By Elian Dominguez
When viewing Arceo’s novel “Ang Titser” through socio-cultural lenses, it becomes evident what influenced him to set the scene under such circumstances. Historically, the novel is set at a period decades after the Philippines’ liberation from its last colonizer. Despite the Philippines having a decent amount of time for its own culture to incubate and distinguish itself, the influences of Spain, the United States, and Japan still remain evident in the social norms and expectations portrayed in the novel. This allows the piece to be viewed under a post-colonialist lens. Prior to the Spanish colonization, Filipino women had an equal standing with men at home and in society.
Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, women were relegated to household chores and raising children. While these are difficult tasks themselves, women were barred from having agency and the opportunity to work and study. Once the Americans arrived, women were given the opportunity to study and work as professionals as well. These aspects of culture have been well-ingrained in Philippine society by the events of the novel. Amelita exhibits a strong case of female empowerment with her agency, drive, resolution, and ever-present concern for her family. This, however, would be better discussed specifically under the feminist lenses.
Bigger still is the manner in which Philippine society at large views education as a profession. Whether through historical, Marxist, or post-colonialist lenses, it is apparent that being an educator was looked down upon in the novel. Even today, there remains some level of disdain towards those who choose to become teachers. Using any of the aforementioned lenses, the main reason behind this stigma is the low wage associated with teaching. Due to the way society has developed, professions such as engineering and medicine (which were both pursued by one of Amelita’s siblings) are viewed with prestige and some upward bias due to their higher income, in contrast to education. Marxism also comes into play somewhat as Aling Rosa is, in a way, power hungry. She equates money and prestige with power and thus, with worth. Not enough credit is given to educators, and Arceo does well to highlight this fact by displaying Amelita’s plight and nobility in light of her mother’s disappointment and biases. Viewing this story allows one to see that educators, and workers in general, are more than their wage. What matters more is one’s passion, motivation, and ultimately their compassion.
Titser's Table 