Expressions through walls

By Rexiel Cal

If you have ever been at the back of the College of Communication building then you have seen the inevitable drawings, sketches, opinions and statements made by our fellow students. Some of these are getting out of hand. From explicit words to insults and lascivious drawings on our walls, these graffiti are turning worst.
Some COCians have gone too far. Yes, we are living in a democratic country but why do others take advantage of freedom to do grim things? Words written on the walls have ruined images and hurt the feelings of others. If someone said something unwelcoming about you and put it in a public place for everyone to see, wouldn’t you get hurt too?
What’s worse is that we are the culprits for “vandals” not only at the back of the COC building but even on the back of the theatre building. There are some of the eye sore remarks: “Haliparot si______.” “Akin lang si __.” With a reply, “Paki ko gago” and “Edi sayo na tanga”. Some even found a way to launch an “EXO War”. There are even things so indecent that may cause disappointment.
It is inexplicable why people turn to walls when they could just do something more productive. If you have a dispute, approach the concerned ones and vent out all your grievances. If you’re idle, the, go outside and appreciate the view. We need not turn to walls to release out frustrations, rather to creare something better. Make friends, and laugh about it.
I know that a lot of us have seen the enormous “drawing” on the back of our building. If you saw it, you’d think it’s funny and would most probably laugh. The problem is that our laughter does not bring any good. We allow people to deface school property. In turn, aren’t we just blemishing the images of PUPians? If people go to our comfort rooms or visit places in school were such defacements can be found, wouldn’t they say “ A PUPian just drew/wrote that?”
In freedom, most people find sin. Our God-given right to freedom is a precious gift. Thus, we should not waste it on silly things like vandalism. Yes, we live in a free country, and freedom of expression is what we, everyone, are fighting for. But if in turn our expression would hurt someone so dearly, and would damage them entirely, wouldn’t you think twice?