Critical commentary II
Having lived in a country where colonialism was forceful, I can definitely say that this scenario, we all don’t want to repeat. Colonialism or “othering” is, in simple terms, the outcast of an individual or group of individuals from their own. Colonialisms goal is to alienate those “others” for personal gain. Yes, this is a very frightening process since not only will you lose power, you’ll lose your identity and security. Colonialism was very much frightening back when the Spaniards came to colonise the Philippines. Numerous counts of reckless and injustice which led to the death of countless innocent individuals. starvation, deprivation, and centralisation were some of the process the country has to undergo upon. The Philippines back then was so deprived from its own self that decolonisation started. Processes starting from the first phase which is the use of nationalist politics and the second phase which is more on the policy formulations. this then paved way to the countries redemption from itself. Striving to bring back the once beautiful and cultural country. Even though it was tough battle where blood and sweat from good people was spilled upon the nonchalant and pure soil of said country. The Philippines finally attained freedom from the Spaniards and, latter, from the United States of America (USA). Personally, the countrys’ battle from colonisers are very much difficult to win upon mainly because, in my opinion, not only are the Filipinos weak in mind but in spirit as well. Currently issues with China erupted and showed aggressive and inhumane acts yet, here we are, necks still tied with the Chinese. I wouldn’t say they’re clearly colonising us but by the definition stated above, colonising isn’t just solely about taking lands. It’s about making us (Filipinos) feel like “Others” and inferior. It’s funny though because despite many reasons to let go of said union from the Chinese government, Duterte (The president of the Philippines) is still choosing their side over his own country to protect. Yes, war could happen but only if he does something remotely similar to what they did to our fishermen. We, the Filipinos, aren’t looking for war. A simple talk from ruler to ruler would do. The only issue here is us. The president and those Filipinos who are continuously following his trail of mistakes and all bark no bite remarks. We are being colonised. nonchalantly and minimilistically speaking. Don’t you see? China isn’t using brute force to tear this country apart. They’re using Filipinos against Filipinos. Filipinos, as sad it may seem, are losing sight on whats happening. Our countries alienation from the truth. The fact that little to no one can see that the Chinese has made it possible for the Filipinos to come against themselves. This then creates a sense of division of self sense of our own culture, norms, and values. to simple summarise my point of what is happening to the Philippines right now, “more powerful men than me have tried, but if i can get them to kill eachother…” – Helmut Zemu (Captain America: Civil War).
Blogs 