Ma. Clare B. Mesina

Is Blood Really Thicker than Water?

   We, human beings are often referred as rational animals. It is because of the mere fact that we're  capable of thinking, reasoning and giving out of decisions. We are able to distinguish between what is right or wrong, good or evil and we make a choice for the distinction made by the intellect. As a rational being, people like us tend to take responsibilty for our actions. But how come all of these things seem to be deleted in man's memory whenever we're purging of emotions.

   An Egyptian folktale entitled 'The Tale of Two Brothers' tells us how a young man nearly killed his son-treated brother out of his anger. This story is about Anpu and Bata who learned to live their own life after their parents died. When Anpu got married, he brought Bata with him whom he treated as their own son. As to return the favor, Bata would always help his brother in the field and he would bring home various vegetables. Anpu's wife got jealous of the treatment Bata had from his husband. One circumstance happened in the field so Anpu asked Bata to go home and get some corn. The wife who was then really desperate gladly took advantage of the situation. When Anpu returned home, he was immediately met by his crying wife who was at that time full of bruises which she, herself made using a black paint. Anpu deceived by his wife that Bata was the one who had beaten her, was about to kill his younger brother. But the gods gave protection to Bata who was then explaining but all his words seem to be an air to Anpu. Dismayed of what had happened, Bata decided to leave his brother and started on his journey. On the other hand, Anpu killed his wife as soon as he discovered her evil and manipulative act. Feeling sorry for himself and his brother, he just walked and walked until he saw Bata happily living with his new-found wife.

   Upon reading this story, it just so happened that this question popped out of my mind, "Is blood really thicker than water?" Well, I guess it's not. There are instances that we solemnly hang out with our friends than stay in the house with our family. We are so much attached  with the so-called "pakikisama" that sometimes we don't even know that we're using Billiken's masks just to please them. We even forget to ask ourselves, Is this the real me? Some of us were blinded with our emotions that unfortunately turned as into a dangerous man. Reasons and explanations are all nothing because our main focus is to get rid of that something or someone that caused us pain. We are also partly unconscious that we forgot to analyze informations at hand whether it's true or not. Something innate in us certainly push us to do unethical things. This driving force absolutely masked our mind whenever we're being attacked of our catharsis. Just like the story, Anpu immediately take action in killing his brother. How could he forgot those wonderful moments they've shared with. Why did he forgot that the blood flowing through their veins is the same? That they're brother? Why did he believe in his wife right away?  Is it hard to listen to someone else's reasons and explanations? Would it even harm you? Or put you to jail? Probably not. The big problem in us, people is that  we easily wrapped all things up. We let our emotions ruin our life. We played deaf, blind and mute about the reality which is basically in front of us. Anpu is one of the greatest examples of this scenario. He didn't weigh facts and certainly forgot to think. He just let the driving force inside him take actions which is ultimately a big mistake. Whenever we're apt to face similar situations, we must be calm and let ourselves handle things smoothly using both our heart and mind.

   In life, it is very difficult to make decisions. You must first weigh things critically. Bear in mind the possible consequences or outcomes you'll have if you happen to choose this thing. Are you going to be happy? Will I hurt someone? Step other's rights and privileges? We must choose the one that is the best for all of us. Probably a choice that in the end will never put us in the hot seat of interrogation and regret. Something that will never be like of  Anpu's fate- sadness,loss and tragedy. We, rational beings must use our capabilities in driving well our wheel of life so that in the end there's no turning back and no teardrops will ever fell out of pain and sorrow.