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B. Make a Venn Diagram (10 pts.

)
Compare and contrast Rizal's impressions in Japan and America.

Japan impressions by Dr. Jose Rizal:

Culture-based adoration. Rizal was a great admirer of Japanese culture. He was


impressed by the Japanese for their self-control, sense of dignity, and adherence to
customs. In his view, Japan was a country that had embraced modernization while
retaining its cultural legacy.
Courtesy toward education. The Japanese school system and its emphasis on
information and study attracted Rizal. He perceived the Japanese as being eager to
learn about other cultures and appreciating education.
ethnically uniform:
Rizal saw the Japanese people's strong feeling of national identity and their
homogeneity. He made a comparison between this and the Philippines, where Spanish
colonization led to a more diversified population.

American Impressions by Dr. Jose Rizal:

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.

Rizal made the following three points in support of his assertion:


Racial discrimination: During his lifetime, Rizal was aware of the racial disparity
and prejudice that non-white groups in the US endured. He pointed out that numerous
minority groups, such as African Americans and Native Americans, experienced
discrimination, segregation, and social inequities despite America's image as a
champion of freedom and democracy.
Historical background: When Rizal penned his article, the United States was
only beginning to assert its dominance as an imperialist state. Following the
Spanish-American War's conclusion with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1898, the
United States had just purchased the Philippines from Spain. Rizal was worried about
what might happen to the Filipino people if America took over the Philippines.
Hypocrisy and irony: Rizal's remarks draw attention to the irony and hypocrisy
he saw in America's claim to be a land of freedom while engaging in racial
discrimination and the enslavement of other peoples. This was not intended to be a
critique of America specifically, since there have always been conflicts between the
principles and the practices of numerous colonial powers.
In conclusion, Jose Rizal's claim that America is the home of freedom but
only for white people was a critique of the racial injustices and paradoxes he saw
prevalent in the country in the late 19th century. His essay sought to highlight the
nuanced aspects of American civilization as well as the possible effects of US
imperialism on the Philippines.

3. What experiences, achievements, and news he received when Rizal was in


London?

José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, spent a substantial amount of


time in London throughout his travels and studies. Rizal had several important
experiences, accomplishments, and encounters while in London. Here are some of the
most important events and headlines from his stay in London:
Ophthalmology studies: In May 1888, Rizal came to London to study
ophthalmology at the University of London. He was studying this medical expertise in
order to treat eye disorders that were common in the Philippines at the time.
Exposure to Liberal and Intellectual Circles: During Rizal's time in London,
the city was a hotbed of liberal and intellectual activity. He met a number of influential
people, including members of the Propaganda Movement, a group of Filipino reformists,
and other international intellectuals who affected his views on political and social
transformation.
Correspondence with Ferdinand Blumentritt: During his tenure in London,
Rizal had a close relationship with Ferdinand Blumentritt, an Austrian scholar and
friend. They discussed a variety of themes, including Philippine culture, history, and the
country's current status.
"Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) is published: While in London, Rizal
worked on his first novel, "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not). The novel was finished in
1886 and released in Berlin in 1887. Its publication had a huge impact in the
Philippines, helping to strengthen the Filipino nationalist movement.
Advocacy for Reforms: During his time in London, Rizal persisted in his support
of social and political reforms for the Philippines. He composed essays and articles
endorsing these concepts, sending them to journals both domestically and overseas.
Newspaper essays: Rizal wrote essays about the problems facing the
Philippines and the need for reform for periodicals based in London, including La
Solidaridad and the magazine "Travels."
Attendance in International Conferences: Throughout his time in London,
Rizal participated in a number of academic events and international conferences. His
ideas on Philippine independence and national identity were further affected by the
diverse worldviews and ideologies he encountered as a result of these experiences.
Translation of Antonio de Morga's "Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas":
Rizal began translating Morga's work into English when he was living in London. The
pre-colonial history of the Philippines and the horrors carried out by the Spanish
colonists were clarified by this historical study.
A pivotal stage in Rizal's life was his stay in London, where he was able to
refine his reformist and nationalist ideologies. His words and deeds in London
influenced the development of Philippine history, and his experiences and relationships
during this period helped him become a key figure in the country's independence effort.
ACTIVITY
IN
LIFE AND WORKS OF
RIZAL

Submitted by:
Ramos, Mickaela P.
BSA - 2B

Submitted to:
Professor Carlota Hernaez

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