Beyond the Wings
Butterflies, those delicate, graceful creatures that dance through the air with effortless beauty, hold a
captivating allure. They flit from flower to flower, their colorful wings a mesmerizing display. There's a
certain magic about them, a magic that seems to resonate with the complexities of human sexuality.
Much like the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, our understanding and exploration of our
own sexuality can be a journey of self-discovery and evolution. From the cocoon of societal expectations
and personal introspection emerges a unique and vibrant expression of who we are.
When I was young, I saw something that stuck with me. I found a dead butterfly and a dead mouse. It
was weird—I felt okay touching the butterfly, but I was grossed out by the mouse. It got me thinking
about how we see life.
See, I touched the butterfly because it looked pretty, even though it was gone. But when it came to the
mouse, I was kind of repelled. I guess it didn't look as nice to me.
That moment made me realize something big: we judge life based on how it looks. We tend to think that
beautiful things deserve more respect or care compared to those that don’t look so good. It's like we
have this moral scale, and looks play a big part in it.
But does that really make sense? Should something's appearance decide its worth or how we treat it?
That's a tough question.
Growing up, I had this neighbor who was Muslim. They often wore clothes different from what I was
used to seeing. I remember one day when I saw their kids playing outside. They invited me to join them,
but something my uncle said popped into my head, warning me not to play with them because they
were from Maguindanao and might be terrorists me “Ayaw mo pakigdula ana nila kay gikan na silag
Maguindana, mga terorista na!”
So, I hesitated and didn't join them that day. But later, when I saw the kids playing again, I felt really
excited. I was alone at home and thought it would be fun to play with them. However, those words from
my uncle still bothered me.
Thinking back, I realize now how wrong it was to judge someone based on what others say. Those kids
were just like me, wanting to play and have fun. They weren't terrorists or anything scary; they were just
kids being kids.
In the grand symphony of life, where the delicate wings of a butterfly can teach us profound lessons
about judgment and perception, I've learned that appearances are merely a façade. Our biases, shaped
by societal norms and whispered fears, often cloud our vision of what truly matters.
The encounter with the butterfly and the mouse revealed a fundamental truth: our inclination to judge
based on appearances is deeply ingrained. But as I reflect on moments like hesitating to play with my
Muslim neighbors due to baseless stereotypes, I realize the magnitude of our misjudgments.
In the end, the beauty of a butterfly, the tragedy of a mouse, the diverse clothing of a neighbor—they
are threads woven into life's rich tapestry. They remind us to delve beyond the surface, to embrace the
kaleidoscope of humanity with empathy and understanding. It's not the appearance that defines worth;
it's the shared essence of being human, yearning for connection, understanding, and acceptance.
Let us learn from the grace of the butterfly, transcending the confines of mere appearances to
appreciate the vibrant diversity of life, celebrating each unique hue and pattern in the fabric of our
existence. For in doing so, we unlock the true beauty of the human experience—rich, multifaceted, and
profoundly interconnected.