A Lesson in Privilege

Last Monday, October 25th, was the barangay elections and if you know anything about Pinoy culture, you'll know that we're a clannish bunch. So in essence, whether you get along with each other or not, around election time you best be sure to get on your relatives' good side. But even of you don't, they will surely vote for you anyway so you'd owe them something in return. What? It's true.

Although my family has lived in our part of town for three generations, we've kept our quantity to the bare minimum. I say this because houses on our street sharing last names are spread end to end--you'll miss our section if you so much as blink. It's one of the major reasons why my cousin didn't win a seat in the barangay council. But God, in His great wisdom, showed me that there's always something more remarkable to behold in these turns of events.

We were talking at the dinner table last night and everyone was still very eloquent about their observations and experiences concerning the election. Obviously, some of our talk veered toward disdain for corrupt behavior evident around us. Just then my cousin walked in to join us and said something that really resonated for me. I have to admit I didn't expect it. He said he was happy that he placed pretty high in the tally and that he would do better next time around.

Now, you have to understand, this guy is known to run his mouth when something's not right with him. He can really go on and on especially when he feels he was treated unfairly. Brawling is an option, too. Yes, he's a rascal at any level, and yet here he was almost imploring us to let things go and to choose to learn from it instead.

He explained that he went into the whole thing at the last minute, no budget to speak of and only his face to show for the campaigning. Still, he managed to place just outside the top seven, way better than people who've had their minds set on running months ahead of time. He didn't have any machinery to speak of nor a large clan to guarantee a significant number of votes, yet strangers would walk up to him and assure him of their vote. He, in fact, felt privileged. 

Privileged - not subject to usual rules or penalties. I gave this a lengthy amount of time in my head. I knew my cousin was right when he first said it but only after some contemplation did I realize he was also wise. Why would he spend to dwelling on the what could've been when there is so much to relish on what actually was? The big families couldn't swing a monopoly (forgive me for sounding mafiosi) because, alas, there are many more people who aren't related to anyone. And these folks had no vested interests, they were just willing to bet on him according to their preference. 

Knowing what he had working for him was more than enough to inspire him to try again. This, in contrast, is worth talking about over dinner for years to come. 

God tells it like it is.