Colorful language

DELA CERNA

A week ago President Duterte treated a large group of NPA rebel returnees in Malacañang Palace and encouraged other NPAs to surrender.

When he learned that there are female rebels, he made the most misogynist remark in history when he directly said “Pusila sa bisong, aron di…” (Shoot them in the vagina, so that…).

I could not believe when I read about the incident because it was uttered by the head of state in a public event supposedly to welcome back to the fold the rebel returnees.

People laughed but it was not funny. It was a declaration that women could just be eliminated by targeting their reproductive organ.

Women were not just the ones insulted but the whole country as well.

Adding injury to the insult was the defense of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, “Please don’t take the President’s statement literally. You must get used to his colorful language.”

Two disturbing phrases — “get used to” and “colorful language.”

The same defense was used in previous incidents of misogynist remarks or behavior.

Colorful language was usually used in a positive sense especially in writing which included precise language, detailed examples, active verbs and well-timed use of adjectives and adverbs.

Literature introduced us to several writers, poets, dramatists, playwrights, novelists, short story writers who gave us the best works to read and reflect with the use of colorful language.

The world was inspired by these works. On the other hand, we also had great speeches which abound in colorful language.

Using colorful language in the mother tongue has a great impact on the listener or reader. I remember the late Natalio “Talyux” Bacalso, who was a perfect example of using colorful language in Cebuano whether on radio or on stage during political activities.

I learned much about the Sugbuanon language by listening to him.

One incident I recalled was on a Good Friday when he did the Siete Palabras on air he would dramatize (for he was also a dramaturgist), “Kon Ginoo ka, dailos diha sa imong krus!” (If you are God, slither down from your cross!)

He used more colorful language when he ridiculed his critics or political opponents, but he was not vulgar.

He was very popular for he was heard day and night over the radio doing news reports, commentaries, writing radio plays, performing on stage and a sought after personality during election periods.

Writer, commentator, speaker, performer, a “demagogue” as some people called him, he had such a great following that he was called “Titi Talyux” a form of respect for an elder (usually the third in line of a row of males in the family — first Manoy, second Ingko, third Titi).

There was reason to laugh when he lambasted for example then First Lady Imelda Marcos because it was done with wit and humor not slapstick comedy. I don’t remember he was even a misogynist.

Sadly, colorful language has lost its positive meaning, it has become vulgar or rude, “colorful words usually impolite in public meetings” and more sadly because it is committed by public officials, and they are enjoining us to get used to it.

Getting used to “colorful language” is dangerous for it leads to desensitizing people. This is evident in the laughter exhibited at the remarks and the seeming silence of feminists especially those in government positions.

I received texts and comments from friends and former students, and one particular text is asking, “Why are the feminists in government positions not reacting to the misogynism of the administration” and I can only answer that they are afraid.

But she counters that “I know they are in an awkward position but that is a given, meantime they’re losing their soul and credibility.

Hayy! I had such faith in our feminists pa na man.”

Part of the campaign to end violence against women and children is not just physical violence but especially verbal violence.

The theme for the Women’s Month in March is “Making Change Work for Women” which was launched last year, and the theme is supposed to run for five years.

The biggest change to work on is the non-tolerance of any verbal violence (oral or written) or are we just going to get used to it?
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Calling the attention of all those who studied in UP Cebu at anytime, please share your stories of your stay in UP Cebu to compile the stories of a hundred years of UP Cebu.

Deadline for submission is April 30. I have already received two articles from former teachers of UP Cebu.

Prof. Fe Reyes has volunteered to edit all articles when they are ready.

Please submit a copy of your story to the undersigned through [email protected] or submit to her through the UP Press Bookstore Cebu Branch at the AS Building of UP Cebu (Rm. 141).