Opposites Collide

Chapter 2

Tahimik ko lang pinapanood si Josh na kasalukuyang nagsasalita. UCSP time na namin. Bigla pa nga kaming ginulat ng teacher namin after sabihin na magkakaroon kami ng graded recitation.

Madaming bulungan. Maraming reklamo. Pero dedma lang si Ms. at pinagpatuloy pa din ang recitation kahit madami ang hindi nakapaghanda. But unlike sa school namin when I was in junior high school, hindi naman namimilit ang mga teachers dito na sumagot ka.

Pero ikaw ang kawawa since it's your loss, not theirs.

Natapos magsalita si Josh sa napaka haba niyang speech- este sagot. I even saw him glance at me before returning to his seat, our eyes meeting briefly before he looked away.

Ganyan 'yan siya at aware na 'ko kung bakit.

"Very well, Mr. Le Feuvre. Now, let's proceed in our lesson last week about the relationship between culture and society. Who can define this relationship?"

I immediately raises my hand. Napatingin si Ms. sa'kin at sinenyasan akong tumayo para sumagot na agad kong ginawa. "Culture includes the beliefs, behaviors, and symbols that a group shares. It shapes how individuals in society interact with each other and their environment," sagot ko. "Plus, culture is the glue that holds society together. It provides the shared symbols, language, and norms that help people understand each other and work together."

Ms. nodded her head, agreeing to my answer. "Great points, Ms. Santiago. Now, how do these cultural elements influence the structure of society?"

I saw how Josh quickly raises his hand saka tumayo para sumagot. "The norms and values within a culture set the standards for behavior in society, influencing its institutions and roles. And these societal structures, like family and government, help to maintain and transmit cultural norms and values, ensuring they are passed down through generations."

"Here we go again."

"Can someone else get a turn?"

"Paano makakasagot e ang bibilis ng kamay nila."

"Akala mo nga naman may masasagot ka."

"Shut up."

Lihim akong napailing-iling after hearing our classmates. Mukhang may mga hindi pa sanay sa ganitong routine namin ni Josh inside the classroom habang may iba namang sanay na sanay na like Kristy na nasa tabi ko at mukhang bored na.

"Okay, very good. How about the impact of cultural diversity on social cohesion? Who wants to tackle that?"

This time, ako naman ang naunang tumaas ng kamay. Tinawag ako ni Ms. at pansin ko ang inis sa mukha ni Josh. I ignored him and stood up to answer. "Cultural diversity can challenge social cohesion because different beliefs and practices can lead to misunderstandings. But it also enriches society by bringing new ideas and perspectives."

"And through intercultural dialogue and inclusive policies, society can manage diversity, promoting unity and resilience." Gulat akong napatingin kay Josh nang magsalita siya.

Wow ha. Nagtaas ba 'to ng kamay?

"Alright, that's it for today. Excellent contributions, everyone. It's good to see such enthusiasm, but let's make sure everyone gets a chance to participate." Sumulyap pa si Ms. sa amin saka inayos ang mga gamit niya sa table.