Loris Cohen

May 12, 2008

Analyzing “Rice shortages heigten political crisis in the Philippines”

      This edifying article written by Oscar Grenfell of the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS), is addressed to the rice crisis in the Philippines. Oscar Grenfell anticipates adults 18 and over interested in global economics and business to read this article. One negative aspect to Grenfell’s article is that he wrote it from outside the Philippines. The fact that he is writing the article from a distant country may cause the information to be slightly inaccurate or false. Not only might the information be imprecise, but it may also be bias towards a certain perspective taking part in the issue. For example, numerous parts of the article state that the cause for the increases in Filipino rice prices are because of foolish governmental acts, and the instability and corruption of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s ruling regimes. Oscar Grenfell’s intention is to persuade the Filipino people and everyone else that the reason for increasing rice prices in the Philippines, is because of the political corruption, and the overabundant exports of Filipino rice. He also portrays his strong thoughts and emotions on the issue by adding quotes from Political officials, and local newspaper publishers. Overall, this article written on the 8^th of April 2008, explains in great detail the rice crisis and the different perspectives of the victims and the people responsible for the rice prices’ increase.

To access this article, click here.