Ocampo, Joseph V.

20131251145

Write a reaction paper in response to the following prompt:

As Gen Z, who can you relate to - Don Quixote or Sancho Panza? Why?

As a Gen Z, I can relate to both Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Why? Because I myself
was born idealistic but now I’m starting to shift to being practical and realistic. I
understand Don Quixote’s perspective as his idealism leads to delusion specially when
he fought the merchants, He believed that his strength is enough to withstand a knight
even though the reality is far from his truth. I too would have believed to my own skill
but just like Sancho, I have a grasp of reality that some fights are not for me to win nor
start. I still stick to my ideals but over time, growing up I’m starting to be practical like
Sancho because you need to see the world in its pure state, where the truth dictates life
and life is not about fantasy only. Currently in the context of politics, the Gen Z are
leaning more towards idealism and a lot of people who share the view of Don Quixote is
present. Personally, I don’t find it to be bad as ideals shape the community but it must
be balanced with practicality because we have to be realistic and accept that there are
instances that those ideals are not applicable and must be accepted for what it is not. In
the end of the day, it is important that we stick to our own personality and views as it
will shape the reality of our lives.