By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
A horror movie never fails to make you feel unsafe in your own home. I had first experienced this imaginary invasion when curiosity gave me the courage to watch a program concerning our local Diplomat Hotel. At first, I was impressed with our city being shown through this segment nationwide. The familiar pine trees, the sunny weather that suddenly turns to grey skies, and the same buildings I see when going downtown, all of which the trademarks of the city my young mind can remember. They could only do so much to distract me from the paranoia that came when watching a documentary concerning the supernatural.
The eerie music was the first time my ears had heard of creepy sounds. The erratic heart beats brought on by the suspense was all too much for someone who scares easily. It would be some time before sleep was something I would look forward too, not something I perceived as leaving me helpless against my own paranoia of a woman standing at the bed side.
Growing older, the courage to further expose myself to this genre was a gateway that lead me to witness great arts done by talented people. Not a genre to watch everyday though, for there is still a kid inside me that is fragile against anything scary.
The remedy for this fear, put out by adults around me was always a reminder of the real horror that existed everywhere. True enough, grotesque and all depraved deeds are presented in the local news everyday. The topics range from blatant evil to methodic corruption, both evil nonetheless.
With eyes that have matured, one can see many things to be scared of in the world we live in today. The vulnerability of children and women especially, which limits the life they live compared to most. The living conditions of some people, forcing them to live as anything but humans.
The nourishment for fear is all around, leaving it free to grow and envelop anyone.
Fear is a strong drive for some. The fear of failing might just push a person to the next level.
Growing up with a stubborn head, it was a bit of fear that pierced that same attitude and place some much needed sense from time to time. The belt was not used as much when there was fear to instill some discipline.
With all the wrongs in this world, perhaps a bit of fear is needed to keep courage from being reckless and as a reminder of reality. One that needs to be changed.
At the end of the day, too much fear is not healthy, it cannot be our main drive to move forward. To let it replace ambition, it can corrupt all the values we hold dear.
There can only be one dominant value for us all, love. The same one that breaks our expectations, and the one to lead us to a better path.
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