It's all Mao's fault. He started a band.

Do you watch late night shows from the local network, specifically ABS-CBN? Well, I do. Ever heard of Urban Zone? I'm an avid fan, it airs late at night on Sundays. :)

Now if you do watch late night shows on the local network, you probably know what happens before they sign off. Yep, you got it. They air music videos, the last of which is our National Anthem.

So one night, after watching Urban Zone I decided to watch more TV since I still don't feel sleepy and since we don't have cable (gasp!) I have to make do with ABS-CBN. I was having a perfectly nice night mocking the host of a late night show when suddenly it happened. What I saw made me barf!

Celebrities like Shaina Magdayao and Kim Chiu marching the streets waving red flags as if in a protest rally. What are they doing? Are they mocking us? What did we do to them? Huh? Huh? Huh?

For some reason activism is in again! Yay us! Tear up your jeans, ditch your uber expensive havs, slip on your org shirt and wear a tubao on your head- LETS DO THIS THING! Nowadays, being patriotic is the fashionable thing to do. You wouldn't want your friends to know you don't care about social equality don't you? It's sooooooo uncool.

I personally think this is due to the fact that Mao Tse Tsung started a band (or Che Guevara, take your pick). Remember the days when Che and Mao shirts were the coolest thing on earth? Everybody had one, even me. Hehehe.. :) Well, a student from UP was asked why he has Mao's face on his shirt. He said because System of a Down is a great band and Mao is a fantastic vocalist. There you have it folks, Mao's fault.

Being an activist is more than just a fashion statement. It's more than just wearing yellow. Being an activist meant standing by your principles even though it soooo 70's, being firm even though you're discriminated by your entire school and living a life serving the people.

Fashionable or not real activists fight against social injustice, wherever, whenever, whether in heels or in dragon slippers. Like the LFS! :) Do give their site a visit.

"To the left, to the left..." - Beyonce