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Compare and contrast Rizal's impressions in Japan and America.
Notes on instances of racism and prejudice. The racial prejudice Rizal saw in the
US, especially directed towards African Americans, was harshly condemned. The
treatment of people of color and their segregation horrified him since it went against his
values of justice and equality.
Respect for American values. The democratic values and aspirations of equality and
freedom upon which the United States was built were much revered by Rizal. He
thought the Philippines could adopt these ideas and that they were worthy of imitation.
Exposure to advancement and cutting-edge technology. The growth and
technological innovations Rizal saw in the United States captivated him. He thought that
modernization and infrastructure in the American manner may be advantageous for the
Philippines.
Similarities:
Both Japan and America help our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal to gather information
about other countries' cultures and customs to help his country and to have our freedom
from the Spaniards through the use of his skills and knowledge in literature.
C. Essay: Answer the question comprehensively. (10 points each)
1. What are the things that Rizal observed and experienced in America?
The late 19th-century Filipino nationalist and polymath Dr. José Rizal
made a trip to the United States. His letters, journals, and essays reflect a number of
the insights and experiences he had while living in America. Among the noteworthy
things he saw and encountered in America are:
Cultural Diversity: When Rizal met Americans of different ancestries and
cultures, he was struck by the country's rich cultural diversity. He believed that the
nation's diversity was one of its greatest assets.
Racial Prejudice: Rizal acknowledged the presence of racial prejudice and
discrimination in the United States, especially against African Americans, despite the
principles of freedom and equality. This encounter probably influenced his opinions on
the significance of standing out for equality and justice.
Freedom and Democracy: Rizal noted that American society was democratic
and free-spirited. The ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy he came across in the
United States motivated him. His perspective on nationalism and governance was
impacted by this encounter.
Education System: Rizal thought that the American educational system was
more contemporary and useful than the systems in many European nations. He
understood the role that education plays in the advancement and development of a
country.
Rizal's views on nationalism, education, and the value of equality were
greatly influenced by his experiences in the United States. His observations made while
living in America had a long-lasting effect on his writing and his ability to influence the
nationalist movement in the Philippines.
2. Reason why Rizal say that “America is the land par excellence of freedom but
only for the whites”?
In his 1889 article "The Philippines A Century Hence," Dr. Jose Rizal, a
Filipino nationalist and scholar, made this comment about America. In this article, Rizal
offered commentary on a number of facets of American politics and society, especially
in light of the country's colonization and imperialist expansion throughout the
Philippines. The quotation from Rizal that reads, "America is the land par excellence of
freedom but only for the Whites," captures his disapproval of the socioeconomic and
racial divide that existed in the country at the time.
Submitted by:
Ramos, Mickaela P.
BSA - 2B
Submitted to:
Professor Carlota Hernaez