Jose Rizal University

Life and Works of Rizal

Written Work 4:
Article Analysis
Cruz, Angel Nicole
HIS C301-101E
 Figure 1: Chosen Article (Fake News as Old as History)

I. Introduction/Synthesis of the Article

Communication offers a vital tool for extending information across borders,

transmitting knowledge, and providing a sufficient message to others regarding an issue
or issue-related discussion. However, there are periodic lapses in the circulation or
transmission of information because of unpleasant revisions and twisted narratives. But
why does misinformation take place in our society? simply because of envy or a
different and opposing frame of reference. There will always be two opposing sides,
regardless of the situation. Disinformation transpired and developed throughout society,
referred to as "Fake News".

Fake news is characterized as a piece of false or misleading information

disseminated as news. Fake news is frequently intended to harm a person's or entity's
reputation or to profit from advertising revenue. As forms of communication have
evolved at a fast pace because of the progress of the internet and media, fake news
spreads rapidly with just a single click. As a matter of fact, fake news has been relevant
since then through gossip and print publications. The ignorant will believe, the literate
will suspect.

Fake news is contradicted and destroyed by credible or factual information. This

publication serves as an illuminator and a mechanism that presents original statements
and publications objectively. By equating the issue(s) to society, unfiltered references
encourage emulation of society as a means of discovering the truth. However, given the
fact, people will tend to deny the truth due to being proven wrong, an offense to their
ego.

Therefore, given our advanced modes of transmission of communication and factual

and relatively unfiltered information, why do people still consume biased and filtered
information? Turning a blind eye to fake news while criticizing the facts is an incurable
disease that effortlessly spreads throughout our society.

II. ANALYSIS OF THE ARTICLE

The media has served its purpose through the transmission of information and news
by disseminating it through different means and platforms. These are readily available
for all with a click. The internet is a public forum for exchanging thoughts and opinions
freely. However, criticism and backlash may arise, and in some cases, fake news
creeps into people’s minds, leading to confusion and controversy.

In his article, Ambeth Ocampo suggests that the concept and practice of "fake news"
are not new in today's society. In fact, according to him, it’s as old as history. Since
then, fake news has played a role, with the only difference being its pace and how it
slowly erodes the truth. 

Historians are known for seeking the truth in order to debunk false or fake
information that spreads and mutates historical events. The continuous and intensive
investigation, reading, comprehension, and comparison of evidence to conclude what
actually happened to decipher the facts from the fiction of fake news peddlers. They
have studied and read different articles, books, and artifacts for their entire lives.
However, why do people tend to deplore the facts and embrace the untrue? 

In his article, Ocampo mentioned a letter from historian Carlos Quirino to

anthropologist E. Arsenio Manuel as he prepared for his presentation on Jose E. Marco,
a successful forger in Philippine history. The letter accentuates that "La Loba Negra"
and other so-called writings of Burgos are false and untrue, authored by Marco as per
his thorough study of the GOMBURZA. Quirino even mentioned, "Add "s" to Marco and
we have the greatest magician in our history." Marco's work even made it into textbooks
and classrooms, though his writings were debunked and removed after being exposed
by historians. Prevailing on the abolishment of Jose E. Marco, we can’t deny that he
revised and distorted historical studies due to his potent and dominant authored writings
that struck the unconscious mind. A consequence of the act was confusion over the
entire historical concept. The National Historical Institute issued a resolution declaring
that the Code of Kalantiao, authored by Marco, has no historical basis. Despite its
influence, there are disputes and protests over it. The municipality of Batan, Aklan,
wrote to the President to express opposition to the resolution. Moreover, this
demonstrates the power of fake news in our society.

On the other hand, Jose Rizal has first-hand experience with fake news. At
Rizal’s first homecoming, there are speculations and gossip regarding his published
novel, Noli Me Tangere. This becomes an insult to the friars as it mirrors the oppression
of the Filipinos by the Spaniards. The friars fabricate fake news about the novel by Rizal
since only the rich can afford a copy of the novel. Many believed the friars’; Jose Rizal’s
reputation and name were distorted in the eyes of his fellow men. Still, fake news is still
evident, as per the article by Ocampo. The real challenge in confronting fake news is
confronting those who hold on to the false. Facebook is a social platform that is the
main peddler of fake news in our country. People can freely share their opinions or take
part in a certain issue or discussion. However, due to this factor, the platform can’t
monitor what is true or not. Fake news is globally spread and digested by people.
Experts suggest being literate and studying, but people deny fact-checking on the
grounds that the truth, not to their liking, is biased or colored by politics. 

The article bluntly depicts the truth about the issue of fake news. It is a fact that
politics affects the truth due to controversies, but this doesn’t mean that fake news
should be tolerated and turned into the truth. Ocampo discussed how historians and
courts work on evidence to seek the truth, but getting people who have made up their
minds to believe them is like leading the proverbial horse to the stream, leaving it to
decide whether to drink or not. We can’t deny that fake news is unstoppable, but what
we need is more individuals who can stand against and dispute this issue.

III. PROS and CONS / ADVANTAGES  AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE

ARTICLE PUBLISHED 

The advantage of this article is that it will serve as a basis or reference for how fake
news is promulgated and lingers in our society back then up until now. Articles are
substantial sources of factual information, mainly because they're unfiltered and based
on the experience and acquired data of the author in relation to the issue. It does not
seek to fabricate the facts, which, presumably, are straightforward.

Furthermore, the disadvantage of the article is that it may spark controversies since
it involves names and politics. People may see it as biased and made-up, particularly
those who are not ready to know the truth. In our society, those who disclose facts are
shunned, while the untrue is freely broadcast.

IV. CONCLUSIONS

As Ambeth Ocampo cited in his article, fake news is as old as history. We are aware
of fake news' relevancy and result to the state of information in our society, but it's still
living among us and reinforced by many. Embraced by the mass, the comforting lies,
the truth is neglected by many.