What if Martial Law were still in effect today?

Summary

In a hypothetical scenario where Ferdinand Marcos remains in power and martial law persists in the Philippines, the country experiences modernization with new infrastructure and economic growth. However, this prosperity comes at the cost of personal freedoms, with strict curfews, limited internet access, and no freedom of speech. The government's control extends to education and media, while the disappearance of a friend hints at a darker side to this seemingly prosperous society.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Martial law is still in effect, suggesting a continuation of authoritarian rule under Ferdinand Marcos.
• 🌆 Despite martial law, there's a modern and first-world appearance with new infrastructure such as roads and skyscrapers.
• 🚗 The economic boom is evident in the fancy cars, flashy clothes, and expensive jewelry worn by neighbors.
• 🏫 School history lessons are government-approved, possibly indicating a manipulation of historical narratives.
• 🍽️ The quality of cafeteria food is poor, suggesting a lack of attention to basic public services.
• 🕒 There's a strict curfew enforced by the state, with a 11 p.m. limit on being outside.
• 🚨 Detainment by the Metro comm is a real threat for those who break the rules, indicating a strong police state.
• 🌐 Internet is fast but with limited freedom, as many sites are blocked or restricted by the government.
• 🎬 Access to entertainment is limited to government-approved films and shows, suggesting a lack of cultural diversity.
• 😟 Disappearances are a reality, as shown by the sudden absence of a friend, hinting at a lack of personal freedoms and potential state repression.

Q & A

What is the SF People Power Revolution mentioned in the script?

The SF People Power Revolution refers to the People Power Revolution in the Philippines in 1986, which led to the overthrow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

What is the implication of martial law still being in effect in this hypothetical scenario?

In this scenario, martial law is still in effect, suggesting a continuation of authoritarian rule, restrictions on civil liberties, and potential surveillance or control over the population.

How does the script describe the state of infrastructure in this alternate reality?

The script describes a boom in infrastructure with new roads and skyscrapers, indicating a modern and first-world appearance.

What do the walls along the highway symbolize in the script?

The walls along the highway symbolize the hidden aspects of society, possibly alluding to the suppression of dissent or the concealment of human rights abuses.

What is the economic situation like in this scenario?

The economy is on the rise, with neighbors flaunting fancy cars, flashy clothes, and expensive jewelry, suggesting a superficial prosperity that may not be evenly distributed.

How does the script characterize the school experience?

School is described as enjoyable, but the history lessons seem odd and are focused on the government's narrative of a 'new society,' which the students are encouraged to accept.

What is the quality of cafeteria food like in this hypothetical society?

The cafeteria food is described as needing improvement, with students being tired of eating 'new tree,' which could be a metaphor for a lack of variety or poor quality.

What are the rules for safety and security in this society?

The state prioritizes safety and security, with a curfew of 11 p.m. and strict rules that must be followed to avoid detention by the Metro comm.

How is freedom of speech and access to information restricted in this scenario?

Criticizing the government is not allowed on social media platforms, and internet access is fast but with many sites blocked or limited, indicating a controlled information environment.

What type of entertainment is available to the public in this society?

Only government-approved films and shows are available, with all reruns being of these selections, suggesting a lack of diversity and creativity in media.

What happens to the best friend's mom in the script?

The best friend's mom pulls the narrator aside because she hasn't heard from her son since the other night, indicating potential disappearances or suppression of individuals.

What does the narrator's gut feeling about their friend's disappearance suggest?

The narrator's gut feeling that they will never hear from their friend again suggests a pervasive fear and a sense of danger in this society, where dissent or non-compliance can lead to dire consequences.