Out of six questions given at the Week 141 of Weekend-Engagement, I choose this question
If it was possible to meet one single person from history (someone who lived over 100 years ago) who would it be, why do you choose that person and how would you explain today's society to them? Write a post of at least 300 words and use images you took yourself is possible.
If I were given the chance to meet a single person from history, it would be Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero who criticized the Spanish government through writing. He published two novels that sparked the patriotism of Filipinos and became an eye-opener to those who turned a blind eye to the oppression of the colonial authority at that time.
Among all the prominent individuals in our country's history, I choose Dr. Jose Rizal because I am amazed at how he did not use violence to make a change. He literally entered the battle using his pen, paper, and wits. He courageously voiced his opinions, thoughts, and suggestions against the government without thinking that this might cost him his life. He even wrote two novels (Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo) that narrate the sufferings of Filipinos because of the abuse of Spaniards.
But all good things must come to an end: Dr. Jose Rizal was arrested for rebellion. However, his efforts did not go in vain. After he was captured and sentenced to death at Bagumbayan, the emotions he ignited in the hearts of each Filipino grew even more, becoming the foundation of the revolution that freed us from Spanish colonialism.
To explain to Dr. Jose Rizal the present Philippine society after 124 years of independence from Spain, I would tell him to live like ordinary Filipinos: socialize with them, work like them, and suffer like them.
Someone told me that I would never understand the struggles of ordinary Filipinos unless I became one of them. As a privileged individual, I do not have the right to say that our current society is experiencing backward progress without understanding the real reason behind it.
"What kind of society do we have? People seem to get dumb." But why is this happening? I do not know. Let us look at the society in which we are involved.
The prevalence of teenage pregnancy, drug addiction, and involvement in crime by young people contradicts Jose Rizal's famous and clichéd line, "The youth is the hope of the nation." But why is this happening? I do not know. Let us look at the society in which we are involved.
Perhaps, if I were the one to explain society to Jose Rizal, I would only be speaking from my perspective, which is molded by my narrow experiences. It would be great if he were to find and learn about it himself. I am sure he would understand it well and maybe even create another novel about it.
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