RASHMII BELL
THE late journalist and humourist Molly Ivins once commented that satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful but, when aimed at the powerless, is not only cruel but vulgar.
While my girl crush fandom is populated with women who continually expand the sphere of female competence (like completing postgraduate studies whilst raising children), I shudder (violently) at those who serve up their accomplishments with lashings of elitist overtones.
A recent commentator in PNG Attitude would have you believe that ‘an undergraduate degree is a piece of piss’. I just add that there should be no apology for or condemnation of achievement. And we need to remember that, when playing fields are strikingly uneven, comparisons are irrelevant if not foolish.
These days I’m without the aid of lecturers; those there to help students pass through the undergraduate years. I have exited from my short-lived existence in the ecology of academia.
Fortunately, somewhere in those four years of having my hand-held and being spoon-fed, I retained the methodology of my gatekeepers. When in doubt, it’s good to ask questions. The habit of directing inquiry to people well trained in the discipline (original source where possible) is best practice.
Phil Fitzpatrick’s ‘As women lead protest, PNG men let them down’ was a timely article. In my view, this piece sought to gather insight from our male cohort. Papua New Guinean men – tell us why you don’t (or won’t) publicly support Papua New Guinean women’s activism?
Several readers responded before a self-esteemed academic commentator (by way of a hyperlink of bewildering content) swiftly bulldozed that golden opportunity for a useful discussion. Thanks. However, Lindsay F Bond’s early comment stood out. It certainly got my attention.
“Treatise supposes unto morality. More for some, threat's unto mortality.”
I felt awful that what started out with an eloquent phrase has morphed into such a convoluted web of commentary. You see, I have something of a fixation with literary gems of cryptic dimension. So to the guru I went with my thoughts.
Read in isolation, Lindsay’s comment was a reference to how an individual approaches everyday issues. One may suggest that factors such as religion, culture, socio-economic environment and education have a bearing on our morals.
Such morals, often endorsed by collective society, can serve as our reference point when we engage in debate.
Now, with respect to mortality. I interpret Lindsay’s line to mean how we perceive ourselves. How we view our role and status in family networks, workplaces, friendship groups and so on. The notions of self-worth, self-esteem and self-preservation we persistently seek in high measure.
It is my inference that where an issue demands a decision and action, one’s morals and sense of mortality may come into conflict. When this happens, it’s not unusual if the latter prevails. Often, it will dictate the decision made and action undertaken.
So, to apply Lindsay’s one-liner in the context of Phil’s discussion, one might suggest that, whilst it is collectively endorsed as morally correct that Papua New Guinean men support their female counterparts’ activism, it may also be observed as detrimental to men’s perception of their ‘mortality’ in PNG society.
This is apparent in the manifestation of multiple socio-economic issues, most of which seem to have deep-roots in gender inequality throughout the country.
If at this stage you’re cringing in confusion, I understand. I am too.
Yet it was a lovely surprise that I received from Lindsay indication that I had grasped a surface understanding of the modest rhyme, and he added a detailed explanation of the one-liner. Yet, I ponder his meaning.
So I put to readers: is there anyone who’d like to share their understanding? I’ll accept input from all, whether they be conferred with a ‘piece of piss’ or who have contributed to knowledge at a more advanced level.
I’m open to the interpretations from “undergraduate students failing from UPNG campus using the excuse of their political involvement” and, heck, even those like me who believe in asking questions when needing clarity about an issue.
After all, was this not at the heart of the protest march by UPNG female students?
Late last week, member of parliament for Lae Open, Loujaya Kouza, urged all women to stand alongside and support the university students of the nation. A timely and vital stance taken by another Papua New Guinean woman.
So once again, the question and an opportunity hovers; will the men of PNG stand up to support their female counterparts? If not, why not?