Have I Ever Been...

Journal#3

Have I ever been…

Objectified?

- Yes, my parents have objectified me when they ask me to do chores for the family, they’ve also objectified me whenever they uphold their traditional rule of, we are older than you so we know better and you respect them. Although as I’ve told, my parents let me grow up in a surrounding that does not allow blind faith just because of seniority. I also felt objectified whenever somebody decides for me, which is more often in the question of “saan tayo kakain?” usually from friends and special someone, although it is an objectification on a lesser scale, it is still what it is. Speaking of special someone, there are also times that I just let her decide because for me it is better to give than to fight or argue about it. 

Subordination?

- I believe I am forced into a relationship forces me to be a subordinate to my elder brother. Since my elder brother is older than me, there is this respect factor that comes behind it and in my experience he is the boss of the house. When I say boss, I mean he orders everyone around especially the house helpers and me by being an errand boy to him.

Exploitation?

- In my 20 years of existence I’ve never been exploited or at least never felt exploited. Since I believe in choice. And my whole life even though I’ve been objectified and subordinated still I am aware of it and willingly I did it.