Holiday Of Death

By now everyone is probably done with the Tomb Sweeping Day. It is a custom that we, the descendants show our respect and reminisce about our roots. Um... no.

Traditions and customs have always been two of the biggest enemies of intelligence. While that is a very harsh remark that might cover 99% of Taiwanese people, it isn't far from the truth. It is any animals' nature to relax, humans alike. Although some of us could go against nature and achieve greatness, most of us don't want to put "why we do what we have kept doing" in our working memory.

We must not forget where we come from and give thanks to those who have contributed in any part to make the life we have now. That being said, it is no reason to be traveling half asleep to some rural mountainous areas, hiking up and down off roads just to pollute the air by burning paper money and incense, liter along the way, and risk our lives getting bitten by snakes, bees, and any bugs, or slipping. In all seriousness, anything could have happened to put us next to the tombs we are going to clean. That is no way to respect our ancestors should they risk their lives to save ours. It would be a disgrace.

Hopefully, it is clear to the readers that respect and traditions are not different sides of the same coin. Respect is by heart; tradition without reason is a tool of control. In Chinese culture, there are countless examples of how the elderly, the rich, and the powerful use tradition and customs as a tool to maintain their status. You shouldn't be demanding d someone like a boss anymore. It only shows a sign of a person being out of date. Leaders don't set up rules for people to follow; they lead by example so others want to follow the cause of great deeds.

We live in a much-suppressed society. It is easy to give in and just listen to what we're told. Make no mistake that the suppressors/bullies will never feel enough. One day, you will be fed up with the control and one day, you will have to "plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say 'no, you move'". For that day to come sooner, we all need to work on ourselves and really be independent from the wrongdoers who are giving orders. Only then, will you have the choice to do what's right.

#selfreflect