for displaying flamboyance, degraded for being gay, and suppressed to conform to idealized standards of behavior.
People often fail to distinguish between constructive criticism and mere insults. In the Philippines, a so-called democratic nation, social media is considered a free space, and individuals tend to exploit it positively and negatively. Unfortunately, we have deceived ourselves into believing that our entitlement to our opinions grants us the right to say whatever we please. However, this mentality must recognize that we need to be more suitable to judge others quickly. Instead of demanding, "Respect my opinion," we should advocate for "Respect for all individuals on social media."
Why do we go to such great lengths to seek approval from others? One reason is happiness, which is often our ultimate goal. We have embraced the notion that some form of ultimate happiness exists or a utopian state of complete satisfaction that can be attained. We like to believe that we can discover ways to permanently alleviate our suffering and find everlasting fulfillment in our lives. However, the harsh reality is that we cannot.
Undoubtedly, social media plays a significant role in shaping our identities, turning us into metaphorical actors who strive to control our public image. We act based on how others perceive us. Unknowingly, we have allowed even the most minor details to assume immense significance. Our appearance, possessions, and the number of "likes" we receive have become the measuring tools for how we are treated and valued. A minor flaw or mistake can lead to a lifetime of ridicule and mockery, leaving us feeling irreparably shattered, like the fragile glass we are afraid to become.
What we all fear the most is falling short. It's disheartening and demoralizing to not live up to societal pressures, but it's even more painful when we fail to meet our expectations. When you look in the mirror, you see only your own reflection. That's the obstacle you must overcome. People and society as a whole have incredibly high expectations of you. It's as if those expectations tower over skyscrapers.
We have willingly immersed ourselves in a culture of hedonism, idolization, and perfection to the point where society has become nothing more than a superficial spectacle. Our deep longing to surpass others has transformed us into fragile porcelain dolls with empty hearts. We have become puppets, manipulated by the strings of our obsessions and insecurities, mindlessly carrying out actions without considering the consequences. We can either conform to trends or forge our own paths. When all else fails, we often resort to bringing others down because we cannot bear the sight of someone being successful where we have failed. It's shameful that even if we were perfect dolls, we could still be abandoned and prejudiced, as nothing is truly permanent. Superficial things like public admiration and affection lose their significance if we cease to matter in the eyes of others.
Growing up in a society that promotes idealistic standards, the fear of failure has often overwhelmed me to the point of losing my sense of self. The thought of disappointing others and being perceived as useless haunted me as I sought validation through their judgment. It's essential to recognize that no one plans to fail in life. However, failure is an inevitable part of the human experience. Despite my deep-seated fear, I have learned to continually remind myself that it is perfectly alright to make mistakes.
Just like everyone else, I am an imperfect human being, prone to errors. I am still a work in progress, continuously learning and growing. Mistakes, in fact, serve as valuable lessons that have granted me the courage to improve. I have come to understand that making mistakes is a natural part of life, and there is nothing inherently wrong with them as long as I take responsibility and learn from them, striving to correct and avoid them in the future.
My fear of failure is deeply rooted in the fear of rejection, and accepting this reality has been challenging. However, rather than fearing people's "No," I have learned to embrace it. It has taught me the importance of perseverance because regret inevitably follows when we give up too quickly. The sting of shame is particularly potent because we realize that we could have done better if we had taken a chance instead of giving up prematurely. This change in perception has allowed me to reflect on my mistakes and make corrections for the benefit of my future self. I have come to understand that life is not always fair, and instead of succumbing to adversity, I choose to find reasons to keep fighting. It may be the fighter spirit within me, nurtured by my Filipino heritage.
I've encountered numerous discouraging remarks aimed at me, such as "You're not good enough." I am well aware of my limitations. I have never claimed to be perfect in the eyes of everyone. However, I firmly believe that I am enough in my own unique way, embracing my imperfections and reflecting my genuine self. I refuse to become a mere reflection of the insecurities projected onto me by others, as that does not define who I am or what a person should aspire to be.
Living in this era of advanced technology, I've noticed a tendency for people to offer unrealistic and overly optimistic advice, such as "You shouldn't pay attention to what others say about you" or "Just ignore them." This toxic positivity fails to acknowledge the fact that regardless of how thick-skinned we may be, the words and actions of others can still have a demoralizing impact. As human beings, we are inherently vulnerable. We are not robots designed to endure constant criticism from those who fail to appreciate our worth.
We must recognize our value and prioritize our well-being rather than treat ourselves as punching bags for those who cannot truly see and appreciate our worth.
In our journey toward personal growth, reaching a state of acceptance is ultimately crucial. However, we must recognize that this is a challenging task. As the Tagalog says, "Madaling sabihin pero mahirap gawin" (It's easy to say but hard to do), and this rings true regarding our desire to improve ourselves. Acceptance does not happen overnight or within a few weeks. It often takes significant time for us to come to terms with our strengths and weaknesses, and each person progresses at their own pace. The key is to acknowledge them.
When we genuinely embrace ourselves for who we are, with all our imperfections, no amount of shaming or insults can deter us. Yes, it still hurts, but why should we allow it to inflict further pain? By recognizing our worth and accepting ourselves, we can rise above negativity and confidently move forward.
It is important to remember that acceptance is a process. It requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to let go of self-judgment. As we navigate this path, let us remind ourselves that we deserve love, respect, and kindness from others and ourselves. Embracing our true selves empowers us to overcome obstacles, pursue our dreams, and lead a fulfilling life.
They say that the longest journey begins with a single step, and even though the destination may seem far away, taking it one step at a time allows us to reach our goal without realizing how far we have come. Along our journey of personal growth, we undergo a profound transformation, breaking free from the fragile facade of a delicate China doll. Like the butterfly and its transformation from a caterpillar, we experience a metamorphosis, becoming a new version of ourselves.
However, personal growth is not a finite process with a definitive endpoint. It is a continuous and ongoing journey. We are constantly on the path towards truth and self-
improvement, even though the idea of reaching perfection is merely an illusion. There is no singular perfect ideology to attain. We have become so preoccupied with the superficial aspects of life that we have lost sight of what truly matters—the essence of our surroundings.
It is essential to remember that personal growth requires focusing on life's core values and meaningful aspects rather than getting caught up in the superficial and fleeting. Embracing this perspective allows us to appreciate the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination. Let us break free from the allure of perfection and instead channel our energy towards the pursuit of authentic growth and the things that genuinely hold significance in our lives.
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