YACAT - 11939702 GELITPH A56

THEME 5 – SELF AND SOCIETY: LITERATURE AS SOCIAL CRITIQUE

Art is a social construct. It is something that does not have a scientific definition, bug
instead relies on the cultural definitions as dictated by the society it exists in. As such, it was
inevitable for literature to become a medium of criticism towards society, as literature itself is
directly related to and is heavily influenced by the world that writes it. Thus, so long as people
have their individual opinions and perspectives, there will always be conflicts and criticisms that
come along with it. Amidst these warring ideas, literature will be born.
However, unlike war itself, literature is capable of presenting these personal ideas and
positions in a way that can inspire a wave of compassion towards its readers. The stand of an
author towards a social issue needs not be stated explicitly, enabling the readers to suspend their
disbelief and be immersed in the version of the world being presented to them. At least, this was
how I felt upon reading the selections for this topic.
“The Sounds of Sunday” by Kerima Polotan reveals to us the harrowing reality of
corruption – of wealth, of morals, of love – in the most inconspicuous of places. Through
Doming’s corruption and greed, Mr. Navarro’s tragedy, and Emma’s idealism and occasional
hypocrisy, we get to see the differing perspectives and actuations of people in different social
classes, all while disguising itself as a story of “forbidden love”.
“Armor” by John Bengan is a more explicit observation of society’s ills, as the story
makes use of the Davao Death Squad and drugs as main driving forces for the plot. In this story,
we get to see the perspective of Ronnie, a former drug pusher, as he finds inner strength and
resolve amidst a world that wants him dead. As we move further from the days of rampant cases
of extrajudicial killings, we discover a visceral truth about that time that many of us fail to grasp:
each victim is more than just a drug pusher, a tambay, or a statistic. Rather, they are a side of
society oppressed by poverty, a side of reality hidden away behind the bustle of the city, and a
side of history eternally silenced by the chains of death.
“The Guerilla is Like a Poet” by Joma Sioson makes use of juxtapositions in order to
paint the idea of guerilla warfare in a more sympathetic light. In comparing the vigilance of a
soldier to the sensibilities of a poet, we discover the humanity that lies within the battlefield, as
well as the humanity lost in war.
“Loading” by Myrna Pena Reyes is a picturesque poem that presents a seemingly usual
scene in a dock, with the slow loading of cargo being used as an allegory for the unending
hopelessness being projected into the poem. As it paints in great detail the slow lives of the
people around the dock, we get to experience what is essentially the norm for the lower-class
citizens.
 The beauty of these works lies in its way of depicting the harsh realities of life more
intimately and personally. These works acknowledge the presence of such ills in society, treating
each issue with respect and grace. I believe that works like these are essential in ultimately
ridding our community of these social ills, as the first step in fixing a problem is to acknowledge
that it exists in the first place.
The literature of the Philippines has great potential in changing our country for the better,
so long as there are people who are willing to read them. It has the power to find humanity even
in the darkest of places, bringing with it hope to our country drenched in corruption and injustice.
It gives a voice to people who have been oppressed by these social ills, empowering Filipinos to
stand up for their rights and act upon it. It also serves as a reality check for those who are
fortunate enough to live a comfortable life, oblivious to the sufferings of his fellow countrymen.
Selections like these are what the youth of today needs to read and experience for
themselves. Aside from being appealing stories and poems that appeal to one’s emotional side,
these are able to broaden one’s perspective towards society and empower them to take action –
all key qualities that a socially responsible citizen would have. And if those values are to be
instilled to not only the youth, but also to the adults…
I believe that is one step closer to our utopia.