HUMSS 12 Reviewer PDF

KISAPMATA Overview Kisapmata (1981), directed by Mike de Leon, is a psychological horror-thriller inspired by Nick Joaquin's The House on Zapote Street. The story revolves around Dado Carandang, a tyrannical patriarch, and his oppressive control over his family, particula...

KISAPMATA Overview Kisapmata (1981), directed by Mike de Leon, is a psychological horror-thriller inspired by Nick Joaquin's The House on Zapote Street. The story revolves around Dado Carandang, a tyrannical patriarch, and his oppressive control over his family, particularly his daughter Mila. A. Symbolism and Reflection of the Martial Law Era 1. Dado as a Symbol of Martial Law Power ○Represents Ferdinand Marcos' authoritarian regime. ○His control and violence reflect the oppressive governance during the Martial Law period. 2. The House as a Symbol ○Mirrors the Philippine nation under Martial Law: Constant surveillance. Constrained freedom. 3. Family Dynamics Reflecting State-Citizen Relations ○ Dado’s domination parallels the government’s control over its people. ○ The family’s fear mirrors the Filipino people's fear of repercussions for disobedience. A. Themes 1. Power and Fear ○ Dado uses fear and surveillance to assert control, much like the Marcos regime. ○ The family's silence and compliance reflect the normalization of oppression under dictatorship. 2. Gender Roles ○Highlights patriarchal dominance: Dado embodies toxic masculinity and oppressive authority. Mila and her mother represent women’s loss of agency and submission under patriarchal systems. 3. Family Dynamics and Abuse ○ Explores the destructive effects of toxic family structures: Normalization of abuse within a strict patriarchal setting. Critique of traditional Filipino family values that tolerate male dominance. A. Key Insights The film is a metaphor for tyranny, critiquing systems of power and control. Highlights the dangers of silence and compliance in the face of abuse. Calls attention to the need for justice, equality, and confronting oppressive systems. ASWANG Overview Dala ng Dilim is a documentary exploring the aftermath of Duterte’s War on Drugs, using the metaphor of "aswang" to symbolize the death squads operating under the administration. These "aswang"—creatures of folklore—represent the predatory and corrupt forces of the state that prey on the weak, leaving behind a trail of fear and death. B. Portrayal of Violence and Injustice in the War on Drugs 1. The Aswang Metaphor ○ Highlights the dehumanizing power granted to death squads, whose actions transcend justice and accountability. ○ The "aswang" motif underscores the terror inflicted on the streets, turning communities into desolate spaces of fear. 2. Victims and Families ○ Focuses on the victims of extrajudicial killings, particularly the poor, who often had no proven involvement in drugs. ○ Captures the profound grief and loss experienced by families left without closure as their loved ones are buried unnamed and unidentified. B. Cinematography and Narrative Style 1. Realism Through Visuals ○ The documentary employs dirty, handheld shots to convey authenticity, creating an unpolished and raw visual aesthetic. ○ This immersive style brings audiences closer to the victims, enhancing the emotional impact. 2. Soundtrack and Emotional Resonance ○ The soundtrack is thoughtfully crafted to respect the subjects, emphasizing authenticity over dramatization.  ○ The music complements the narrative, deepening the audience’s connection to the stories being told. B. Impact on Society and Perception of Authority 1. Targeting the Poor ○ The documentary illustrates how the war on drugs disproportionately targeted the marginalized, exploiting their vulnerability. ○ The systemic abuse of power highlights a deep-seated inequality in the Philippine justice system. 2. Corruption and Fear ○ Children role-playing as police capturing drug users reveal how normalized and ingrained the violence has become in society. ○ The police, once symbols of protection, are now seen as villains, embodying the erosion of trust in law enforcement. B. Systemic Corruption and Failed Justice 1. Kidnapping and Ransom ○ The documentary details cases of police abducting individuals and holding them in hidden cells for ransom. ○ Even when freed by the Commission on Human Rights, victims were falsely charged, showcasing the system's inability to protect the innocent. 2. The Judiciary’s Role ○ Highlights how falsified legal documents and complicity within the system perpetuate injustice. ○ Reflects a broader failure of institutions to uphold human rights and protect the oppressed. B. Key Themes in the Documentary 1. The Abuse of Power ○ Examines how unchecked authority corrupts and undermines the rule of law. 2. Systemic Inequality ○ Sheds light on the plight of the poor, who bear the brunt of the war on drugs. 3. Erosion of Trust ○ Captures the societal shift in perceiving law enforcers as oppressors rather than protectors. PAPOGI: THE IMAGING OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS PRESIDENTS Overview Papogi: The Imaging of Philippine Presidents explores how different Philippine presidents crafted their public personas to gain public favor. It examines the evolution of leadership styles and their connection to broader political trends and historical contexts. C. Continuity and Changes in Leadership Styles 1. Manuel L. Quezon ○ Symbolized Filipino equality with foreign powers. ○ His refined and dignified image resonated with Filipinos seeking national pride and identity after colonization. 2. Ramon F. Magsaysay ○ Contrasted Quezon with a grounded, relatable approach. ○ Presented himself as the “everyday Filipino,” earning trust through personal connections with the masses. 3. Fidel V. Ramos ○A disciplined military man associated with the EDSA Revolution. ○Projected himself as a hardworking and action-oriented leader, gaining credibility through his achievements. 4. Joseph “Erap” Estrada ○ Leveraged his film star popularity to connect with the masses. ○ His charm and appeal to the poor made him a symbol of the common man, despite eventual controversies. C. Media and Public Personas in Philippine Political Culture 1. Quezon's Idealism ○ Used his Americanized yet Filipino persona to challenge colonial ideologies. 2. Magsaysay’s Accessibility ○ Toured barangays, embodying grassroots outreach. 3. Ramos’ Statesmanship ○ Highlighted discipline and achievements post-Martial Law. 4. Erap’s Celebrity Appeal ○ Films and charisma connected with the masses, showcasing the power of entertainment in politics. These examples reflect a recurring trend: the use of crafted public images to align with the hopes and struggles of the Filipino people. C. Legacy of Patronage Politics and Populism 1. Patronage ○Presidents capitalized on their networks and resources to appeal to specific sectors. ○ Erap’s image as a champion for the poor and Ramos’ ties to the military and EDSA are prime examples. 2. Populism ○ The relatable personas of Magsaysay and Erap demonstrate the influence of populist appeal in winning public favor. ○ Both utilized their connection to the common Filipino to create loyalty among voters. C. Key Insights The Philippine presidency is often shaped by public perception, with candidates adapting to historical and cultural contexts. Leadership styles are influenced by predecessors while responding to contemporary challenges and opportunities. Success in politics is tied to the ability to craft a relatable and appealing image for the electorate. A THOUSAND CUTS Overview A Thousand Cuts is a documentary by Ramona Diaz that examines the conflict between Philippine journalism, represented by Rappler and its CEO Maria Ressa, and the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. The film explores the power dynamics between a government seeking to consolidate control and a press fighting for democracy and truth. D. Role of Civil Society Organizations in Safeguarding Democracy 1. Rappler’s Mission ○ Advocates for press freedom, democratic ideals, and accountability in governance.  ○ Their investigative journalism exposes government abuses, particularly those linked to Duterte’s War on Drugs. 2. Holding Power Accountable ○ Through critical reporting, Rappler demonstrates the importance of a free press in preserving democracy. ○ Maria Ressa's leadership and resilience serve as a symbol of the struggle to protect truth. D. Challenges and Threats Faced by Rappler and Civil Society Organizations 1. Government Suppression ○ Duterte’s administration repeatedly undermines Rappler, filing legal cases against Maria Ressa to silence dissent. ○ Threats of arrest, harm, and harassment are constant realities for journalists. 2. Disinformation Campaigns ○ Pro-Duterte influencers like Mocha Uson and Thinking Pinoy weaponize social media to spread misinformation and discredit Rappler. ○ False narratives erode public trust in legitimate journalism and distort democratic discourse. D. Media as a Platform for Civil Society Activism 1. Rappler’s Strategy ○ Combats misinformation through investigative reporting and digital media platforms. ○ Continues to publish stories that challenge government propaganda despite relentless suppression. 2. Resistance Tactics ○ Leveraging international attention to highlight the Philippine press’s plight. ○ Using social media to counter disinformation and educate the public on critical issues. D. Key Themes in the Documentary 1. The Fight for Press Freedom ○ Depicts journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and a counterweight to authoritarianism. 2. Power of Disinformation  ○ Illustrates how misinformation undermines public trust and strengthens authoritarian rule. 3. Courage and Resilience ○ Maria Ressa and her team at Rappler embody the courage needed to confront oppression in pursuit of truth. POWER Definition of Power Max Weber’s Perspective: ○ Power is “the ability of a person to control the behavior of others, even against their will.” In Politics: ○ Power involves the authority and control of governments over people, institutions, and resources. ○ Functions of political power include creating and enforcing laws, maintaining order, and overseeing national institutions like DepEd and DENR. ○ Examples: Presidents appointing department heads. Approval or disapproval of national budgets. Power and Authority Authority: 1. The right to exercise power. Without authority, there is no power. Types of Authority (Max Weber): 1. Charismatic Authority: Derived from a leader’s personal charm, inspiration, or heroic appeal. 2. Traditional Authority: Based on established customs, practices, and beliefs. 3. Legal-Rational Authority: Rooted in rules, laws, and formal institutions. Forms of Power Repressive Power (Machiavellian Power) Coined from Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince. Characteristics:  ○ Power is maintained through fear, punishment, control, manipulation, lies, and appearing virtuous. ○ Popular principles: "The end justifies the means." It is better for a ruler to be feared than loved. Normalizing Power (Foucault’s Theory) Expands the idea that power is everywhere, not just in governments or authority. Power operates through societal norms and institutions like schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Key Concepts in Normalizing Power: ○ Panopticon: A system of surveillance in society that compels individuals to follow norms without direct government intervention. ○ Governmentality: The mentality of being governed, where people govern themselves based on societal expectations. ○ Docile Bodies: Individuals molded by power to conform to societal standards. Power in the Philippine Context (Rafael’s Analysis) Necropower: Power to kill, associated with modern sovereign authority. Manifested during Duterte’s administration, where public displays of violence highlighted the state's control over life and death. Quote: “The power to kill comes from which comes the sovereign’s power to let others live.” Biopower: Power to give life, seen in health campaigns, public safety laws, and life-enhancing initiatives. Produces both life and fear, controlling the population through positive interventions. Key Themes and Concepts 1. Repressive vs. Normalizing Power:  ○ While repressive power operates through fear and punishment, normalizing power is subtle and pervasive, shaping societal norms. 2. Power Beyond Government: ○ Power exists in everyday interactions, institutions, and even societal expectations. 3. Dual Nature of Power in Society: ○ Necropower represents control through violence and death. ○ Biopower exemplifies governance through life-affirming measures and societal discipline.