A Mirror of Transparency and Social Awareness in Literary Forms
It is indeed difficult to bear and contemplate on the current reality that we are facing. The hindsight of this crisis is painstakingly unsettling knowing the causality has been circulating a few months back. Each day passed is another victory or another animosity to survive for millions of people affected in this pandemic. Extension after extension, a guaranteed safety to flatten the curve. Given the circumstances, we should never turn a blind eye on degrading mental health adversities. An article by Scott Berinato, entitled “That Discomfort you’re Feeling is Grief” takes author, David Kessler on the discussion of grief and how it perpetuates thoughts on a person. He interpreted that grief has its stages and kinds that coincide with carrying the effects of isolation; a thorough acceptance of normality and diverting emotions at this juncture are both meaningful in dealing sorrowness.
Literature is very essential in this pandemic times. Data and information delivered to the public must be filtered out. Ideas and opinions that are relevant with the pandemic are very crucial since people are sensitive and reactive. Influencers have great impact to the society aside from the government. The democracy of using the freedom of speech could be beneficient or could result to inconvenience. Bloggers and Youtubers such as Kryz Uy, Hannah Elise, and Angel Yeo are sharing information on how people could stay productive in this quarantine. This is an altruistic act that would cheer and reduce the anxiety of the society in this obnoxious event. Literature is powerful in every situation. It changes things. It could make or destroy everything.
The Context of Prejudice and Sentence of Poverty Delivered through Writing
As much as we want to tread lightly in these trying times, the continuity of social injustice and fascism ensues the power of people against oppression gravitating towards the freedom of being shackled. Inequality shows a nation’s willingness to rectify unfavorable enforcements toward masses, emphasizing on the poorest; representing and expounding these harsh jurisdictions, the art of writing and reading heightened the impulses of writers in portraying a great deal of truth, reaching beyond their breaking point. Juan Miguel Severo, an actor and writer, known for his work “Hintayan ng Langit,” expressed his sentiments in the enlightenment of poetry to our existence, reminding each one of us to take off our blindfolds and let salt tears fall from our eyes in order to witness the abuse of docility from our fellow Filipinos. His recent poem “Panalangin ng bayang aahon sa dilim,” interprets the balance of empathetic contradiction in the dimness path we are taking. Now more than ever, a good support system is what everyone needs—with a simple ounce of hope and absence of selfishness, we will get through this.
According to UN Human Development Data, Philippines is characterized as a third-world country due to its high poverty rate. This factor was very visible nowadays during the pandemic because of an immediate rise of unemployability and debts in the country. Distribution of Social Amelioration Program (SAP), cash aids, and relief goods from the government and private organizations was the only hope for some of the poor families since they were not able to work for a living. However, discrimination and injustice between the poor and the rich was still a problem despite of the pandemic we are facing. Government money is limited and it could not suffice the long months of quarantine. This was caused by the other virus that existed many years ago, corruption. According to Inquirer.net, our president had an extreme frustration regarding the pervasive corruption occuring in the government. Bribery, fraud, theft, tax evasion, and illegal financial activities are threats to situations like this wherein there is nothing to provide whenever funds was needed the most.
Literature as a Constructive Upliftment of Resiliency
It is undeniable to witness different acts of heroism with the implementation of enhanced community quarantine taking place. Immediate plans and well-thought solutions are highly beneficial in surpassing the onslaught of positive patients. Frontliners are risking their lives at every chance they get in the service of good will and in exchange for a sense of hug and care from their loved ones. The notion of Mass Testing is metaphorically described in the aspect of wind—much has been reiterated and discussed yet we can never see the presence of its effectiveness to our country. Preferably, our government turns our attention in obliterating the relevance of press freedom by shutting down one of the biggest television networks known for many decades. Literature and its other forms are a necessity and a priority in situations like this. People getting informed through news articles and live updates could save millions of lives. Showing virtues and values by considering expired franchised businesses, unpayed due bills and rents, and sharing financial help is a way to get through this pandemic. Professional health experts and researchers are doing their bestest to provide a cure for the virus. Ordinary people like us may not help to provide a cure, but we could be extraordinary by following the presidential order to prevent the spread of the virus. Experts in different fields are opening ways on how to ease the anxiety, stress, and fear that everyone experience. There are ways cheer up yourself and stay optimistic such as make use of the availability of literature by reading, writing, watching, and listening to relevant issues regarding self care. This would make a different change in you during this quarantine that would transform you to a better person.
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