The King’s Speech: An Alternative History

Synopsis: The King’s Speech is a historical drama film by Tom Hooper that is based on a true story. The story is about a man who overcomes his disabilities and weaknesses with the help of the people who believes in him. Prince Albert, the Duke of York and the son of King George V, suffers from stammering and this is why he lacks confidence from delivering a public speech. Prince Albert a.k.a “Bertie” has a very supportive wife never gave up from searching treatments for her husband until the Duchess discovers Logue, an Australian speech therapist, and convinces Bertie to work with him. At first, Bertie was so impatient and he thought that he is hopeless but Logue never gave up on him. They met after Bertie gave a closing speech of the empire exhibition in Wembley, London in favor of his father.

Despite Bertie’s weaknesses and his poor relationship with his father, King George V still counted on him to reign over the country when he dies instead of his elder brother, David the Prince of Wales. This gave Bertie encouragement to cure himself not only because of his father but also for the citizens of his country. Bertie did not want to be a king and David was still chosen to take over the throne when King George V died on the 20^th of January 1936.

The reason why King George V did not want David to be the king is because he is irresponsible of his duties and he will only bring ruin to the family. David wanted to marry Wallis Simpson who was already divorced twice. A king is also the head of the church and fortunately, David already accepted his inability to be the king because a king is not allowed to marry a divorced woman and he chose Wallis Simpson. Bertie has left no choice and he did not want to leave his country hanging on. Logue became more understanding and patient for he believes in Bertie and he will do well for the country.

King George VI offered a speech at the Buckingham Palace right after the declaration of the war with Nazi Germany in September 1939 which will be broadcasted around the world. While delivering his speech, Logue was in front of the king all the time to support and guide him. It ended really well and everyone congratulated him.            

Critique: I researched the historical accuracy of the movie and I found different comments on some websites about it. Some said it was not exaggerated; some said that there are scenes that did not actually happen or there are lines that were not stated in real life; some of the characters in real life were interviewed and they claimed there were scenes that didn’t happen in real life.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2011/01/churchill_didnt_say_that.html

http://www.royal.gov.uk/HistoryoftheMonarchy/KingsandQueensoftheUnitedKingdom/TheHouseofWindsor/GeorgeVI.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King's_Speech

Despite these inaccuracies, I still find the artistry/technical level of the story (re)telling very competent and well-done because at first I didn’t care much on the historical aspect of the story but on how King George VI succeeded to help himself, the citizens, and his family and friends. As the movie went on, I got interested on the political aspect of the story especially that it happened in real life. I also liked how they showed the lifestyle of a royal family and how people from different classes treat them. I may have bad impressions about it but at least the movie made me feel something---how life works during the time from the story.


I also find this film very valuable, aside from the personal reflections, because it gives the audience a meme about the British history that also somehow affects the other sides of the world until the present time. Honestly, this film made me discover things during King George’s time and it made me appreciate him. King George VI left a very remarkable and moving legacy for his country, his people during his time and for the people until the time passes by (now and until the future). This movie is a good inspiration for us, people, now and Bertie as a fine role model.


"The King's Speech": In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you, as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself. For the second time in the lives of most of us, we are at war. Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict, for we are called to meet the challenge of a principle, which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilized order in the world. Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that might is right. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge. It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home, and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm and firm and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, then, with God's help, we shall prevail. 

Present or Past, it Depends on Us

Technology easily evolves during the modern time. This is one of the major differences between past and modern life. Through technology, people can easily entertain themselves, connect with each other regardless the time difference and distance in between, and gain fame and glory. I think this can also affect the perspective of a person from the past life to modern life. People from the past may have stronger courage than the people from now. As said, technology can connect people without meeting up; even meet new people through technology. This can change one’s courage to show their feelings and let people see who he/she really is. In opposite to past life, a man has no other choice but to test his fate which may result to his dismay or content; at least he was able to show his real personality and intention. Technology may change a person’s attitude and lifestyles but it must not change their minds to make the right decisions in life.

 

Another difference that I have observed between the past and modern life is about women’s aggressiveness to get the one who makes them happy or the man they want to be with. Even if I did not really experience how to live during my mom’s early years, I feel like I can picture it in my mind through stories from my grandparents, from her and my dad. They used to say that women from their age usually stays at home to take care of their younger siblings and do household chores. If they happened to like and get interested to a man, going after him is inappropriate. A well-respected lady must wait for a man who will show his love intentions for her. Still, it depends to the woman if she will accept the man. I find that sad for the part of the women because it seems like they don’t have the right to try their fate with the person they like. But now, it seems like it works the other way around. Women could not be tamed to fight for the person they wanted to be with. I have met women who chase the men they are interested with. They have their own ways to show the man her interest to him. I think it is good to find out that women have finally the nerve to make the first move for themselves but knowing their own “tactics” give me doubts if it is decent or moral to do. I just find some women who act too improperly or lewd. Or maybe, I am just stuck with my mom’s old school styles. Or maybe, it is just my judgment because my personality is just really away from theirs and I would understand them.

To elaborate more on my point of view about today’s technology…  I think it can change one’s personality in different aspects. Aside from the cowardice that was mentioned above, technology can also change one’s socializing abilities. Since technology provides different mediums of connecting people, there is a big possibility that people would choose to talk over one of these mediums because of its accessibility and reliability. With this role and its two disadvantages (lack of cowardice and poor socializing abilities), I can relate this with the stories (Games by Noelle De Jesus, Document by Luis Katigbak, and The Tale of the Spinster and Peter Pan by Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo) that were discussed in my Philippine Literature class even if technology was not yet deeply-felt by the society during the time the stories were written.

In the story, Games, the girl loved to play with his boyfriend by fooling around over the telephone that eventually lamented their relationship. Without the telephone, they would probably have more reason to go out together. In Document by Luis Katigbak, without the computer and the files that the girl writes and the boy reads, it would probably easier for the boy to know the intentions of the girl and give him enough courage to confront the girl. I find the girl’s files a hindrance to shout out their feelings and intentions for each other. Lastly for Cristina’s story, probably the reason why the woman got turned off with the boy is because she is not used to talk to different people with different personalities. In my class, the woman was described as a prim-and-proper lady, a spinster, an OC (obsessive-complusive) woman, and a person satisfied with what she has. These personalities may be the effects of the technology working around her society.

Going back to our contemporary life and regardless the things that I think is bad about technology, I still find it very helpful not only for the people but also to nature. Aside from connecting people, it helps people learn and discover things easily (especially for students), it entertains (through games, social networks, phone applications, videos, etc.), it can help in saving up money, it can save the trees through Learning Management System, and a lot more things. Despite the disadvantages that can change a person, it still shouldn’t be blamed on technology because everything depends on the choices we make that can change us.

Thanks to technology, I am able to share my feelings and thoughts to the world. And thanks to technology, I am now judged by the some persons around the world.

She's A Filipina. And Ladies Shouldn't Be Messed With.

In the story of “Summer Solstice,” I have seen that the character of Dona Lupeng desires for deeper sexual relationship with her husband, Don Paeng. This idea of Dona Lupeng was brought up by Guido who adored any girl in town even the fat and old Amada. I think the cause of this Dona Lupeng’s desire is Don Paeng’s too much respect for her; too much respect that he does not show much more love and affection for her wife. 

In short, he bores Dona Lupeng but she did not try bringing the topic up with Don Paeng until what happened to her in Tadtarin---she had the courage to fight with Don Paeng and tell him what she really wanted. Since this story may have shown the situation during the old days, it could be related to our current relationship issues between couples. Before, women might have kept their feelings and complaints about their husbands but now women are likely getting more open about what they wanted to happen or they could easily voice out their yearnings.

While the story of “Love in the Corshusks,” it was discussed in my class that women do not have much choice when it comes to relationship with other sex. It seemed like Tinang would go and live the rest of her life with Amado if she only had a choice. In the first place, it was Amado who got away and left Tinang and she didn’t know what to do until a rich Bagobo asked her to marry him. In order to make living easier for Tinang and the baby in her womb, she chose to live with the Bagobo. This is a sad story for Tinang but if she will be able to live in our present time… she would run and find her real love, Amado. Nowadays, women are more liberated especially regarding with their rights and roles in the society.

The current points or issues that were discussed above may have shown strong belief for women regarding the relationship they wanted to commit. As a matter of fact, women nowadays do not fight only for their relationships but for a lot more aspects in life. There are getting more and more women organizations which stand for different desires and needs.

Open this link to see some women organizations: http://www.onlinewomeninpolitics.org/phil/philorgs.htm

Despite these some sort of “gladiatorial moves,” Filipinas could still be sweet and tender! ;)

individualistic culture vs collective culture

A person in a collectivist culture considers himself as a member of a group or a community. The person looks up to his group and as a member he must prioritize the sake of the whole instead of his own goals. A member must know how to cooperate with the other members and handle his responsibilities. Also, a member could depend on his group if he is in need of anything.

Individualist culture considers one's own goal and wellbeing. The person disregards responsibility in his community for the good of his own success and that's where competition may begin. Independence and freedom are the qualities of this culture. The person could also be described as self-centered who is not minding his community and not seeking any help from other people.

The stories “Divide by Two” and “The Bread of Salt” show individualistic culture. Basically it is because the narrator talked through his own point of view. He tells what is happening around him. Also, the stories show that most of the roles of the characters are for their own interests.

         On the story of “Divide by Two”:

• Belle’s own interest – find out why their neighbor put up the fence and why it is divided unequally without taking some considerations.

         On the story “The Bread of Salt”:

• The narrator’s own interest – to pursue his dreams as a violinist and his future with Aida

I think the modern Philippine society is a collective culture because we always care for the best of our country. I can also see that everyone is into reviving our country’s pride and glory which also aims for a goal that will benefit all Filipinos around the world. This could be proven by the most trending slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” with pictures that show amazing and happy things that happen and could be done here in Philippines.

I personally admire this concept and it leaves me a feeling of bliss and pride for my country. In my point of view, this is not only to promote our country but also this is for the own citizens of the country ---to be aware that there are still things to be proud of as a Filipino despite the bad images that have been messing with our minds. I do really think that this necessary for us, Filipinos, for the good of our nation and our own characters.


Thanks to...
http://www.facebook.com/morefunPhilippines.official
http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Collectivist_and_individualist_cultures

Nanay and Tatay, My Heroes

The stories “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife” of Manuel Arguilla and “The Mats” of Francisco Arcellana show the importance of the family for Filipinos. These stories were both written before World War II. Apparently, both of the fathers from the stories are the providers or the one who works for the family while the mother stays at home to take care of the children.


My 55-year old mother told me that it is common for the fathers, during the old days, to work for the family and the mothers usually stays at home. This topic interests me because I think both mother and father should work for their family. If not, it can be the root of an issue and may lead to insecurities, pride for the status, etc. 


In this day and age, it is practical for the mother and father to work together to support their family. This may still not occur for the rich ones but averagely it is. Therefore it is understandable for the time around World War II to have only the father as the provider of the family because of the economy during that time---affordable goods and services (according to my mom, during their time you could just ask a tomato from your neighbor for free but now it costs 3 to 5 pesos for a piece of tomato!). Philippines is known for OFW or the Overseas Filipino Workers and usually either the mother or the father suffers and sacrifices time to work abroad and miles away from their families to earn more money. The way of living 50 years ago is a lot different from today. 


Most of the Filipinos are aware in this situation especially that the mass media can show related situations. An example of this is the commercial of Magnolia:

Actually, it is seldom for the mother to be the one who is working and the father stays at home. But as I can see in the commercial, I think the father is also employed because of his clothes which looks like a uniform, probably, of a teacher or a driver (not so sure about that).


But from the first movie of Star Cinema for 2012, “A Mother’s Story,” it features a mother who sacrifices and works as an OFW for her family while her husband stays jobless in the country.


As you can see, Filipino parents would do anything to fulfill their responsibilities for their families during the old days and the present time. I salute them for this characteristic especially the OFW’s. It is fair to call them as heroes.

Sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa

I am currently reading Bob Ong’s second book, “Bakit Baliktad Magbasa Ng Libro Ang Mga Pilipino?” and it fits to the topic I am going to blog today. The book is giving me a broader view but more complicated decisions about my own stand as being a true blood Pinoy. But let me think… let us think… right now, what are the popular images being created to represent national identity? (A question from my professor in Philippine Literature.) I am going to list some contemporary events or trends of image building among Filipinos.


FIRST: The showbiz news last night in GMA 24 Hours is about Justin Bieber got amused by a robot. I think the equivalent of this news is “the dog pooped on the grass”. I just mean, that news about Bieber was really ridiculous. It was a what-the-hell-are-you-doing-in-news type of news! It is just really nonsense! Another news similar to this is “Pacquiao, may ‘malaking’ regalo sa kaarawan ng misis na si Jinkee”, posted in GMA News Online. I don’t really get the point of the networks covering news about the gifts that are received and given within the Pacquiao family. Really, please tell me the importance or the benefits that citizens of the Philippines may get in this kind of news. May God bless you if you see the light of hope behind this news. I just hope that the networks would lessen the meaningless showbiz news they roll on air.


What kind of national identity am I pulling from this one? For the news about Jinkee Pacquiao, all I can see is 
that broadcast networks are informing us irrelevant news just to earn money without thinking the importance of it. For the news about Justin Bieber, it probably says how we adore international celebrities. This draws to the point that we support the international artists and buy them more than our local artists. We adore them more. This is eating our national identity as a Filipino. I think this is the top one reason why Philippines don’t get ahead of the other countries.


ON THE BRIGHT SIDE! There are people who are proud and would like to show off the world that they are Filipino. There is an emerging brand named Team Manila that creates and produces shirts, bags, pins, stickers, and more for men, women, and the kids. As written on their price tags, “The products draw inspiration from and represent the urban lifestyle culture-from graphic interpretations of national icons to the everyday life on the street. The products intend to remind us of the unique qualities of the everyday.” I am actually a fan of this brand especially because of their perspective and I love their designs and I am dreaming of someday I may be given the chance to work here. I also think that they have the capability to build and re-build a Filipino’s broken vow for his or her own homeland. I think that wearing this kind of clothes could advertise one’s nationalism or pride of being a Filipino.


This is based from my own perceptions and standpoints to the things that are happening in my country.


"Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap, pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas." --Ang nasirang panata natin bilang makabayan ng Pilipinas.

Third Term!

HOPEFULLY, this would be my last third term *blush*
Anyway, I made some changes in my accounts and I dont know why. I changed my twitter name from ohyhitsaa to AAwesomess and my blogspot address from ohyhitsaa to thiskidadele. Something new for 2012! :"D