Critical Commentary No.1: Communistic Revolution as Reality

Existence of capitalism separates the society into two conflicted classes, the rich and the poor. Bourgeoisies has played the most revolutionary part in the history. With the Proletarians as the laborers, lots of production of products happened during their epoch. They were in their glory where they have their own private properties and paying their inputs cheap. As the member of proletarians increases, unknowingly they have had the power to overthrow the class that binds them. Proletarians are the ones that give all the profit to the Bourgeoisies and that the other class is greatly dependent on them that gives the Proletarians the upper hand. They rebelled against the Bourgeois and therefore vanquishing the capitalism that leads to a classless society. As Marx had said, “What the bourgeoisie therefore produces, above all, are its own grave-diggers”.

This history showed us that this world is always been divided into two different “species”. Inequality and the immense difference of ways of life are our reality. It seems that classes in a society will always exist because clearly most people in this world values capitalism too much. In effect, a class of laborers will automatically generate and then again inequality will be an issue. Binding these “lower” class too much can lead into a violent revolution. As Hegel, one author I had encounter during my first year had said in the master-slave dialectic, there will be a time where the bondsman will be conscious of his power, his awareness of his freedom and that the Lord is actually living through him. If there were no class hostilities, there will be no longer a need for all the class warfare such as money and governments.

Communism was also brought out. Communism is a political theory from Karl Marx that promotes class war and leading to a society in which all property is owned by everyone and each person will be paid according to their abilities and needs. However, one of his criticisms on communism is that by wishing to abolish private property, the communist is destroying the "ground work of all personal freedom, activity, and independence". Communist will make sure that all ruling classes will be eradicated in the society and prioritize the needs of the working class. As Marx powerfully exclaimed, "Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Working men of all countries, unite!”

Despite all the conflicts that were raised by Marx, we still owe him the hope that there might still be a different and better alternative in our society. Class warfare may not always be present in our time. Until then, capitalism will always be a part of our life and that separation of classes is still our reality.

Korean Invasion

Every now and then, I can't help but notice the increasing number of Korean population in our country. They had slowly penetrated our Filipino culture by bringing with them their unique and over kill fashion, their music and even their television drama series. It was like our country is the extension of South Korea wherein the Koreans are enjoying cheaper but joyful life.

I have nothing against Korean people but I can't help but felt a bit pissed-off because most of them are all over the country. Cebu for example is completely "koreanized" as I would like to call it. Everywhere you look you see group of Koreans chatting loudly as if they were mad at each other, sometimes little children crossing the street with their mothers in their kiddie shorty shorts. Also we would see different Korean restaurants around and even Korean convenience store! Their very own 7/11 is built up all over Cebu City. Of course their life wouldn't be very much Korea without their very own entertainment. Karaoke bars, big and small, were also starting to increase in number. As I observed, Koreans like Filipinos loves to bond over music and some drinks, hence the numerous karaoke bars. It doesn't end with this, most resorts in Cebu were also bombarded by...Koreans! Even to other beach resorts far far away from the city proper, such as in Madredejos, a small isolated island, five hours away from Mactan Cebu, were still occupied by Koreans. I don't even know how they know such places exist. I guess, business enterprises in Cebu targets Koreans as their very own customers, and that many Filipinos lives off more on these Koreans money.

What's the point of my ramblings then? I'm merely stating a fact on why our country, the Philippines, is a damaged culture. Skipping the explanation that the Philippines is colonized by many countries, I guess in this post modern world, one reason would be that the Philippines is actually tolerating it. The country completely embraces something that is foreign and that the government is desperate enough to consider these "Korean invasion" as a good investment of our country.

I may not stated my arguments strongly but this writing is simply an expression, my own opinion on the things that I see through my own eyes. I have nothing against Koreans but I believe that Filipinos must wake up and be aware of their surroundings. Look beyond our damaged culture and at least remember the true Filipinos of this country.