Global Events Here, There, Everywhere That Shaped Us.
written by MASANGYA, Jose Daniel GEWORLD — YY12
Whether we like it or not, particular events in our history effects our realities may it be great or minimal. The societal situation presented to us are obviously the results of the struggles and victories of the past. Since these hardships and victories built up our structure now, it is safe to conclude that we are currently on the receiving end of the consequences of the past. However, it is clearly safe to conclude that we are also facing challenging times; times in which there are evidently struggles that demand action. Times in which our problems would possibly result to victory or loss in the future.
Important World Events before I was born.
In the events of the past, Martial Law in the Philippines was one political phenomena that shaped the future of national politics. This era of Philippine history is always revisited because of the triumph over political violence. However, its implications to the current happenings are often overlooked. To begin with, in the national context, the history of Martial Law has actually brought the Philippines to its economic and political downfall. The media was silenced as they were tagged as groups that would disturb the government. Some media facilities were shut down because of the claim that they would overthrow the Marcos rule. Political violence was also prevalent as there were numerous human rights violations on the side of the opposition. With these situations, democracy was at its knees and the authority of one was maximized. During this time, the economy of the Philippines was also weak because of the establishment of cronyism and systematic corruption. In the last years of President Ferdinand Marcos’ rule, the Philippines economy was badly damaged as government agencies and businesses were handled by Marcos’ associates. This resulted to the disproportionate distribution of wealth and a greater divide between the rich and poor.
The dark history of Martial Law placed the Philippines in a great political divide. Nowadays, there is still an evident patronage to the dictator who utterly destroyed democracy and legitimized his political will and interest. Fortunately, that is not the only case because the triumph over this dark past is still celebrated and there is an understanding of what has been. Personally, this dark history helped me understand the importance of democracy and the power of many over an oppressor.
On a gentler note, another global event that impacted me as an individual was the rising popularity of NBA Basketball particularly the character of Michael Jordan. Often referred to as “His Airness”, Michael Jordan dramatically changed the basketball arena and the business side of the NBA. His amazing skills and competitive nature established him not just as an athlete but as an icon. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls successfully won six NBA championships and they had a three-peat twice. In those championships, Michael Jordan also had six Finals MVP’s. Obviously, an icon such as himself also undertake into other business opportunities. With his popularity, he made his own shoe brand and sports apparel “Air Jordan”. Michael Jordan also became the first billionaire player in NBA history because of this. Personally, the success of Michael Jordan as an athlete and as a businessman inspired me to become a determined person and to have an exemplary work ethic. Though, I’m not really the athletic type, his journey to success is an inspiration to people as it was really a manifestation on how success can be achieved if effort and passion is exerted.
Important World Events when I was born.
In the year 2000, one important event that greatly impacted the world when I was born was the production of the PlayStation. In this year, the gaming industry was actually booming as the PlayStation constantly improves its graphics and ensures a great gaming experience to their customers. With this production, customers including myself in the early 2000’s was able to enjoy games and as cliché as it sounds, it actually connected people from one another.
Another event specifically in the field of politics that affected me and other people was the “Hello Garci” scandal. I was four years old at that time and I remember clearly a woman apologizing on live television. At that time, wondered why this woman had to apologize because she seemed like a genuine and kind person. It turns out that she was the former President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo and she apologized because according to her, her actions on making the “call” was a lapse of judgment and therefore she was sorry. Basically, the story of this issue is that there was an alleged wire-tapped conversation between the President Arroyo and COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. In this conversation, President Arroyo allegedly asked the COMELEC Commissioner to secure her lead of votes. Obviously, this issue suggests electoral fraud. As time passed by, and I revisit this issue I develop a sound understanding on history and realize how hidden events will become known.
Important World Events that will impact the future.
In the near future, the current global event that would impact my life without a doubt is the COVID-19 pandemic. This issue faced by many nations greatly disrupted the world economy and its old methods of production and transaction. Unfortunately, this virus demands a new approach in all kinds of interaction hence, the term the “new normal”. In return, the current effect of this pandemic to an ordinary individual such as myself are the inconvenience of lack of resources, work, and schooling opportunities. In fact, 27 million Filipinos were reported jobless in July according to the news circulated last August 17, 2020 wherein Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque mentioned this and said that it could’ve been worse. Unfortunately, during this time the marginalized and destitute are more devastated as they are more financially damaged as the virus demands a decrease in human activity and labor. In the future, as a consequence to the inadequate labor and education opportunities brought about by COVID-19, students like me along other members of society have to suffer the economic devastation that it established.
Another event that would obviously impact our future is climate change. This issue needs no further explanations as this concept is often thrown around when environmental issues are tackled. However, the issue persists because of the continuing increase of temperatures. Scientists suggest that temperature levels are rising faster than the past and our activities may contribute to this global warming as they suggest. Activities such as the operation of different industries and most man-made emissions of CO2 contribute to global warming. Therefore, if this still pushes through, the rising temperatures would lead to extreme weather conditions endangering the safety of humans in all levels of society. In the long run, there is a possibility of animal and plant extinction as their habitats would drastically change and therefore disable them to adapt to these changes. Also, because of the radical increase of temperature, an article mentioned that there could be an increase of extreme weather events that would cause destruction and death upon humans.
Sources:
Dioquino, D. (2020, May 11). His Airness: Things to know about Michael Jordan. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.rappler.com/sports/nba/things-to-know-michael-jordan
Lopez, M. (n.d.). Roque on 27M Filipinos reported jobless: ‘It could’ve been worse’. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.cnn.ph/news/2020/8/17/Harry-Roque-SWS-survey-45.5-percent-Pinoys-jobless.html
What is climate change? A really simple guide. (2020, May 05). Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772
Press freedom during and after Martial Law. (2019, September 25). Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/26/campus-press/press-freedom-during-and-after-martial-law/621731/
GMA News Online. (2008, January 25). Hello Garci scandal. Retrieved October 31, 2020, from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/content/27477/hello-garci-scandal/story/
The Fall of the Dictatorship: GOVPH. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2020, from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/the-fall-of-the-dictatorship/
