How do we differ from other Asians?
Horacio dela Costa, S.J. wittingly pointed out the Filipino's lack of cultural identity, but it is in this lacking we find the Filipino's ability to compensate.
Compared to other Asian nations, the Filipinos cannot boast of a unified culture - a culture that is naming what the Filipinos are. But what sets them apart are the differences. Filipinos may not be as unified as the Singaporeans, Malaysians or the Chinese but they do have a unique identity.
The Filipino's diversity has enhanced its culture, nowhere in the Asian region can you find a culture that imbibed different thoughts and ways into a Filipino identity.
Filipinos have taken culture from different nations, adopting the good and learning from the not so good. An analogy would be like an excellent cook who chooses the choicest ingredients to put into his "master piece". Only the best ingredients can make a great dish. Perhaps the Filipino identity is still in its infancy - or the stage where they are still choosing the best to integrate into an already growing brew of diversity.
It is in the diversified culture that the Filipinos are known for. It is like having the best foods chosen for your own "growth".
It is agreed that Filipinos are culturally bounded by diversity. It is sad yet thought provoking that unity under one indigenous culture is not possible. Are the Filipinos experiencing a crisis in identity? Should the Filipino go back to the cultures of old? Yes, it is this diversity that identifies the Filipino. If he were to go back to the old culture, he risks erasing the the marks already done. Again, he will be facing a blank wall and run the risk of ridicule from his neighbors.
Some have suggested that we divest as soon as it is convenient. Going back in time is no longer an option. What must be done is to invest in these diversities and come out with an identity we can expand and improve and call THE FILIPINO IDENTITY.
Compared to other Asian nations, the Filipinos cannot boast of a unified culture - a culture that is naming what the Filipinos are. But what sets them apart are the differences. Filipinos may not be as unified as the Singaporeans, Malaysians or the Chinese but they do have a unique identity.
The Filipino's diversity has enhanced its culture, nowhere in the Asian region can you find a culture that imbibed different thoughts and ways into a Filipino identity.
Filipinos have taken culture from different nations, adopting the good and learning from the not so good. An analogy would be like an excellent cook who chooses the choicest ingredients to put into his "master piece". Only the best ingredients can make a great dish. Perhaps the Filipino identity is still in its infancy - or the stage where they are still choosing the best to integrate into an already growing brew of diversity.
It is in the diversified culture that the Filipinos are known for. It is like having the best foods chosen for your own "growth".
It is agreed that Filipinos are culturally bounded by diversity. It is sad yet thought provoking that unity under one indigenous culture is not possible. Are the Filipinos experiencing a crisis in identity? Should the Filipino go back to the cultures of old? Yes, it is this diversity that identifies the Filipino. If he were to go back to the old culture, he risks erasing the the marks already done. Again, he will be facing a blank wall and run the risk of ridicule from his neighbors.
Some have suggested that we divest as soon as it is convenient. Going back in time is no longer an option. What must be done is to invest in these diversities and come out with an identity we can expand and improve and call THE FILIPINO IDENTITY.
Comments
Post a Comment