If you don’t know who you are, you’ll never know your responsibility.

Identity allows us to determine our position in the society, more than that it comprehends the kind of responsibility we should perform. Without the proper knowledge of who we are, it may lead to the dismal system created by the society— where there is no room for respect.

Far Eastern University (FEU) is an environment composed of different groups, guided by a system concerning hierarchy with job descriptions. Each has his own task to perform, privilege to adhere and the right to respect.

However, a big story hit the community that even reached the cyberspace. The most commented “Martial Law in FEU” involving not just the current students, faculty members but even alumni. Since its posting last January 9, series of talks paved the cyber world that ignited several assemblies and movements of students and faculty supporting the alleged dark era of security brought by the new management.

It is commendable to see how the students united through wearing red and black ribbons and how they were able to voice their defense through the use of the new technology. However, dismay arises as the movement strengthens without having both sides presented.

Analysing the incident, it all started in the way Prof. Geofferson Ting, FEUFA president, was allegedly harassed by the security guards. It was words versus words and claims versus allegations. This turned out as a catalyst that fired up the sentiments of the students who in their view, where somehow offended by the security.

FEU Advocate conducted a series of paper and people trail. Statements were noted regarding the incident, however due to the legal matters of the issue, basic information and time lines were the things considered by the publication.

Setting aside legality, matters can be discussed to the way things were addressed and interpreted by both parties: the community and the security.

Getting in the bigger picture, setting the boundaries between roles and rights are bound to subjectivity. Though there are existing protocols, it adapts changes and needs improvement in most cases.
Now, how are these new memo executed?

Guards act as the checker and also the air conditioning maintenance. As ordered, they ask the students to leave the vacant rooms whether the air-conditioning unit is used or not. This is how it is executed, fairly restricted but to higher officials it is just to keep the electric bill cheaper.

In the eyes of the majority, guards are enemies who unwarrantly intrude into their activities which bode violence and without consideration. To the gatekeepers—the guards are just there to do what they were paid for to secure a resisting community.
Now, it goes down to the essence of identity. If each knows who he is, whether belonging to the highest post or the apprentice, all has his right and responsibilities. Knowing who you are sets your path on what to do, where to go and how to act.

With the proper knowledge of who we are, setting aside ego, achievements and titles, there is always a universal law that one should keep in mind— respect is not given nor demanded but it is gained.

Yet, respect is impossible if we remain blinded of what we have become, than from who we should be.