Tata Selo: A Helpless Man

"In the face of oppression and injustice, resistance is not a choice, but a duty."   

"Tata Selo" is a literary piece written by Rogelio Sicat. 

            The story revolves around Tata Selo, who is an old farmer who wanted to continue his livelihood on the land that he used to own after getting forced to pawning it to Kabesang Tano, the "cabeza de barangay" (barangay head) and also one of the richest and powerful of their quarter or neighborhood, due to his wife falling ill. Tata Selo was not able to pay what he owed so he asked Kabesang Tano to carry on farming on the seized land to earn enough money with the hope of one day reclaiming the land. Despite his declining years, he aspired to buy back the land, which kept pushing him to work tirelessly every day, consistently showcasing that he's still capable. Until one day, Kabesang Tano tried to expel Tata Selo from his land to replace him with a new farmer on suspicion of Tata Selo's lack of ability to keep farming. Tata Selo begged Kabesang Tano to not kick him out, as he still has what it takes. But Kabesang Tano was set on his decision as he kept caning a pleading Tata Selo on the forehead. Impulsively, in order to defend himself, Tata Selo struck Kabesang Tano, which ended up killing him. Leading to Tata Selo's imprisonment.

            

            Legally, Kabesang Tano is the owner of the land but evicting Tata Selo, a tenant farmer, with no valid grounds and no advance notice is immoral. Also, hitting a kneeling man is cruel. Tata Selo never swindled Kabesang Tano about the crops. Although there can be arguments if it's morally justifiable to kill someone in self-defense. It is right to arrest Tata Selo for the killing, but it is also lawful to investigate about the case to learn the facts and truth leading to the unfortunate act. Everyone deserves a fair trial, regardless of their socioeconomic status as it is every human being's right. In the story, no trial occurred and Tata Selo was instantly guilty and given a sentence of possibly a lifetime imprisonment. He was maltreated by the authority and displayed to the community as to what will happen if they defy people in power.

            Justice is defined as a perpetual wish of giving everyone what they deserve. In reality, it is only a far away dream. Rich people are always favored in compare to people in poverty, the discrepancy between is scarily wider than we care to admit. Money can be the deciding factor for most occasions. Tata Selo may go to prison but he resisted against the abuse and systemic exploitation which is the real jail. Every time we accept injustices, humiliations, discriminations and immoral behaviors that emanates from people in power without fighting back and standing up, we are already in prison. 

           I am conflicted about the idea of killing as retaliation for someone's hostility. Is it reasonable to end someone's life after hitting you mercilessly? Killing is a gravely sinful act, but an old, feeble, honest man reached his limits and pushed against the wall that made him commit a heinous act. I would say that Tata Selo acts impulsively, which can have unpleasant consequences. He is a murderer in the eyes of the public. I simply cannot provide a rationale, as it includes moral principles. But I like the idea that he was defending his honor. Everyone will have diverse perspectives about Tata Selo's actions. How about you? What do you think?

            Tata Selo's life portrays the difficulties of a poor man even if he is honorable and hardworking. He was easily judged and shunned. It is truly a tragic story. The present time is no better. These kind of situations is still happening. Deceitful elites do not want people like Tata Selo because he does not line up with their commands. Without active resistance, none will change, thus, oppression and injustice will be constant. RESIST!

From the author:

Watch this scene from 1998 animated film "A Bug's Life", which I think in some way represents the situation of the story of Tata Selo:

I wanted to share this line from the film's villain, Hopper, because I think it fits the message I want to convey.