Definition

Definition of Maritess: a true "tsismosa" who judges a person without batting an eyelash based on the made-up stories by others taken from questionable sources. 

Who cares about the truth ... what is important is the juicy lies and salacious innuendos spread against the victim. That is the GASOLINE that FUELS and drives a roving Maritesses of the world to continue what they do best.

The Gossip Culture

 

Why do people gossip?

Aside from being a favorite pastime... talking about the life of others has high entertainment value. You can ask Cristy Fermin, the high priestess and a guru of chismis, chica-chica, and rumor-mongering.

Talk is cheap and gossip is considered the cheapest of all recreational activities. A friend from America admits, that gossiping using the internet maintains her sanity ... a good scandal perks up her energy  ... it is like a blood transfusion - it gives color to her otherwise anemic existence and a much-needed breath for another lease of life.

Gossiping can be a simple chat on Facebook, ... or browsing political dirt on YouTube and keeping yourself updated with what's going on in the lives of your favorite actors and actresses.

For your mental health, gossiping is socially connecting with friends, and talking with them gives you some feel-good emotions recognizing you are in a better situation - that makes you feel good about yourself.

When you indulge in an idle talk with your group ... it gives you the green light to be human. It allows you to embrace your imperfections and learn from your mistakes. It permits you to laugh and cry ... and gives you the freedom to tell stories that you enjoy ... and share details and knowledge with people you are bonding with ... and the group you can trust.

While behavioral scientists and social pundits believe that gossiping is harmless and generally thought of as healthy ... some people cross the line and go beyond what is proper and unacceptable.

When rumors are being spread in a workplace maliciously and the rumor-monger's intention is to destroy the person's name ... that is where gossip turns around from HARMLESS to HARMFUL. 

When one feels happy about the misfortune of the person he loathes ... that's a big turnaround. This is when gossip bloom and metamorphoses from being HEALTHY to UNHEALTHY.

The mere fact that you are happy ... is SICK.  And being petty and vindictive. 

There Oughtta Be A Law

Gossip is a spice of life. 

But when can one realize that the culture of gossip you indulge in (especially the way you disseminate information ... and the motives you have sharing its juiciest details) is paving you the way to the Twilight Zone.

Some people think that spreading fake news and painting the town red by spreading hearsay information from unreliable sources is harmless and normal.

I am sorry to burst your bubble ... but when gossip is done to tarnish and blemish the reputation of another person ... you can't have your cake and eat it too. You are either liable for a fine, pay damages, incur civil liabilities or in the worst-case scenario ... you can land in jail.

Intriguing against honor ... is gossip in the real sense of the word. So the operative word here is that when the principal source of the gossip is undisclosed or concealed yet the individual continues with liberty and perked up renewed enthusiasm to peddle his gossip wares ... and his motives are transparent that he just wants to discredit the little guy ... destroy his credibility ... and drag him to mire ... "pwede ka maghimas ng rehas." 

Gossiping is not a criminal offense but if the hearsay and innuendos are commensurate and are equal to cyber-libel, oral defamation, slander, and unjust vexation ... be prepared to pack your bags.

You heard it right. So if you are a hometown CCTV ... or to put it bluntly you are a Marites inside and out ... where you thrive on dishing out hearsays and gossip ... be careful because a lawsuit may just be a stone-throw away. It is just a matter of time ... before somebody teaches you a lesson or two.

So if you are a restless and compulsive hometown peddler of gossip ... be careful. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ... and mind your own business.

USC Thornton Chamber Singers: “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” by San Pedro