The slave psyche

The famous "I have no major major problem..." answer of Venus Raj, the Philippine candidate to the recently concluded Miss Universe 2010, had been the subject of ridicule, parody, and praise. With my set of friends, we just make fun with it and laugh at the first hint of the word "major major". Sad to say, there is no one in the office who could share or discuss this matter with me. Arwin is not the typical guy who would engage in critical conversation and the rest of my colleague didn't care - they are Arabs.

Tonight, I heard TM Ron talked about this. Initially, we just laugh at it and then we progress by exchanging discourse on why Venus failed to snatch what every one expected to be hers. I cited that Yahoo banners "Answer cost a candidate a pageant" and the article clearly elaborated Venus lost the pageant. She was the judges favorite, the crowd's favorite and even the candidates' favorite. It was suppose to be her's but she fizzle at the last moment.

TM Ron had an interesting explanation on the situation. He shared that he once had similar situation where he also fumble. Hence he could at least approximate the feeling of Venus at that moment. Years ago, according to Ron, he was suppose to deliver his last campaign message for the position Region 10 Youth Leader President . Together with the rest of the candidates, they were invited in a prestigious 5-star hotel in Cagayan de Oro to speak before an audience of voters. For unknown reason, he said, he stammered and felt so small - he barely deliver a good message during his turn. He lost the position to a sweet-talking and confident speaker... to the dismay of the everyone because they felt, he was far better qualified as a leader.

Ron explained that the slave psyche conquered him that night. He felt like he was a slave who was invited in a banquet of rich people. He didn't feel worthy to stand in front of the voters because he came from poor family and he has humble beginnings. And that is what strike Venus at the final moment of the pageant. She was overwhelmed with the invitation to join the top 5 of the pageant... and she felt she didn't deserve it.

The words of TM Ron rings a bell in my mind. Even before going to bed, I still thought about it. How many times did the slave psyche conquered me? Gee there were many times... and those cost me the growth of my academic endeavor and in my career choices.

Mommy just smiled, kissed me and then said "That's alright, you have me anyway"!