Dumb-shaming, you must be familiar with this for that it is just the complete opposite of another problem which is very present nowadays especially in schools, smart-shaming. We all know that we all are very different from one another and there's nothing wrong with that. We humans are aware that we have our own unique genetic makeups and yet, discrimination is still very perceptible and the victims of this problem keeps on increasing. Are you a victim of dumb-shaming or could you possibly be the reason for its existence?

Have you ever received a "Saang bundok ka galing?", "Wala kang kwenta kausap." or simply the harshest, "Ang bobo naman nito." or was it you who spat those words out? Honestly, all of us have probably 'dumb-shamed' someone (even yourself) before and we should be very guilty of it. "Uy joke lang naman." or "Di naman seryoso yon." are the top 2 excuses someone might have used for damaging someone. Yes, damaging for that words do hurt and affects the victim mentally and emotionally. It isn't someone's fault if they genuinely do not know what someone could be pointing out. No one knows everything about everything, let us learn from now on and lessen this toxic Filipino habit. 

As of today, there really aren't enough data that has dumb-shaming as it's center but experts do say that public humiliation teach nothing but fear to people. With dumb-shaming being related to bullying, according to the consolidated report of Department of Education (Dep Ed), bullying cases on elementary and high school of both private and public schools on 2014 rose by 21% or a total of 6,363 cases, compare with the 5,236 on 2013.  This translates to 31 daily bullying cases  from a divisor of 201 school days. The statistics was disclosed by Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr., a member of the House committee on basic education. [source: Interaksyon] Applying this to students, they wouldn't be able to express themselves freely as they suffer from this issue, dumb-shaming. They would be afraid to speak up and share their thoughts and would generally be troubled with communicating with others. 

Philosophical views:

This "dumb shaming" is said by many. Here, there, everywhere. Philosophical views that stands here is Utilitarianism, Sefler's View and Theodicy. Why those, because in Utilitarianism which means for "the greater good". For others think that this shaming habit will help the person to stand up. Although others only use this to bully others. Next, others when criticized they improve or make themselves better because of that judgement. Similar to what Sefler's philosophical view. Finally, Theodicy, it is about our faith in God. This view tells us that God is still benevolent although suffering exist because He gave us free will. But here in our topic it is about the side in which faith is tackled. Being criticised and judged by many is so clamant, others asked why God let this happen to them even they do good etc. But still God loves us and only wants the best for us. I therefore conclude that pain or suffering may occur but a day wont end without the happiness you wanted.

What are the consequences in dumb-shaming?

Dumb-shaming can leave people devastated. You can hurt someone's feelings in insensitive little words like “ang tanga mo naman”, “ang slow mo” ..etc. even if you think it’s funny but for the victim's point of view, they are hurt and they will just smile while acting like everything is fine but deep inside they're suffering. Dumb-shaming gives people anxiety and they give themselves a limitation in their acts because they don’t want to be judged again and instead of being themselves they change how they are to be perfect. To be accepted and avoid shaming. Paining and sad but this is our generation's reality.

What is our planned solution for dumb-shaming?

Dumb shaming obviously isn't good for our society, so let’sming? work together in preventing dumb-shaming. The solution is really just to be open minded for that nobody really is perfect and we should support each other, help them up with lessons, motivate, inspire, teach them not humiliate them. Reaching out to the school's board of trustees will be a great help for that we should implement open-mindedness in the people around the school grounds. Promote the counselling team and regularly reach out to students. Promote the presence of a student's freedom and justice.

What could be our petition's benefits to students?

Being students, we are continuously being overwhelmed with school works and also being a son/daughter in our own families, we also have to accomplish household chores and such. Being dumb-shamed affects and meddles with a person's mind and thoughts resulting to not being able to function and express themselves properly. This mental abuse could also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, leading to another problem, the loss of focus to our main priority, studying. The main benefit of our petition is that the solution that we proposed will help everyone, not only the victims of dumb-shaming but everyone (even the guilty), will have a time and someone to reflect their thoughts on or to and it could possibly help them concentrate more on studying and also, living their life.

In closing, we, Anciado, Castillo, and Mijares would like to promote the reduction of dumb-shaming that was, and still is around every school for that being students ourselves, we have experienced such cases that were hindrances to our studies and very much affects our mental health. By implementing this around, us, the youth will be fit Dr. Rizal's statement that: "Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan.". Not only our mental health will have improvements but also our moral and values, having to understand and feel for others more. We assure you that this petition isn't very shallow and helpless for that it really be a great help to students. Let us all unite and help lift each other up. Thank you!

References

Sonnie. (2019, September 4). Bullying Cases Up by 21% In Philippine Schools. Retrieved from https://asksonnie.info/statistics-bullying-cases-up-by-21-in-philippine-schools/