September 24, 2008
Announcing hope
This bulletin board on the first landing of the middle stairway of Palma Hall in the University of the Philippines has been there forever. At least, it was already there when I was a freshman visiting friends who studied in U.P. What amuses me is that the announcements that the current students post are very similar to what was posted on it more than two decades ago. There are posters for performances, sales, contests and fund-raising activities for various organizations. And always, a huge sign declaring something against the government. In my time, it was all about Ferdinand Marcos and the continuing oppression despite the lifting of martial law. Now, it's about Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her perceived desire to stay in power by changing the constitution. One other thing besides the bulletin board has not changed: many of U.P.'s students continue their vigilant watch over our government and are not afraid to speak out. I'm glad.
I wonder if someone has documented the board over the years. The changes are likely subtle, but these boards are important community items.
ReplyDeleteYay! love the topic of the day Hilda. its cool how you write about mundane, almost unnoticeable things and turned them into something interesting.
ReplyDeleteI remember those types of boards. At my uni they were filled with "roomate wanted" and "moving sale" flyers. I guess there wasn't much political activism in the middle of Kansas. :)
ReplyDeletePS: The word vertification is the word munch. Funny! I don't think I've ever seen it make a real word before.
Hilda - what is it saying about "U.S. intervention"?
ReplyDeleteThat is what it takes, people to watch over the government. Good for the students.
ReplyDeletej'espère que tu vas mieux, et que tu es en bonne santé.
ReplyDeleteEt oui le temps passe, mais les étudiants ne changent pas ;o).
I hope you will better, and that you are healthy.
And so time passed, but students do not change ;o).
In my day at the very politically active University of Texas, the boards were filled with information about anti-apartheid/divest from South Africa rallies and pro-Solidarity posters. Also roommates wanted and beer keg parties! :-)
ReplyDeleteI like this photo a lot, Hilda. These are the kinds of images that historians will love someday.
Its good to know that young people (I count myself in that group!) are still politically active. Our main political parties here have been having their conferences and I've been watching the coverage on TV. Its good to get all the view points, even though I still think the Government are on the verge of ruining the country!
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating looking at those boards because you can see a bit of everything, from political issues to Adidas sale! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo, Hilda, is this the Jesuit University you have mentioned on my blog?
Hello Hida !
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling...
See You later.
i was in college 2 decades ago as well, and my 'marcos' memory was hearing about how many pairs of shoes Imelda owned! =)
ReplyDeleteand re: halcyon. how funny, my word verification spells jlxedrym.. how funny i got a word too! ;)
Is that what the "no cha-cha term extension" refer to? They are not canceling the cha-cha dance lessons I hope?
ReplyDelete