Point of View

In Our Image is told in the second person. The point of view is taken from historical accounts and quotations that are analyzed by the author. The point of view is also taken from different cultures and countries. For example, some American leaders are looking to further their own interests (usually political careers) - usually to the detriment of Filipinos. Others are out to self righteously "save the Philippines"...even from themselves. Their perspective is also filtered though a bigoted mask. Even the good intentioned have a lower view of the locals than themselves.

The Spanish attempt to maintain their empire leads to their downfall. By being completely unyielding to any political reform whatsoever, they assist radicals in gaining control of the reform movement, rapidly turning it into an insurrectionist movement. This gives the United States the opportunity to swoop in and shelter the Philippines from...