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Ramos

The essay discusses the role of resistance literature as a form of political struggle, particularly in the context of the Philippines during times of dictatorship. It highlights how literature can challenge oppression and inspire change, using examples like Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada '70 to illustrate the impact of storytelling on social issues. The author emphasizes the importance of using literature to raise awareness and advocate for justice in contemporary society.

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4 views2 pages

Ramos

The essay discusses the role of resistance literature as a form of political struggle, particularly in the context of the Philippines during times of dictatorship. It highlights how literature can challenge oppression and inspire change, using examples like Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada '70 to illustrate the impact of storytelling on social issues. The author emphasizes the importance of using literature to raise awareness and advocate for justice in contemporary society.

Uploaded by

jonamaevalles238
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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KHIANNA SHEIN C.

RAMOS BSED-MATH 3-A2

Literatures for Development- ESSAY

Resistance literature is more than a creative act—it is a form of political struggle. As


discussed by Barbara Harlow in her work Resistance Literature, literature can challenge
systems of oppression, fight colonial and authoritarian power, and give voice to the
silenced. In the Philippine context, resistance literature has played a crucial role,
especially during times of dictatorship and political crisis.

After reading the assigned materials on Barbara Harlow’s Resistance Literature, as well
as Mary Layoun’s commentary on it,I’ve learned how powerful writing can be, especially
in societies where people are silenced. In this essay, I will share my reflections on how
literature becomes a form of protest, how social and political issues give birth to resistance
texts, and how as students, we can carry on the legacy of using literature to call out
injustice and inspire change.

For example, Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada '70 is not a political textbook, but a novel. Yet it
portrays Martial Law’s violence, censorship, and injustice through the life of Amanda
Bartolome, a mother trying to understand her activist sons. By telling Amanda’s story,
Bautista exposes the everyday cost of dictatorship—not just for activists, but for families,
women, and ordinary people. That is resistance. That is truth-telling.

The article taught me that in oppressive contexts, even writing becomes an act of
defiance. That’s still true today. Whistleblowers writing exposés, students writing essays,
and citizens publishing online articles are all part of a modern resistance. Knowing this
makes me realize that what we write—whether in school or in public can influence others
and help create awareness.

In the present, the September 21, 2025 Trillion Peso March continues this tradition of
resistance. Just as literature during Martial Law preserved stories of courage, today’s
writings—essays, testimonies, and even protest slogans—document the people’s fight
against corruption. As students, we can use literature not only to study the past but also
to shape the present, ensuring that our words contribute to the call for transparency,
accountability, and social change.
If I were near the Luneta or EDSA rallies, I would attend. For me, being present is more
than just physical attendance—it is a statement that I am aware and I care. Corruption
affects everyone, especially ordinary citizens who work hard but see their taxes wasted.
Joining the rally is not only about protesting but also about standing with others who
believe that the government should serve the people, not their own interests.

Literature can preserve truth, inspire action, and challenge injustice. As a student,I can
use literature by reading critically, writing reflectively, and sharing powerful works with
others. I can write essays, poems, or articles that speak about corruption, inequality, and
hope.

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