Should the Philippines Look to china instead of Glorifying the United States? Your Opinion?
Upon studying Philippine history, learning the language, and getting involved with the culture… Many questions come to mind. First we know Spain colonized the Philippines, imposed their culture, religion, language, & ways of living. It’s also documented that the USA constructed a MOCK battle with Spain to make it seem the USA were liberators, when they actually Bought the Philippines for $20000,000. Aside from the fact that the northern Philippines still continue to practice the religion of their first colonizers (Christianity), their writing system (Alibata, AKA: Baybayin) as well as their right for self determination were all dissolved. With their culture already crippled, the USA put it’s foot in the door again, and wanted (at one point in time) to make the PI another state in the union. Sure it could be argued that the USA “liberated†the PI from the JAPANESE a while back. And yet I’m surprised Filipinos don’t feel a sense of betrayal at how the USA then turned their attention to JAPAN. The usa helped changed the government in JAPAN, helped to set up massive trade and industry…all the while leaving the PI in a 3rd world condition. Also the USA got itself involved with Mindanao and it argument for self determination. Leaving all my prejudices aside from Muslim, Islam VS Christianity, couldn’t this be considered a Civil war that must be fought to unify the country in an eventual compromise? Many great nations of today (USA included) had to go through their own Civil war that eventually led to unification of a sort. After unification, a self determined government usually arises. The current Philippine government was still created and imposed by the United States. A republic normally works great for western countries, but for the USA to transplant it’s own way of doing things to a country which hasn’t been given the chance to come up with it own way of government, or self determination be constructive? I watch TFC religiously (it helps with my language learning) And see Tagalog being polluted with massive amounts of English and Spanish words, as if it’s the Chic thing to do. I constantly see homage being paid to the USA left and right, even going so far as to view “whiter skinned Filipinos†as being beautiful, when this doesn’t represent most of the population at large. Also, the medical industry seems to be a popular pursuit among educated Filipinos. The ones that emigrate here aspire to be a nurse, or some other part of the American medical industry (not all, but there are many). We could also see this another way…. Why is taking care of an Aging USA population held in so high esteem? It isn’t common practice anymore in the US for white families to have their parents move in with them until they are ready to pass on. Therefore how can catering to a cultural vice in American society be viewed as honorable? And does this distract from pursuing self determination in the Philippines for looking up to a culture that keeps them in a 3rd world position? The Philippines is a very strategic piece of land in Asia, and serves well as a permanent land base for military might (should the USA need it). Is the Philippines being USED in this respect? Would the Philippine government in its current form collapse without USA help? This all leads me back to the question. Would the Philippines have a better deal if they looked to china for economic help and industrialization more so than the USA? I know my opinion is unorthodox, but it’s not set in stone. I’m willing and open for other points of view on this. So fire away! To Ready Set Grow: Yes I can understand your statement, But I'm looking as to cutural Influence a little more so. Glorification of the USA & Lifestyle, VS. Adopting something with more Asian influence. Doesn't have to be China, there are others in the area. To Aquarius: You clearly have done your research, which is very respectable! In Addition: One other concern of mine has to do with the recent generation (my generation) of Filipinos, losing their roots. With my ongoing attendance in Tagalog language classes: I have noticed (with me being the only white person in the class) that many who attend the class are Pilipino-Americans wanting to learn a language that was denied them. In my personal experience it seems as though more and more recent immigrants are deciding not to pass down the culture and language (which I understand isn’t always Tagalog) to their American born children. In talking with my classmates, it seems as though they grow up here, become race aware (as we all do growing up) and find that: although they are English speaking, and very much American acting in their demeanor… a cultural rift develops. This rift keeps them from communicating efficiently with grandparents, and older generation of Filipinos. They might climb the corporate ladder to find that although they were raised American; they are still treated a bit differently based on their ethnicity. Being detached from their origins, there is not much of a community they can feel fully apart of . This “community†is what gives them anecdotes, advice, and support from “their own†who have been through this “subtle form of discrimination†before. I’ve always been curious about this social dynamic in the United States. For instance, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, & Indian immigrants, with their children all have a higher percentage of retaining their home culture in some form than do Pilipino. This can be seen in cultural unity through Chinatowns, Indian plazas, Vietnamese towns (or little Saigons) , Japan Towns, and many Mexican (Spanish speaking) communities. I’m tempted to attribute this problem to the “Glorific I’m tempted to attribute this problem to the “Glorification of the US†being seen as “something superiorâ€. I have been told about something called a “CRAB MENTAILYâ€? Can anyone elaborate on this? I was in a bank one day. There was an older Pinay wanting to cash her check. Being Pinay, she went to the teller who obviously looked Pinay as well. Frustration set in as the older woman only knew Tagalog, and not very much english. After a few minutes of this I steped in to offer some help. I found myself translating Tagalog from one Pinay to another who knew none. I've never been in a situation like this before, but it did feel a little odd. Another Pilipino woman had watched me from a far, and proceded to tell me: WOW! You know more Tagalog than my daughter!. I wanted to say (but i didn't) "Then Why didn't you Teach her?". This experience made me wonder about this subject as well. Again Open to Opinion :) To Greevy Thom: I think you’re absolutely correct. However I've read books by a few Filipinos who would argue that the Marcos Regime was only successful due in part of financial support from the USA, do you think there is any truth to this? To Little Big Boss: Sorry, I should have been a little more specific in my definition of USA "involvement" in the Mindanao Conflict. Since this is more than just a conflict of Ideologies and succession has been mentioned by different groups, this can be considered "civil war like" . And by involvement I mean: TRAINING & SUPPLYING ARMS.
Philippines - 15 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It should be "No China, No US Policy" for Philippines. Having these two interfering our business and economy can lead us to nothing. They get much, we got nothing! It is better to be a self-reliant nation than to deal with these "sharks"!
2 :
china already owns the philippines. duh!
3 :
Your observations are very astute. And, I agree with much of your assessment. From the economic perspective, Chinese always do much better in the Philippines economy and are far better supported by the Filipino than Americans who attempt business ventures or entrepreneurship in Philippines. I think that more Asian influence in society over the past 100 years or so would have brought about less corruption and more esprit de corps among the people in today's Philippines. I'm not so sure there is any strategic geographic advantage any more with the modernization of military forces around the world.
4 :
Neither China, Japan, Vietnam, United States, Spain, Mexico, Australia, Arabia, India, Russia, Korea etc. are dependable countries to be modeled. There is only one great country. There is only one country that could deal with plastics efficiently.
5 :
Yes and I agree with Ready Set GRO!
6 :
i think that looking to other countries for economic help and industrialization can both be helpful and a hindrance. getting technological help and ideas can be helpful but if it is taken/given too quickly without having to put any home effort there will be a lack of natural innovation within the country as well as no generation of talent or ability, thereby making the country even more dependent upon outside influences. as for whether looking to the US or China would be better, that is a hard question to answer. China does have a stronger economy right now and a better forecast, but consider that it's a communist nation that doesn't float its currency and is not known for its allowance for free trade. when considering it, that means getting economic aid would not be ideal because it means that it is difficult, if not impossible, to know what the true strength of the economy of China is and if it is in any danger. also, the currency has no real value compared against other currencies because of the loose restrictions in country; they print money whenever they want and do not necessarily have the ability to back that currency with gold or other hard backings. as for the lack of free trade, it would be difficult to ensure that trade agreements would be equitable or enforceable. furthermore, China has many laws made to protect their own industries, they make it exceptionally difficult for external companies to compete in its economy, many times levying heavy tariffs and taxes to discourage competition. The US has a poorer economy currently and a less favorable forecast, but it has an open economy and does have a better record of helping other nations. while the US does protect some of its industries, the taxes, tariffs, and regulations regarding trade and economic exchange do not hamper nearly as much as China's. furthermore, the practices followed in the US are more equitable to those of the EU and other trading partners, which would allow the PI to be able to bring its own standards to those of the majority of trading partners. also consider that the US traditionally has a higher rate of FDI (foreign direct investment) than China, which means that companies in the US are more likely to invest money, resources, technology, etc in other countries that are developing. Personally, i think it's a shame that the Philippines is becoming so Americanized and is thereby losing the culture of the land. while I do agree that learning english is important due to its international use, bastardizing Filipino is not the way to do it; some concepts are only applicable in the native tongue. however, westernization is unavoidable due to the current trend of globalization and interconnectivity of the world as a whole. but i think that Filipinos have to find the medium between being open to outside cultures and keeping their own identity. However, it does seem, and i hope that you don't take offense to this statement, that you are making the Philippines out to be a victim of circumstance and to outside influences. part of it is that the Philippines has been in the wrong place in history, considering its geographical importance and what little has been done to improve it. however, consider that such things can only happen two ways. in many cases, corruption and other things like it have occurred when outside help has come in trying to offer industrial and economic assistance. therefore, such a history would be discouraging for any other nations in terms of coming in and trying to give aid or assistance. furthermore, in respect to japan, the reason the US helped rebuild the infrastructure to quickly is due to the willingness of the Japanese government to allow the help to enter and be effective. unlike the Philippines, when the war was over, Japan did not keep fighting; instead they opened the doors and rebuilt. however, the Philippines did not stop fighting, they kept on attacking American forces, thereby discouraging any rebuilding efforts. personally, i think that if diplomatic solutions could have been reached, the Philippines would have benefited to the US foreign activity after World War 2; especially considering at that time the Philippines were still a territory of the US (depending on what you believe of the propaganda about the intentions of the US in the Philippines, that will determine what you believe about it, but such a discussion would be very lengthy and add to this already long answer). as for civil war being helpful for self-determination within a country, it's not necessarily true. look at somalia and yugoslavia as references. with modern weapons, can you imagine the horrors and atrocities that would visited upon the Philippines if the two sides were allowed to go at it without interference? the results would be terrible (and that's an understatement). with such weaponry the civilian casualties would be ridiculous and so little would be left of the country for the victors. as for why Filipinos in the US become nurses, it's mostly for job security. that industry is secure, and for Filipinos that have come across, sacrificing all that they have for the chance to be in the US, having a job becomes all the more important. that's also why Filipino parents encourage entering that field because that means that their children will be employed. i don't think it's because it's seen as honorable to take care of American elderly, but instead as a secure investment into their own future more than anything else. i do think that it's bad that doctors in the Philippines are leaving to be nurses in the US, but it's mostly because US hospitals will not take Philippine doctor credentials, and that's because the medical curriculum in the Philippines is not as stringent or as good as the one in the US; the amount of study and time put in for an American doctor is far greater than that of one for a Filipino doctor. so until the two are equitable, such a case will always be there. typically, if the land is being given over for military use, there is some sort of monetary exchange for that, as well as some sort of joint defense or military treaty. therefore, allowing the US to use the land would ensure the Philippines a strong ally and a deterrent to another hostile outside force from taking military actions considering the situation there. i hope that i do not come across completely biased, but i am Filipino-American and have done some studying about this myself and these are the conclusions that i have come to. but i'm always open to new ideas and trains of thought
7 :
The Philippines should look to the Philippines so that it can glorify itself. That way glorifying another nation would be out of the question. Keep in mind that after WWII China was a completely destroyed and devastated nation and they built themselves up from nothing to silently and humbly become one of the worlds most powerful nations on earth. They did not receive help from another nation to do this. If China did it then why can't the Philippines do it?
8 :
I think that for the Philippines to move forward, it should glorify neither USA nor China. We should be glorifying our resolve and determination as a people to move forward and fulfill our aspirations for a better nation, independent from all foreign influences. Some people blame the Filipinos themselves for the lingering problems of massive poverty. I think that it is not the population, but their leaders who failed in their promises of eradicating corruption and making the economy grow - by becoming problems themselves. We need nation builders, not nation wreckers. Because of the lack of jobs a lot of our best Filipino nation builders decides to work overseas as OFWs, and some decides to abandon the country altogether and immigrate to other countries like USA. As a nation, we need to change. We should use Obama's line: YES WE CAN, and continue to dream that someday, like the blacks in America, we will be vindicated and become a developed nation at last, just like what an American think tank predicted before the disastrous Marcos regime took over.
9 :
i suggest we look not to any other country, nor waste our brain energy thinking what to do to better the situation in our own country. one step at a time. start with the most basic form of "government" that we ourselves can control, our homes. look inside our homes, see what can be done, to better ourselves, to better our homes, to better our way of life...now. that'll be a good start. forget history. just dont forget/despise what/who we are.
10 :
I don't know where you get some of your information. China has set out to enslave us as Spain and the U.S. did in the past. We received compensation from Spain and the U.S. for years until Spain decided that the present form of government was using some of the money to step on human rights and stop their money. The U.S. still offers free medical care, dental care and even surgeries along with the millions of dollars they send us each year. As far as the Muslims go, the U.S. is only posted at towns that the Muslims have been driven out of or are in danger of them returning. They are not involved in the war in any way other than actually training our men how to fight properly. Also, the U.S. never forced their Democratic form of government on us, our president elect at that time, along with other newly elected officials opted to adopt the Democratic form which is pretty much a copy of the U.S. constitution. A lot of your statements do ring true, but the U.S. has no control over how our elected government spends the money for the most part, so they are not responsible for our corrupt government, we are. After all, who allows the vote buying and murder of our candidates? Us or the U.S.? Who votes these criminals into office, us or the U.S.? I heard once that a country gets the type of government it deserves. Maybe we are too greedy to vote properly and too immature for 1st world rights just now. Some day when our men can be men and stop all of this letting the women do all of their talking and work, maybe we can enjoy a decent and prosperous country too. Instead of all of this crying, why don't our men become like men and all stand up for what is right for a change. Don't blame anybody but yourself for your failures, it is Karma and you can only fight that by changing your ways. As far as the taking care of the old parents go, many Americans do have their parents move in so they can take care of them and do so until they become a medical burden and need round the clock nursing. The U.S. is full of qualified nursing homes for those who cannot be cared for at home. Here, they just seem to move the old folks out of their own homes and keep them in a chicken house or other such terrible structure to die while the children enjoy the home that Mom and Dad built. I have seen some take care of the elderly here, but that is the minority, not the majority.
11 :
we don't glorify any country,it is always the philippines first.
12 :
your intro is to long! no time to read, but just to tell ya! filipinos cannot look to china!! how can you look for a big bully country who thinks of faking everything in this world! and now not only faking many product! making product that is dangerous to life! (melamine in milk scare, plastic toys with lead, poison dog food and what else in the future), this nation and its people had no more etiquete and willing to kill everybody for profit (please dont tell me that its not true) that why many of them are millionare at the expense of now 1000+ children in china itself when they drink baby milk...and next is the world who buy their poisonous and worthless goods.
13 :
Chinese are all over the Philippines...
14 :
Your question is verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry long, but it is good. But, for all of your considerings, you have missed the two true underlying problems of the Philippines. It's not who to snuggle up with, or who did what, for what reason in the past. Or, any of the other stuff really, and i read your whole letter. The problem is this. Firstly, the Philippines has absolutely ZERO national unity. This is for several reasons. 1. The fact that there are 7,107 islands in this country. The sheer number of islands has helped to create many sub-cultures. 2. there are a hundred or more different dialects or languages in the country. There is not a single 1st world country on the planet that has more then just a few languages. The Philippines needs to have a common language nationwide, and it must be spoken by all the people. Just being taught it in school only to never use it in life is meaningless. 3. Corruption is soooo huge a problem, and has gone on for sooo long that most Filipinos don't even blink an eye over a major political scandal/scam/bribe. Filipino people have accepted this to be "acceptable" to them. 4. There is no one for Filipinos to look up to in govt. No Hero's to draw them together. The last one was Ninoy, and of course, he was murdered. 5. This is the one that bothers me the most, because if this country is ever to be built into a "nation united" it would have to start at this ground level. As a culture, Filipino people rarely help or work together with people outside of their family or social groups. They will also rarely give to those in need outside of those groups. Petty bickering, trying to "save face", haughty pride, and long standing disputes are very common among Filipino people. If this is the standard in the local community, how can it be expected that a nation can advance beyond theri differences? The second reason is that Filipinos put up with way to much incompetence. Incompetence from govt leaders, teachers(sorry but it is true), auto mechanics, doctors, etc,etc,etc...I am telling you unequivically, the Philippines will never be a 1st world nation until it holds people who they pay there money to, to a higher standard then what they do today. When someone does a bad job, or doesnt know how to do their job, or is in a position of leadership that they recieved as a result of a phone call from someone of influence to the hiring manager then it will never happen. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity. 1st world countrys are not mediocre, they are cutting edge. I know, I know, Filipinos dont like confrontation, they dont want to embaress someone who doesnt have a clue what their doing so that person doesnt lose face. Ok, that's fine. But, as long as saving face is more important then proper training and high standards, how can you really expect to leave 3rd world status. I wanted to say two other things to you. As you have probably already guessed i am a foreigner, from the USA(the truth is i am probably less fond of them then you are). I'm married to a pinay, with three daughters, and i live in Mindanao. If the Philippines was ever attacked by a foreign invader, i would not run to the airport to escape. I would run for my M4 and take aim. I choose to live in this country because i believe it is better then the USA, it has morals, and faith in God, and strong family ties. The other thing is i am as disgusted as you are by the way that light skinned Filipinos are glorified on TV. I am embarressed for a woman when i see her with all the white make up on her face, covering her natural skin. She does not realize how beutiful she is, and the advertising on TV promotes all these whitening products. I am lucky, my wife is brown skinned and wears no make up. Anyway, that is my take on things.
15 :
No I believe the Philippines should look to JAPAN!!! in terms of technology and Fashion!!! PS: couldn't read the whole thing...got crosseyed lol edit: lol..okay I read the whole thing this time... Hmm...sorry I know nothing of the Filipino history having grown up in Africa.. I think you know more than I do! hehe good for you!!.. Sorry can't express any opinions on that... One thing I too can't comprehend about Filipinos in the USA is why most of them can't speak their native language. I concluded that, there is either something wrong in the family (parents having no time to teach their children, parents thinking the language is degrading, parents thinking it will confuse them, etc etc) or the society. Clearly, there is NO proper Filipino community. I'm a Filipino who grew up in Nigeria (west Africa) but now I live in America. In the state where I lived in, Kano, there may not be as many Filipinos in that state as in Lagos (another state) but we've tried our best to keep in touch with one another. We often had pot-luck parties, bingo games, we celebrated someone's birthday, independence day, christmas, new years, etc! Although we all came from different parts of the Philippines, were practically strangers, we all tried to speak in Tagalog and welcome eachother. That is why, my dad, who is originally Bisaya can speak in Tagalog better than Bisaya. And all of these elder people I called "tito" (uncle) "tita" (aunt) even though clearly we weren't related in anyway! Anyways, what I'm trying to get at is that, America is just waaay too big! to get to a relative's house will take an hour...and everybody is just bc bc bc trying to get rich! Even though this may be the case, If these people (parents in particular) really care for their children's origin to be preserved and acknowledge, they should make this "Filipino community" that other Filipinos in other countries have. However, the problem may be with the Filipinos themselves. They may not want this "Filipino community". Some Filipinos when coming back to the Philippines, after just a few years in the US, would say "I've forgotten how to speak Tagalog" even though they clearly haven't! isn't that sad? I believe that if you want to make a change, it should always start from "the home". Actually, I do live with Filipino neighbours here. They're all NURSES! these women brought along with them their families..and as you'd expect after just a year, they speak english instead of "Bisaya" their native tongue(poor kids). I was also considering taking up this profession for the MONEY! I believe there is nothing wrong with going into the medical field, as long as you have real interest and a need to help others. But...i didn't so I'm switching to a different major! haha... So basically it's just people trying to provide for their families living in the Philippines! since it's in demand and all.. I believe the caregivers "CNA's" are the ones that are mostly held in high esteem. Well I don't know for others but it is for me. Having a mother working as a CNA, that job takes sooo much dedication, patience and understanding. Just imagine an old guy who doesn't want you touching him, suddenly bites you, pull your hair, hit you, waltz out of his room naked saying "get that crazy lunatic out of my room"!!! lol... My mom just laughs it off... And ofcourse there is that ethnic discrimination, they would always judge her flaws just because she's a Filipino, and undoubtedly hardworking and smarter (she's an A student! hehe) wouldn't you hold this career in high esteem if it were your own 50 yr. old mom doing it??? About Filipinos considering "white" or "pale" complexion as beautiful. lol... same thing as how Americans see "tanned" skin beautiful... up till now, I can't seem to accept it. haha... it's just people's "Standard of Beauty"...no matter how I deny it, I still would want to be pale skinned. I guess it's just people can not be happy or satisfied with what they have. Or perhaps it's because I've always been teased for being dark since my siblings are fair colored. Anyways, it's not only Filipinos. Go to Japan, China, Taiwan, etc. they would think the same! they're even famous for producing whitening products! If you can't understand this..just compare it to fake tanning lotion!..hehe I think you should have told that woman what you were supposed to. "then teach her!" lol... afterall, aren't we in America?? land of free speech haha! P.S: I just wanted to add that, when we were kids, me and my sisters would converse in english while playing (all the time)...We spoke english in school and Tagalog to our parents. So I don't believe that these kids who spent more years in the Philippines than I did should just entirely deny their own language! When I came back to the Philippines to study, me and my sis spoke Tagalog..(not taglish) okay maybe it's taglish because we would say some words in english because we didn't know how to say them in Tagalog. But we didn't use that "accent" that most pre-madonnas "maarte" girls use when speaking Taglish just to sound chic! okay that's disgusting, I'll stop now
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