Selective Narratives and the Distortion of Discourse

The invocation of Lenin’s definition of the state as a “violent” or “fascist” apparatus is taken out of context and misapplied to the [University of Sto. Tomas's forum called Preventing Terror Grooming: The Philippine Experience]. The activity was neither an act of repression nor intimidation. Rather, it was an academic and intellectual effort to discuss the ongoing issues of ideological exposure and recruitment among the youth. Understanding the forum as fascist obscures the real concerns being raised and simplifies a nuanced discussion into mere rhetoric.

No one in the forum labeled her as “stupid,” nor was her intellect dismissed. As a philosophy student, she is expected to analyze ideas through reasoned inquiry. Her reaction appears to stem from an emotional interpretation of the term “grooming,” possibly because she believes she has consciously and voluntarily embraced the revolutionary concepts being introduced to her. However, acknowledging one’s openness to a doctrine does not rule out influence, direction, and ideological shaping—a central point of the forum’s discussion.

Her response also demonstrates selective interpretation. The forum primarily addressed terror grooming rather than poverty, history, or class contradictions, which were discussed only as contextual background. At no point was critical thinking portrayed as a crime. The claim that it was suggests a defensive posture, revealing an internal awareness of alignment with an ideological movement and an effort to protect and spread that belief system.

Overall, the wording and tone of her statement follow a familiar ideological messaging style. The arguments are built not on balanced reasoning, but on emotional reaction, framing, and accusatory rhetoric. This mirrors the communication patterns long associated with CPP propaganda—emphasizing indignation over engagement and conflict over discourse. The issue here is not her intelligence, but the adoption of a narrative that rejects dialogue and replaces it with confrontation.