Woken Voices

Being woke is not a fleeting trend

But a conscious choice, a journey to tend

To the systems of power and oppression

That holds us back and causes regression

It's the recognition of our privilege

And how it shapes the way we live

It's the willingness to listen and learn

From those who've had to bear the burn

It's the use of our privilege and power

To support and uplift, in every hour

To stand with marginalized communities

And amplify their voices, breaking the social boundaries

Being woke also means refusing to be silenced

This a stance we must take, for the oppressed and marginalized

To stand up against attempts to intimidate

And fight for the rights of those who are not seen

It's not just an individual's fight

But a collective effort, a joint plight

To create a more just and equitable space

Where everyone has an equal place

Being woke means committing to education

And self-reflection, with no hesitation

It means taking action and making a change

To break the chains that hold us in range

Being woke means standing up for what's right

And fighting against all forms of oppression and blight

It means working towards a better future

Where everyone is treated with respect and nurture

Let us strive to be woke, and never be silenced

For in this journey, we are all bound

To create a society where everyone is free

And discrimination is a thing of the past, finally.

Maria Clara and Klay

Maria Clara, a woman of the past

Trapped in societal expectations that last

Pure, submissive, and idealized

Her tragic fate, a story that is realized

Klay, a woman of today

Independent, outspoken, in her way

Fighting for rights, for her, and all

A symbol of progress, standing tall

Two women, vastly different it seems

Yet both a reflection of their society's dreams

Maria Clara, a reminder of the past

Klay, an inspiration for the future to last

The fight for equality, a continuous quest

Understanding the context, of the very best

So let us honor Maria Clara's story

And strive for a brighter future, just like Klay's glory.

From Maria Clara to Klay: Examining the Evolution of Filipino Women

In Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere," Maria Clara is presented as the epitome of the idealized, pure, and submissive woman. Her tragic fate serves as a commentary on the social and political issues of the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. On the other hand, Klay, a fictional Gen Z Filipina from the TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra of GMA 7, represents the modern and empowered young woman of today. She is independent, outspoken, and actively fights for her rights and the rights of others.

The contrast between these two characters is striking, yet they both share the common thread of being symbols of the society they exist in. Maria Clara, a product of her time, represents the struggles and oppression faced by women during the Spanish colonization. Her story serves as a reminder of the injustices and inequalities that existed in the past and how far we have come as a society.

Klay, on the other hand, represents the progress and empowerment that women have achieved in contemporary times. She is a reflection of the changes that have occurred in Philippine society since the time of "Noli Me Tangere". She embodies the spirit of a generation that is unafraid to speak out against injustice and fight for equality.

It is important to note that the character of Maria Clara is not just a representation of the past but also of the present. Even today, some women find themselves in similar situations as Maria Clara, trapped in oppressive and limiting societal expectations. Her story serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is not over and that there is still work to be done.

Klay, on the other hand, serves as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for the future. She represents the potential for change and progress in society. Her character is a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is not a one-time event but a continuous process.

The contrast between these two characters also highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural context in which they exist. The Philippines has a rich and complex history, and it is essential to understand the past to fully appreciate the present and plan for the future.

The characters of Maria Clara and Klay serve as powerful symbols of the society they exist in. While they may seem vastly different at first glance, they both share the common thread of representing the struggles and triumphs of Philippine women. Maria Clara serves as a reminder of the injustices and inequalities of the past, while Klay serves as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for the future. It is important to understand and appreciate the historical and cultural context in which these characters exist and how they continue to shape and influence Philippine society today.

Maria Clara, Klay, Noli Me Tangere, Jose Rizal, Spanish colonization, Philippine women, empowerment, progress, equality, societal expectations, historical context, cultural context

Challenging Beauty Standards: The Message of Colbie Caillat's 'Try'

I. Introduction

Colbie Caillat's song "Try" challenges societal beauty standards and encourages listeners to embrace their authenticity and imperfections. Released in 2014, the song quickly gained popularity for its relatable and empowering message, which resonated with many people who felt pressure to conform to societal expectations of beauty.

The song appears to challenge societal beauty standards in a number of ways. One way it does this is by encouraging listeners to embrace their authenticity and imperfections rather than striving for an idealized version of beauty that is often presented in the media. This message is conveyed through the lyrics of the song, which speak about the pressure to conform to certain standards of appearance and the importance of loving oneself as one is.

By promoting self-acceptance and self-love, the song encourages listeners to resist the societal pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards and instead embrace their unique qualities and imperfections. This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where there is often a great deal of emphasis placed on appearance and people are often judged based on their looks. By promoting the idea of rejecting these standards and celebrating one's true self, the song encourages listeners to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

II. Analysis of Lyrics

The lyrics of "Try" address this issue head on, with lines like "Put your makeup on, get your nails done / Curl your hair, run the extra mile" - These lines speak about the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, such as wearing makeup and styling one's hair in a certain way. By presenting these activities as something that one has to do in order to be attractive, the song highlights the ways in which society often imposes rigid standards of appearance on individuals.

"You don't have to try so hard / You don't have to give it all away / You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up" - These lines encourage listeners to resist the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and instead embrace their true selves. By telling listeners that they don't have to "try so hard" and that they don't have to "give it all away," the song suggests that they don't have to go to great lengths to fit a certain ideal of beauty. Instead, the song encourages listeners to simply "get up" and be themselves.

"You don't have to change a single thing / You don't have to try to be someone else" - These lines further emphasize the idea of self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself. By telling listeners that they don't have to change or try to be someone else, the song encourages them to embrace their unique qualities and imperfections rather than trying to conform to a certain standard of beauty.

III. Analysis of Music Video

The music video for "Try" further reinforces this message, showing women of various ages, sizes, and races removing their makeup and letting their natural beauty shine through. The video ends with the message "The real you is enough," emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity.

IV. Reception and Cultural Impact

Upon its release, "Try" received widespread acclaim and was even nominated for a Grammy award. Its message struck a chord with many people, leading to discussions and debates about beauty standards and self-esteem. The song has inspired countless people to embrace their uniqueness and imperfections and has helped to foster a more positive and accepting culture around beauty.

It is also possible that the song has sparked conversations and debates about beauty standards and self-esteem, as it challenges the societal norms and expectations that often shape people's perceptions of attractiveness. By presenting the message that one does not have to conform to certain beauty standards in order to be attractive and valued, the song could potentially have contributed to a larger cultural conversation about the narrow and often unrealistic standards of beauty that are often imposed on individuals.

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, "Try" by Colbie Caillat is a song that carries an important message about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. By promoting the idea of rejecting societal beauty standards and celebrating one's unique qualities and imperfections, the song encourages listeners to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin and to resist the pressure to conform to narrow standards of appearance.

In today's society, where there is often a great deal of emphasis placed on appearance and people are often judged based on their looks, this message is particularly relevant and significant. By promoting self-acceptance and self-love, "Try" by Colbie Caillat encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and feel more confident in their own skin, which can ultimately lead to a more positive self-image and a greater sense of self-worth.