STEVEN PAUL C.

SIAWAN 2/22/22
NSTP 2

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you need to engage in politics?

Our political standpoint is a reflection of our own values. This implies that there is a need
to engage in politics primarily because everything around us, most especially in a
democratic state, is maneuvered by political machineries and decisions conducted by our
own political leaders we elected in the government. Nevertheless, as a citizen, the degree
of our participation in socio- politics is a representation of how we perceive the political
climate in our country, how we think of the people around us, and most specially how we
care for the marginalized sector. This means that in democracy, our involvement in politics
is very much important as our individual choice in picking whom to support, vote, and elect
has a pragmatic, enormous, and intergenerational impact to the entirety of our nation.
Hence, this ties back to our morals and principles we uphold. Do we choose to be
empathetic by actively engaging in political decisions or do we chose to be neutral and
apathetic for the sake of our own selfish interests?

2. What is the metaphor discussed in this episode? How do you feel about it?

The metaphorical symbolism used in describing the political condition of our country was
the “boat”. It is true how we are in one boat with one goal which is to survive and have a
sustainable stability in order for the boat not to sink. I am disheartened of the fact how the
top desk swarmed by people in power took advantage of it in order to maintain their
perverse incentive to have control and power in the country. Consequently, the most
affected of this power imbalance is the people below the boat. In worst case, the political
asymmetry would eventually drown the people in poverty and corruption.
I believe that in order to mitigate and address these injustices, people on the ground
should not be the enablers of the oppression rather we should hold the people in the upper
desk accountable for the structural problems that they are perpetuating. We should
actively participate and call them out as much as we can for the betterment of the
community.

3. Give three (3) instances where human beings are engaged in politics?

EXERCISING OUR RIGHT TO SUFFRAGE

Being a registered voter and being able to participate in the electoral processes is an
engagement in politics and the most powerful thing that a citizen could do for the country.
It is an individual choice that determines the political climate of the country for the next six
years.

BEING COGNIZANT ON THE POLITICAL CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY

By merely educating oneself with the current political condition of the country is a great
help in immersing oneself with the reality. This is where individuals are able to discern
on one’s choices and actions for the country. This is an indicator on what degree you
wanted to participate and help at the end of the day.

BEING CRITICAL AND OBJECTIVE WITH THE POLITICAL LEADERS IN THE SEAT
Idolatry in politics should be disregarded. As a citizen, we should be objective in
choosing our political leaders while being critical to their political decisions when they
are already in power. This is where we maintain transparency and accountability from
them.