What Is The Point

Have you decided what you want to be when you grow up? You’re supposed to answer this when you’re barely five. You answer that you would like to be a teacher, doctor, astronaut, or own a chocolate factory.  The adult asking this question smiles and thinks you’re so cute for coming up with such innocent aspirations.  The older you get, the more serious your answers are expected to be. Owning a chocolate factory is no longer a feasible aspiration. You didn’t find a golden ticket or hit the lottery. You are supposed to pick the right kind of education that will lead you towards a career that will make you a lot of money.  But you’re not good at any of the sciences and can no longer see your dream of becoming a doctor come to life. And an astronaut? Are you kidding me? Heights give you vertigo.  Teaching isn’t a bad profession, but you don’t think you have the patience to handle a classroom full of students like you.  So, chances are your parents will decide to take...

  Hey, do you remember the time in school, kindergarten, was it? When did we learned about being kind and respectful to one another? There were songs, too, that we had to learn and sing for assemblies.  But as we graduated to higher classes, we no longer had to sing these songs or give exams on whether or not we comprehended a lesson on kindness. Because by that time, it was supposed to have been etched in our minds that this is what humanity is like. We must show respect to other human beings.  When we went off to college, we didn’t have to be reminded that, by the way, that person who just fell down, maybe just ask if they are okay. Because all of these sympathetic feelings stem from humanity. We all have it. We are supposed to act humanely towards each other.  But now that we have social media, and every aspect of our lives must be posted and analyzed, suddenly, these basic manners have become a feat.  It’s not a simple act of kindness anymore. These acts hav...

You have your popcorn ready, a cold soda close to your hand, and the movie on and playing the opening credits. You've heard such great things about the movie and can't wait to see what the hype is all about. The studio names attached to the movie are still playing, but by now, you've finished almost half of your popcorn. The movie finally begins, and minutes into it, you realize you were duped into thinking this was a watchable movie. It sort of is if you have a strong stomach. But remember all the popcorn you chowed down while the credits were still going on? One of the gory scenes comes on, and you feel some of the popcorn coming up your throat. It’s graphic, and the camera zooms in on every single disgusting detail.  Your hand pauses, hovers above the popcorn, waiting for the scene to pass before you can eat again. But by then, more guts, blood, and slime are splattering on the screen, and your appetite is gone. Your stomach clenches and lurches at the same time. Then it...

I'll be your idol. I'll be the one you look up to. The one who influences you. The one who takes space in your mind. And since you bought my album or movie ticket, you believe you have access to me 24/7. Hold up! When did it become mandatory for a celebrity to give in to all of your demands? When they sign contracts, do they also check a box that says they are public property now? In recent news, there are plenty of stories about celebrities, especially music artists, who have been attacked at their own concerts. It's either the fans throwing stuff at the star or them running on stage to get their one minute of fame and a selfie to post on their social media. Disturbing videos become viral online of fans pulling celebrities or jumping on them and manhandling them. Since when has it become acceptable to treat another human that way?  There was a time when fandoms were about discussing the attributes of a star, glorifying their achievements, and celebrating their ...

  It is with deep regret that I must inform you that so-and-so celebrity has passed away. Let’s look back at their life in pictures.  Except…wait a minute…did that celebrity just send out a tweet about enjoying ice cream at the beach? Has social media turned into a tool for ghosts to communicate through? Nope. It’s yet another example of reckless journalism, driven by the pressure to be first instead of being an authentic news source. It’s all about TRPs and getting enough views and likes for posts about celebrities who have just passed away. But of course, they haven’t, as evidenced by their recent posts or statements from their families and friends.  Death hoaxes have not been invented recently. In fact, it goes back to decades when famous writer Mark Twain was reported to be dead, only for him to come out and state it himself that he was very much alive.  Many famous celebrities have been 'killed' on the news, deceiving viewers who rely on these channels for relia...

  There must have been a moment while watching a romance scene or a movie, where you must have scoffed at the character for making such a fuss after being dumped. The character is completely devastated, and all you can think of is: just move on already. What’s the big deal?  Sitting on our high horses, we look at displays of affection and care with contempt. We like the idea of being with someone, but true love? The kind of love where you are ready to make sacrifices, and drink yourself to death, and not be able to even move? That kind of love is for the storybooks.  As long as you are practical about it, your heart will never break.  Except it does. And it’s not because you fell deeply in love with someone. It came when you poured your time, energy, and effort into something or someone, and in return, ended up with nothing.  It could be for a job you worked so hard at, but were casually dismissed. The reason for that dismissal is something so trivial, like you ...