Espiritu, Taryn Graziel A.

11812443
GERIZAL A-52

Reflection on the Rizal Introduction by Coates

The concept of nationalism that Rizal formed at his time wherein it was critical for
the promotion of the common good was tweaked and simplified throughout the years.
This was done for the purpose of accommodating a glorified idea of Rizal as a hero and
for propagating peaceful terms of liberation through education and diplomatic
agreements with the elite ruling class. This leads to several problems. The first problem
being; misunderstanding Rizal's stands which were influenced by his class conditions.
This misunderstanding derives from putting him up on a pedestal and dismissing the
factors that led to his reasonings ultimately misrepresenting those reasonings. The latter
is related to the former misrepresentation and it was the thriving force that helped the
American occupation. With this said it is important to understand the concept of
nationalism that Rizal molded along the class lines of his upbringing. Viewing his life
along the class lines takes away the burden of relying much on personality. It helps
broaden understanding of the subconscious motives as to why Rizal opted for the kind
of nationalism he opted for.

It is known that Rizal came from the Illustrados of the middle class. Thus, he had
prime education but his resources weren't unlimited as well. In fact, his family suffered
financially and was oppressed during the Spanish rule. Given this, he was able to see
that the system wasn't working out for the majority. He wanted liberation through
education and believed that with considerations from Spain, Filipinos can be granted
equal rights. With this, he believed that the revolution wasn't ripe. The strategy he opted
for reflects being an Illustrado because with it was the power to direct the country. It
was with all the good intentions for the common people but relying on change from the
ruling class wasn't very strategic. Why would they offer change to a system they benefit
in? Revolution was the logical choice and Rizal opposed it but he cannot be discredited
for having sparked it. He still used his knowledge for the common good. It doesn't erase
any of the books he has written and the souls that they touched.