Art by: Angelo
Written by: aiglatson
Through the years of being a colony, from the spanish colonial era up to today’s neocolonialism, we grew tired of resisting. We have lost our voice. It can be observed how we devolved from being the “Katipuneros” to this “adaptive” and “blind follower” country that we are now. We are becoming the enemies of truth, Albert Einstein would say, yet we are encouraged to stay as one amid the pandemic.
As Filipino citizens, we should review the services we are being offered and make sure we are not receiving just the bare minimum.
Thus, speaking up and criticizing doesn’t make us less of a Filipino, in fact, it makes us more Filipinos because we are fulfilling our constitutional duty. Like what Thomas Paine, a political theorist, writes, “It is the duty of a patriot to defend his country from his government.”
It may not be straightforwardly seen, but when we speak up and criticize, we are giving voice to the lost, last, and least. We are letting them be heard. We are encouraging them to demand what they deserve. And since the ability to criticize is also a privilege, we should use it to serve the mass and seize all available platforms to amplify the voice of the marginalized, and fight with them.
Through criticizing and (sadly) social media pressure, dialogue among different sectors became possible. The agricultural sector is doing its part by providing markets and consumers for the farmers amid the lockdowns. The spiritual sector is providing shelter and food for the homeless. The educational sector suspends face-to-face classes to ensure the students’ safety. Private sectors are teaming up to execute donation drives and fund-raising events online.
Although criticisms could be taken as something negative, it is necessary. As Winston Churchill said in New Statesman, criticism is the same function as pain in the body. It brings our attention to the parts where there is an imbalance or unhealthiness, so we can prevent further damage; if it is repressed, distemper will surely follow.
When we do not give attention to a body part that feels pain, it can turn into a serious disease. The same way goes for society. When we do not listen to the mass’ questions, inquiries, and cries, people will resort to revolt and insurrection.
Criticism is not persecution. It should not be taken as an attack. It should be seen as an eye-opener, given that these should come from our love of country and fellow citizens, not from competition and party difference. Otherwise, the very essence of being critical will be turned to hate.
When we speak up, we fight back.
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