Make Your Mind Up: The Gift of Free Will
Autor: rita • October 4, 2012 • Essay • 751 Words (4 Pages) • 1,185 Views
Make Your Mind Up: the Gift of Free Will
In some way or another, most of us have come upon the recent media frenzy concerning a particular section of an art exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The exhibit, which was supposed to be part of the CCP's commemorative celebration of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary, fueled protests and came under intense criticism from various religious groups. The art exhibit, entitled "Kulo", had displayed a collage of works by artist Mideo Cruz called "Poleteismo". One particular section of his collection showed a figure of Jesus Christ sporting a red nose with Mickey Mouse-like ears, a huge Crucifix with a phallus and a condom, among others. The exhibit sparked outrage from the public, with several religious groups taking the helm, denouncing it to be sacrilegious and blasphemous.
There are three aspects that should be put into perspective concerning this issue---the artist, the media, and the public. The first constituent, in this case the artist, is considered it as his work that is put on display for public viewing---it may be an illustration, a symbol, or words written on a piece of paper that express his viewpoints. The second key element is the media. The media actually plays a significant role in this matter since it is usually through the media, as an apparatus, that the public learns of such issues. The media can shape and manipulate information to a point that it can influence the views of the public. And third, the public. At the receiving end of the cycle is the public---the public which is fed by such issues and, after having digested the news, spits out an enormous load of varying perspectives.
From these three elements comes the birth of two sides. In every story, issue, or dilemma, there are always two sides---the pro and the con, the hero and the antihero, he favorite and the underdog; Each side with an own standpoint, a belief, and a reason to give. In this case, the two sides are those for and against
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