DAMASO, JONNETE E.

BS ACCOUNTANCY 1 – BLOCK 4

AUGUST 27, 2020

Poleteismo, not an Art!

"While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the
consequences of our actions." S. Covey

Freedom is both gift and a chance. A chance to do right or commit mistakes. A

chance to express ideas, emotions, feelings and opinions. But freedom has its own
limitation and that depends on how we think thoroughly about the decisions we make.
Freedom of expression isn't absolute. We have our own knowledge to know right from
wrong. Poleteismo, an art of Mideo Cruz, who gave controversy in our country. The two
side are being shown, the pros who agree that poleteismo is an art and the side where
Isagani Cruz and I belong, the cons who oppose with the thought of Mideo about
Poleteismo that it is an art at all. Indeed, it is an art because it was released inside an art
gallery but in the eyes of many, it's not qualified to be called Art.

Poleteismo is not an art. According to Dr. Francisco Sionil Jose, National Artist of
Literature, Poleteismo was not art at all. It was the attempt of an immature and juvenile
artist to express this view. And I agree with it because first things first, Mideo's art
"Poleteismo" shows the situation of Philippine society, but is it right to show this kind of art
in the whole country? Regardless of his age, he should know the right things to do. He's
a student of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) but he doesn't earn a degree from UST.
Yes, it's his way to express his thoughts, but he should consider every consequence or
results after showing his art into public.

Poleteismo offends Christianity. Logan went on to seemingly address Cruz: “If

you’re an atheist or if you believe in, no god, don’t violate the beliefs of others! This is a
predominantly Catholic country, my boy…” It is clear that this art disrespects and
offends the Christianity. Why would a person use the pictures of Jesus Christ and Mother
Mary along with the condoms in portraying an idea or opinion then showing it in public?
Showing it to public polarized public opinions. Controversy, hatred and anger would be
everywhere because it's a big no to every Filipino. Also, we always know that we're
living in a judgmental society so every actions we do have a consequence coming
from different people. It is said in Mideo's statement that he doesn't intend to offend
others, but is it a valid reason to make as an excuse about the mistake he'd done?

Poleteismo is adverse. The proof stares us in the face. Isagani Cruz stated that
Catholics became terrorists, behaving like devils rather that saints. Forgetting all about
the command of Jesus to “Put your sword away!” (John 18:11).“The ones who did those
things are sick, but they are not only sick, what they did was also sickening,” said
Archbishop Cruz. I agree with this statement because no one is in the right mind with
the proper value system would even think of doing such things. It's very inappropriate to
each and every one. His way of expressing his thoughts without considering the impact
of it to younger generations will affect their mindset if it is ideally for them to do or
create those kind of art.

As a result, Mideo's art isn't at art at all. According to Isagani Cruz, "It may be art,
but it is bad art. It may be art, but it is not Art. Definitely agreeing with it because art
doesn't ruin the image and disrespect the religion of one person. Freedom of expression
is not absolute especially if its method offends other people. "Human freedom is a gift of
God and it has corresponding responsibilities", said Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) vice president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. Yes, we should respect
him because it's his decision, but we question the view of it is a desecration.

Art has its own limit. Yes, art is a way to express ourselves, but we should also
consider the dignity of other people. Giving respect to the observer is also giving
respect to your artwork.

References:

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/229551/controversial-poleteismo-
not-art-says-national-artist/story/

https://rachelmayo.blogspot.com/2011/08/mideo-cruz-poleteismo-when-art-
is.html?m=1

https://www.bulatlat.com/2011/08/05/artist-mideo-cruz-wants-to-provoke-critical-
thought-gets-death-threats-instead/