Empire of Memory - Post Colonialist Viewpoint
Eric Gamalinda was born in Manila where he worked as an editor and journalist. He received a fellowship for fiction from the New York Foundation for the arts, and has had much of his work published in a diverse range of publications such as Harper’s Magazine, Columbia, Manoa, International Quarterly, as well as several anthologies, such as In My Life: encounters with the Beatles, Returning to a Borrowed Tongue, Brown River, White Ocean, and Flippin’: Filipinos on America, which he co-edited. His latest novel, My Sad Republic, was recently awarded with the Philippine Centennial Prize for Fiction. A book of poems, Zero Gravity, was awarded the New York/New England Selection by Alice James Books, and was recently published. He teaches at the Asia/Pacific American Studies Program at New York University and was appointed Visiting Writer at the University of Hawaii in Manoa in 1999. He lives in New York City. In the Philippines’ presidential election of 1965, the Nacionalista candidate Ferdinand E. Marcos (1917-1990) was victorious over Macapagal. Marcos dominated the scene of politics for the next two decades as an elected president in 1965 and 1969, and as a dictator after his 1972 proclamation of martial law. On September 21,
In turn, we are introduced to Sal X, a musical and religious icon, popular to the locals in Akeldama. Such words infuriate the Philippine government, and so Sal X’s fall from grace begins at this point in the book. The government places a censorship an all things related to Sal X, whether it is his music, his pictures, his videos. Anything and everything is banned from the public. Akeldama itself is a symbol of past colonialism, as the Spanish did major construction when they needed extra ports for incoming boats. The American soldiers are also a symbol of colonialism, as they represent the encroachment of American influence – the white skinned men, regarded as a people higher up on the social status ladder merely because of their fair complexion. However, in Akeldama, it is Sal X who colonizes the thoughts and hearts of the people around him. He is regarded as extremely handsome, most probably because half his blood stems from an American soldier, but even with the ever growing presence of the American soldiers, it is Sal X whom the women and even the American soldiers themselves turn to for comfort, to soothe their panging to return home with his beautiful melodies. The story of Sal X, the “Kristo of Akeldama” portrays a world in which he has colonized the people around him from within the country, regardless of the presence of American soldiers. Whereas, as Commander-in-Chief I am empowered by the constitution to administer the affairs of the nation and of its military forces, I recommend you to the post of Brigadier General, and request your presence at turnover ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila. We recommend this promotion with pride and respect for your work and your continuing allegiance to the cause of truth, liberty and democracy. Signed this x day of x 1983, Manila, Philippines.” (p. 191)
Some topics in this essay:
Betsy Braga,
Max Plata,
President Marcos,
Posters Sal,
John Lennon,
Sal X’s,
Jose Zabarte,
Wanna Man”,
Akeldama American,
Meg Turner,
marcos regime,
max plata,
american soldiers,
jun hidalgo,
martial law,
president marcos,
philippine government,
betsy braga,
towards book,
nation philippines,
manila international film,
american soldiers sal,
presence american soldiers,
fine blond hair,
international film festival,
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Approximate Word count = 4167
Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page double spaced)
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