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Episode 04 | Art as Advocacy : Literature and Human Rights Education in the Philippines

Episode 04 | Art as Advocacy : Literature and Human Rights Education in the Philippines

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 Professor Rommel Rodriguez, an academic, writer, and staunch human rights advocate from the University of the Philippines, provides a profound overview of the nation's struggle for social justice. He begins by outlining the deep-seated issues of poverty, neocolonialism, and environmental problems that fuel a culture of protest. He details the nation's robust history of protest, from the 1986 People Power Revolution to contemporary movements addressing systemic issues like poverty and corruption.A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the dark legacy of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and the current challenges of historical revisionism, particularly under the current government of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator, which seeks to erase the dark parts of the country's past.To counter this, Rommel details his unique approach of using literature and art as tools for advocacy, sharing insights from his university course that teaches human rights through creative works. He argues this method builds empathy and allows for discussions on sensitive topics like political imprisonment. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of extending activism beyond the classroom, describing the vital role of student movements in supporting grassroots causes.Despite facing personal risks, including having his book banned, Professor Rodriguez finds hope in collective action. He underscores the power of solidarity among artists, academics, and the Filipino diaspora in creating a potent counter-narrative to official government rhetoric. The episode concludes with his firm belief that educating future generations is the most crucial step toward building a more just and humane Philippine society.This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com If you would like to learn more about the hidden history-- democratization movement and the coup d’état-- in the Philippines, along with insights into the current human rights movement and Prof. Rodriguez’s banned books, please visit the links below.Rommel Rodriguez's CVAuthors unbowed after gov’t ‘purge’ of booksKWF memo banning ‘subversive’ books voidedShortsighted and arrogant moveHere are some of the short documentaries Prof. Rodriguez did about political prisoners in the PhilippinesTanikala at Talinhaga 1 (Chained Metaphors)Tanikala at Talinhaga 2Tanikala at Talinhaga 3 Also here are some documentaries about the social illnesses in the Philippines. *Note. Just some trigger warning because the video contains violent images:Sa Ngalan ng Tubo (In the Name of Profit/Sugarcane)Mendiola Massacre (during the first year of presidency of corazon aquino, 1987) Contact Conversations4citizenshipTweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!
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