Rizal Reaction Paper
Rizal Reaction Paper
Rizal Reaction Paper
SC 134
Reaction Paper
Reaction Paper Based On The Commentary: "Do We Really Know Rizal? Rizal Law Ineffective."
The article "Do We Really Know Rizal? Rizal Law Ineffective." by Mona Lisa H. Quizon under inquirer.net
emphasized points that today’s youth does not know Rizal as well as the older generation. It opened my eyes
regarding the importance of learning and studying Rizal, and why it remains mandatory in our school system.
I pondered on the question, “Do we really know Rizal?” And I found that I knew little about the man in
question. I know him from the statue in Luneta. I know that streets are named after him. I see his face on the
one-peso coin. But, aside from those, I have very little knowledge about Rizal, his achievements, and his story.
As the Filipino youth (my generation included) become increasingly modern and heavily influenced by western
culture, we must push for nationalism and patriotism to ensure that they don’t forget the past and the sacrifices
made by those who came before them. I can see why teaching Rizal inside the classroom is crucial in raising the
Filipino youth. A deeper understanding of Rizal is needed so that we can understand what he fought and stood
for. Rizal is the symbol of freedom in the Philippines, and as Filipinos who benefit from that freedom, we must
never take it for granted.
It’s not enough that we only know Jose Rizal as the man on the one-peso bill, that holiday and streets
are named after him, or that he was the man shoot in Luneta. We must embody Rizal’s heroic characteristics so
that when we face problems, we ourselves can be heroes too.
As a Nursing student, I thought I was done studying subjects relating social sciences. Although I
appreciate subjects involving historical figures and politics, I find them heavy and difficult at times. But after a
few reflections, I realize its worth the effort because learning about historic Filipino figures instills love and
appreciation for the Philippines.