FABLED RIVALRIES AND telenovela-esque storylines are what make the collegiate sports scene, especially in the NCAA, exciting. However, beneath the banter and playful exchanges lies elitist and derogatory remarks, reminding us that we still have a long way to go before we can truly move on to greener pastures.
Last month, under one of the comment sections in a post made by The Bedan, a concerned alum made a case about why San Beda should make the move to the UAAP.
“…the path to greener pastures must be paved with humility and respect, where dignity is upheld—never tarnished.”
There, the concerned alum outlined the usual reasons for why the University should transfer—more revenue, exposure, and development for our athletes—but what irked me the most was how in doing so, they managed to call other member schools of the NCAA as “beneath our level.”
I wouldn’t go further into detail as a lot of things were said. Pointing the obvious, this is not an isolated case, as you will most likely encounter this type of remark in regular season games or in social media.
Case in point, the storied San Beda versus Letran matchup has long been a platform to label students and patrons of the latter school as “squammy,” an anti-poor remark used to degrade those living in informal settlements.
While it’s understandable that we wish only the best for our beloved institution, such as the desire to move to the UAAP, I will never agree with how it has become the norm to bring shame to others through elitist statements. These are baseless statements that do not contribute anything meaningful to the conversation.
It is true that more opportunities lie ahead in the prospects of San Beda moving to the UAAP, and it will not only boost our reputation but also allow our athletes room for greater development. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. But the means taken to “be the best” should not come at the cost of humiliating others.
Emotions run high when the passion and pride burns bright, and it’s never wrong to take into heart the achievements of our school. However, comments dismissing other NCAA schools as “inferior” and resorting to remarks with elitist undertones is not an extension of the Bedan pride, for it echoes the long-standing culture of exclusivity where other schools are just seen as superior to others.
We are taught in our early years to embody the values St. Benedict, taking to heart Ora et Labora (prayer and work) that guides the conduct of our lives. Accordingly, we must continue to live by these teachings, as doing anything but sets a dangerous precedent that undermines our very character as Bedans.
The path to greener pastures must be paved with humility and respect, where dignity is upheld—never tarnished.
Email me at thebedan_associateeditor@sanbeda.edu.ph