What will we do with these greedy, hypocritical, so-called public servants?
“PERFORMATIVE” is not a new word. Merriam Webster defines it as “relating to or marked by public, often artistic performance.” That it has a negative connotation is also not new: In this sense, “performative” is being made or done for show, so as to bolster one’s own image of make a positive impression on others.”
In recent days, however, “performative” has come to mean something more specific, a certain type of male made famous on TikTok. The so-called performative male is often seen with a book, likely on a feminist topic. He carries a tote that announces a social justice advocacy or shows he has been to a particular book shop or library. A labubu may be dangling from this bag. He listens to specific artists – in this case, according to the Internet, indie musicians like Clairo or Lana del Rey. He walks around carrying a matcha drink.
Judging from appearances, the performative male is soft, sensitive, and self-aware. He would never be caught spewing misogynist jokes, or mansplaining, or even manspreading.
What’s not to like, right?
A lot, actually, because the correctness, the sensitivity, the intellect – all are contrived, hence the adjective “performative.” Subject males are not really all they appear to be; they are doing it to be well-regarded and to become attractive to their “target audience.”
I have no use of delving into whether such social media typification is accurate or fair or even relevant. But I am reminded of the performative aspect given the nearly convincing performances of some politicians now that there is intense public scrutiny of flood control projects.
The performative politician looks decent enough – fit for his age, well-groomed, well-dressed. He is an eloquent speaker. He is educated, mild mannered, and soft-spoken. He relates well with mothers, the elderly, or the youth. His staff members love him, and his colleagues like him. He knows his way around technology. He protects the weak and helpless. He claims to help make the Philippines a better place.
The performative politician is also keen on his advocacies. His heart bleeds for the poor. He abhors corruption and denounces the use of public funds for personal gain.
He feels so strongly for the marginalized that, despite a calm exterior, he could be moved to outrage and tears on occasion. He bares his soul during these episodes.
But all of these are calculated, not only to make said politician come across as human and relatable, but to mask complicity in everything he is decrying.
And “he” does not necessarily mean the performative public official must be male.
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If this kind of public official sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been seeing too many of them in recent days.
Investigations into the flood control mess have set the stage for so many of these performers. The public does not yet know who among their officials have ties with contractors, are contractors themselves, or who profited financially and politically from such arrangements. But is is highly likely that they were among those who stood up to applaud the President’s angry words during his State of the Nation Address. They are those who have themselves spoken harshly against the corrupt.
True, those in the private sector who amassed wealth from these alliances, if proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, must of course be punished. But that will be their own battle with the law. The bar is set higher – and the sin greater — for public officials who swore to protect the people’s interest and are bound by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The greed in itself is abhorrent; the hypocrisy, ignominious.
How, then, should the citizenry react to these revelations?
In our respective ways we have already expressed our anger. We may have taken to social media, created art, written pertinent pieces, organized or participated in mass action. Perhaps, in our desperation, we may have resorted to dark humor.
These activities vary in intensity and loudness, ranging from calm acceptance, quiet indignation, to outright throwing of mud on some contractors’ property. These are bound to intensify given the Sept.8 revelations of the Discaya couple who went as far as to name names of officials who supposedly demanded kickbacks. What will we do with these greedy, hypocritical so-called public servants?
Turbulent days are ahead. Loyalties will be tested, and genuine commitment to the good of the people will be tried. How are we going to emerge from this latest blow, and from all other secrets that have not yet awakened our collective outrage?
Whatever the outcome, it will certainly not be performative on the part of the people. It will, instead, be genuine and guttural, and one that deserves to be heard and acted out.
May we be delivered from the tragedy of desensitization, fatigue, and eventual apathy and resignation.
