Monday, December 22, 2008

What Is A Real Man Made Of?

Rambo is a real man in Tinseltown, a man with bulging muscles and a man with a serrated knife – he creates havoc to his enemies. In the surreal world, Rambo has created a character to be admired as the man he should be in the movies.
Men who walk around in tight fitting attire exhibiting their bulky loads of muscles and women under each arm are the real men too, but just a fancy in their make believe world. Psst, take a look at their faces please! Driving fast cars with branded sunglasses, the world is theirs because we are suppose to make way for them. It seems they are the only ones who pay road tax.
However, what I have is a comfortable car that can still provide me the uninterrupted journey to my destinations, and my woman who will stand by me - come what may. This is my world and I love it! But there are still many things missing in my life. I want to live in the real world which is more interesting and exciting than any fictional world that is so deceiving.
One of my desires is to learn how to be a real man. To be a real man who is not easily swayed by sight but have the conviction and to translate values into actions. My search was not in vain because in the journey itself I have found a teacher.
That special day was 08 September 2007. After listening to him, I felt a wonderful surge of chi (energy) and it began to harness my belief that he is the man to make the needed change. From that day on, I stalked him, literally speaking. I observed intently and tried to sneak into his thinking faculty and I saw a man who is steadfast to his beliefs and stubborn as he could be to what he thinks is right. One thing has put me to shame is that I am of his age but in no way I could stand shoulder to shoulder with him, except to write what is from my heart unreservedly.
Who is this man who has the strength to say what he believes in and what his heart feels that could make others feel inside?
Who is this man who has the power of compassion that lies within that he could make people see what they should see?
And who is this man who has the modesty for the lowest of the society by stretching his hand to give hope to live for another day?
People, I am talking about Raja Petra Kamaruddin or RPK which has become a household name.

HE may not win the most votes on American Idol but make no mistake about it - RPK is a bona fide Malaysian icon. He is one of the most important Malaysian thinkers today because his anxieties reflect the anxieties of the intelligentsia. This has tugged at my heart and what amazes me is his ability to take it to the ground and connect with the people beyond colours and creeds.



To be afraid is reason enough to do what we are afraid of, and to hide one’s fear is to fall out from one’s real self. So by facing fear, a real man experiences the peace within. So no one should feel weak, depressed or lonely. Just look at him sneering at absurdity will tell you that the system stinks to high heaven!



He is solid inside and is therefore not afraid to be vulnerable on the outside. A real man knows when to be tough. And when his rights or that of others who are being violated, he acts courageously, as a matter of principle, and not just of false pride. Stressing his point on incredulity, a thousand word is painted on his face.
Like my brothers and sisters at the candlelight vigil, we want to be the real people who do not need combatant stance for a purpose, but with loyalty to the cause by not being afraid. A real person is therefore one who has the inner strength and wisdom to distinguish between what is right or wrong even in the most difficult situation. Our solid stands amongst ourselves shield us from the vulnerability on the outside. We are the people who can appreciate RPK without feeling less of a man. This is what the great feeling is all about!
My only regret is that, I know this man a little too late but the consolation is that, it is not too little. To sum up how he has been subjugated to intimidation and his solitude behind the walls of Kamunting, I have the carefully chosen words to describe the whole scenario.
In the midst of the clouded mind, the men in power see not themselves but deceptions and foolery. The apogee of power that wields at will is the piecemeal power of intimidations the desperados will descend to a deranged level. No matter how excruciating it may seem to be, yet it makes this Real Man to take it to his stride - this is The Real Man everyone knows as RPK!



“A man cannot die well unless he lives well, and I want to die well!”

-This tributary article is written and contributed by EyeSpy

2 comments:

SFGEMS said...

He's the real deal! Nothing more to add, this tribute says a lot! :)

Anonymous said...

Raja Petra a difficult act to follow - warm, considerate, intelligent, lovable, without airs, a thoroughly decent guy.
Yep, he's my favourite guy.


angela ooi