Papers by Vanessa Jean Casañas
Few writings in Philippine history have caused as much intellectual debate and sparked as many ne... more Few writings in Philippine history have caused as much intellectual debate and sparked as many new ideas as Renato Constantino's "Veneration Without Understanding." Constantino wrote his work in 1969, while the country was suffering from political unrest. His work has made a huge change in the way people talk about Jose Rizal, our national hero. An important question at the heart of Constantino's sharp criticism is
— Do we, as a society, really understand the man we worship as our greatest hero?
Philippine history is like a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of our heroes, each brushstroke... more Philippine history is like a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of our heroes, each brushstroke providing us a nuanced view on their struggle to attain our independence. Among these figures, Jose Rizal stands as a noteworthy beacon. His life and legacy are imprinted on us, woven into the fabric of our nation's narrative. I have heard of his name ever since I was a child. "He is our national hero, and we owe our independence to him", they said. All the textbooks told us how he bravely died in Luneta Park, but never elaborated the reason why he was there and why did it all end up in that tragic situation. The biographical work written by Juan Ma. Guerrero, "The First Filipino", serves as a literary lens through which we can examine the complex tapestry of Rizal's life. We get a chance to explore beyond the surface by delving into Guerrero's narrative, looking for the often ignored yet vital nuances that shaped our perception of this historical icon.
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Papers by Vanessa Jean Casañas
— Do we, as a society, really understand the man we worship as our greatest hero?
— Do we, as a society, really understand the man we worship as our greatest hero?