Reflection for the Story "Tata Selo"

 

       The short story of Rogelio R. Sikat, entitled "Tata Selo" is a story about the life of Tatang Selo, which is revolving on the incident happened because of the discrimination that he experienced as an old farmer. Upon reading the first part of the story, I felt sad about him because of what he has done about the Kabesa. And we can't blame him because, Tata Selo is also hurt not just because Kabesa hit him in his forehead but also hurt about the truth that Tata Selo doesn't have anything left. On the middle and last part, I feel pity for Tata Selo and hurt at the same time, because of more discrimination that he experienced in the jail. That he even experienced being beaten up by the police officer and his daughter became like a slave of the officers. 

       Positively, the fiction presents the integrity of the farmers and their courage to fight for their rights for their field. Tata Selo is the representation of the Filipino farmers who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect their crops from the rich rockhearted people who aims to buy their field and make it a commercial place. Negatively, the fiction presents the reality about poverty and the discrimination that poor people can experience.

       As a student, I can use my social media account to share and support the battle that the farmers in our today's situation is dealing with. Also by being part of the activities online that encourages every Filipinos to support their activity for the farmers like joining webinars and the like. And as a Filipino, by praying for our fellow Filipino farmers for their safety, for their rights to be fairly given and their families, because I know that there's nothing more powerful than a prayer. Our faith to our God is what matters most because I know that wihtout him, we can do nothing.

       While reading the story, my mind keeps thinking about how could I handle what happened to Tatang Selo if I was the one who experienced it personally. That would be so hard for me that maybe I will give up in no time. Also, if I am Tata Selo, maybe I will choose to leave that place with my daughter and just go away from there until I die, because I know that the people cannot understand what is the reason why I've done such thing.

       But in the end, it was a great story being able to connect with the feelings of the characters is what overwhelmed me. And made myself think about the power of writing that I like to have in the future. Being able to write this kind of story that can interlock the thoughts of the author and the emotions of it's readers is a wonderful talent that can give a lot of inspiration to all the young people who loves to write.