Performance task in 21st Century Literature

Name: Andrea Mei P. Rodrigueza

Strand and Section: STEM 12 C

Marxist Criticism of the Story When My Hair Missed Its Chance to Grow

The Short story entitled “When My Hair Missed Its Chance to Grow” is a short story that
narrates Jerald’s experiences of his past, specifically getting a haircut when he was young. The
author, Jerald Alpe Bermas, is a Master of Arts in English student at the University of the Nueva
Caceres and works as an English teacher at Universidad de Sta. Isabel. He and his family lived in
the barangay Kinalabasahan, municipality of Bula Camarines Sur, wherein they were surrounded
by hills and coconut plantations. He graduated from the Universidad de Sta. Isabel and was
recognized as one of the ten outstanding students in the Philippines, regional level. This story
narrates how his younger self wants to express his true identity through his hair, yet he cannot do
so because of the financial crisis and passed-down traditions. Additionally, they lived in a rural
area wherein the technology was not yet advanced compared to the urban place making their
source of income limited. The literary approach that will be employed in this analysis will be
Marxist criticism as the story focuses on their socioeconomic class. The story highlights the
narration of his father sharing about their struggles in surviving, it specifically emphasizes
sacrifices for them to be able to live and meet their basic needs.

The story starts with the narration of how he knew his identity from the start. He wanted
to express himself by having shiny and glorious hair like Barbie, yet because of his father's
traditional expectations, he was forced to be bald. In the climax of the story, it shows and reveals
the struggle of how his father wants to fulfill his request to have a different haircut, yet because
of the financial crisis they are experiencing, his father was unable to grant his request. The line “
Gusto ko kamong tawan sa maray na buhay, kamong mga magngunguruhod, na diri na kamo
mig-isip sa mga saradit na bagay” (I wanted to give you and your siblings a better life, one
where you wouldn’t have to worry about the things I did)” shows that it was not his desire to
control, but it was a habit born from years of economic hardship. This reveals the hardship and
sacrifices they sacrificed to support their family. The line “In fact, a TV was as mythical as a
unicorn in our household.” also reveals that even a TV seems majestic to them. Living a poor
life is not easy, there are many circumstances to pass through to get to the top. It is struggling to
live a life where even meeting the basic needs requires much effort. Moreover, the society
believes in the famous saying “If you are born poor, you will die poor” This reflects a
pessimistic view of social mobility and economic opportunities. It also implies that a person's
financial state will be determined by their economic status at birth, hence that it is improbable
that a person will experience financial development or upward mobility. Another common
stereotype of what Filipinos think of poor people is that they are uneducated and lazy. Filipinos
tend to think of poor people as uneducated, as they cannot afford to go to prestigious schools
resulting in a lack of education that leads to continuing the cycle of generational poverty.
Because the tuition of private schools are expensive, our society believes that the poor can't go to
private school. This adds to their belief that they cannot do something about their situation and
are bound to be poor. They cannot also escape the judgment of others based on their appearance,
associating poverty with unkempt clothing or lack of personal hygiene. Contributing to factors to
as why are they treated injustice compared to others. Even with the judgment of others, Jerald
had the opportunity to pass through these circumstances. Jerald proved himself by cutting the
chains that were bound and written for their future. As the years passed, Jerald knew that he
wouldn’t want to settle with their situation, so he studied hard to get opportunities to go to a
prestigious school. Jerald molded himself into what he is today, hence it took a lot of
perseverance, patience, and skills for him to live a better life than he can imagine. Jerald proved
people wrong of their judgment towards their family. His journey to overcoming poverty was
marked by determination, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to change. Eventually, he did
achieve and became known for who the author is today, he now became an inspiration to others
and continues to aspire to grow and change for the better.

Poverty is a formidable adversary that grips millions around the globe. It is a complex
challenge with far-reaching consequences. It is like a ravine wherein if you fall it would be
challenging to escape. It requires a lot of strength to take the first step which is having the will to
change your faith. Our willingness reflects our eagerness which eventually will lead us to take
action and will take us to the right path. It is a mere fact that it is hard to get out of poverty, yet it
is not impossible. One of the proverbs says “Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw may dahilan”
which means "If there's a will, there's a way; if there's none, there's an excuse" which emphasizes
the significance of tenacity, resolve, and resourcefulness in conquering barriers or difficulties. It
implies that someone who is genuinely driven to accomplish a goal will find a way to make it
happen.