Mid-year random musings

(Part I)

- PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Don't look now, but we're already at the half point of 2025; and I'll make this my opportunity to reflect on some things I've observed this year, and let's see whether you'll be in agreement with me. Or think me a cranky, fastidious cynic. And I bring them out in the hope that just maybe, if we react quickly enough, changes can happen within the balance year.

First on my list would be how the currency of language today is still hyperbole and fake news. It's so prevalent that even when we put politics aside, we still see how it permeates into every nook and cranny of how we get the news and information. Exaggeration is king, and being 'misinformed, but passing it off as authoritative' is the royal consort.

An example of how this is so true? I'll point you in the direction of something as seemingly innocuous as coverage and posts about Alex Eala, our pride and joy in the world of professional tennis. You'd think reports on her would be straightforward, factual, and yes, supportive. But knowing she is "clickbait," I shudder when I peruse articles and posts that pertain to her, and realize "supportive" can easily go down the slippery slope of over-enthusiastic, less than objective, and just factually incorrect.