JUST a few days ago, there was this hullaballoo on the internet (specifically Facebook) about a Ms. Philippines-Universe contestant who used the outfit of the Sto. Niño as her national costume.
According to her, it’s her expression of gratitude to the Sto. Niño and her way of demonstrating the intensity of her faith.
While I admire her demonstration of thankfulness and I respect her display and confirmation of faith, I still cannot understand why she has to “mimic” the Sto. Niño.
One FB user expressing confusion commented, “lalaki man na si Sto. Niño, nya sya babaye man?…”
Another one said, “Nya after sa national costume, mag swimsuit pud si Sto. Niño?”
There were hundreds of comments in that post and many of them, in fact, I think, all of them were in disagreement with this lady contestant. They didn’t just disagree with her; they were tremendously annoyed. Many were furious.
My thoughts on the matter
Recently, there has been a growing trend of incorporating religious imagery into national costumes. While some argue that this practice is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic expression, it is essential to critically examine the implications of using outfit adorned with religious images as national costumes.
I am writing this article with the aim of presenting a critique of this trend, highlighting the inherent sacrilege involved and the negative consequences it can have on religious sentiments and cultural harmony.
Sacrilege and Insensitivity
Using religious images as costumes can be seen as a sacrilegious act. Religious symbols hold deep spiritual significance for millions of people around the world, and their use in a frivolous or superficial manner undermines their inviolability. By treating these symbols as mere fashion accessories, we risk trivializing and disrespecting the beliefs and values held by individuals who hold them dear. This insensitivity can cause profound hurt and offense, leading to the erosion of cultural harmony and interfaith relations.
Cultural Appropriation
The adoption of religious imagery as costumes can also be viewed as an act of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from a marginalized culture by a dominant culture, often without understanding or respecting their historical, religious, or cultural context. When religious symbols are used as costumes, detached from their original religious practices, it diminishes their significance and commodifies a sacred heritage for commercial gain or aesthetic appeal. This commodification perpetuates a power dynamic that reinforces cultural inequality and disrespect.
Religious Tensions and Conflict
Using religious images in costumes has the potential to exacerbate religious tensions and ignite conflicts within multicultural societies. National costumes are meant to represent the collective identity of a nation and its diverse citizenry. However, when religious symbols are incorporated, it can marginalize and alienate religious minorities, leading to feelings of exclusion and resentment. This can further polarize communities and hinder social cohesion, which is crucial for peaceful coexistence.
On creativity
Creativity should not come at the expense of sacrilege or cultural insensitivity. Instead of resorting to the inappropriate use of religious images as national costumes, societies can encourage artistic expressions that draw inspiration from a broader range of cultural elements, such as traditional garments, historical events, or natural landscapes. By fostering creativity in a respectful and inclusive manner, we can celebrate cultural diversity without encroaching upon the sacred.
Promoting mutual respect and understanding
Respecting the boundaries of religious symbols and imagery is essential for fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. By refraining from using religious images as national costumes, societies can promote dialogue and encourage meaningful engagement between different religious and cultural groups. This approach not only acknowledges the sanctity of religious symbols but also helps build bridges of understanding, strengthening the fabric of multicultural societies.
My point
The use of religious images as national costumes is a practice fraught with sacrilege and insensitivity. It trivializes and commodifies sacred symbols, perpetuates cultural appropriation, and risks exacerbating religious tensions within communities. Instead, societies should prioritize creativity that is respectful, inclusive, and celebrates the diversity of cultural heritage without compromising religious sentiments. By doing so, we can foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, essential for harmonious coexistence in today’s pluralistic world.
What she and her advisers did wasn’t creativity at all. It wasn’t even imagination.
