MONERA M. MALIAWAO MA.

LIT 1 ESSAY 1

The Impact of Patriarchal Principle in a Family

It has always been evident especially among the Filipino families that the highest
power shall belong to the head of the family, the father, who shall be the provider, the
disciplinarian, and the full authority. The fact that men are more superior to women
when it comes to physical strength, somewhat contributes to the misconception that
many people should consider to correct. Hence, women become overpowered and
dominated by men because of this false belief.

In the Philippines, it is prevalent among the Filipino families, the issue about
control and responsibility. Over the years, we often hear that it should be the men to be
educated than women, because by the time they decided to settle down and marry, it is
the husband who is obliged to earn for a living just to support the needs of his future
family. In comparison to women, who are dictated to be submissive and soft, men are
expected to be tough and firm because the society labelled them to be. In fact, when a
man cries, it makes him less of a man and that he should always act bravely or else he
becomes gay to the eyes of everybody.

Because of this social construct, men have seem to be affected and influenced. As
a result, they become conformist to what is being dictated to them by the environment.
Men, because of the fear being labelled as others, takes the opportunity to get hold of
their women in all aspects of life. Women are ought to stay in the house to attend the
needs of the children and worst, only meant to be bed warmers and become their
husband’s property. Even when it comes to house chores, there must be tasks that only
women should have done.

This kind of mentality does not only affect women but the men as well. Terrified
about what the society may say about them, men sometimes tend to dominate over
women not because they want to but they have to in order for them to qualify. “I am the
man, therefore all the heads shall bow down to me.” A simple statement that would
summarize the big influence that the society has caused them. Unfortunately, this has
not only affected men’s psychological aspect but also alarmed the women and the
children’s security. What if men become more obsessed with power and control? What
kind of life awaits the family who has the kind of father that is molded by the dictations
of the society?

One story that proves patriarchy is not always appropriate, is Manuel Arguilla’s
“Morning in Nagrebcan.” This story depicts how life becomes difficult for the rest of the
family members having a father who considers himself the full authority over his family.
As the head of the family, Tang Ciako, out of his anger, transformed into a monstrous
father who had beaten his children hardly just because he was awakened by their noise.
This scenario would give the readers a hint that the father can do anything he wanted to
without any hesitations, not knowing what it will cause to his children. This only means
that as a father, he has always the right to discipline his children whether in good or bad
way since he has control over his subordinates, like his spouse, who have less power
compared to him.

On the part of the children, regardless of age or maturity, it gives them no chance
to fight nor defend themselves because they are oriented that the father knows what is
good for them, always the right person to discipline them and that nobody worth the
highest respect but the father alone. Culturally, people think that as the children grow, it
is more appropriate if they fear the head of the family because expectedly, the children
will become responsible, cautious, and obedient. But in the story, the character of Tang
Ciaco seems to portray the typical father from rural areas. Underemployed, Tang Ciaco is
evidently affected by the notion that it is the father’s responsibility to make a living to
support his family. This only implies that Tang Ciako perhaps, is under pressure which
may be manifested through his actions and treatment towards his family. A desperate
person may be influenced by several aspects, poverty is one of the many which may
result to uncontrollable temper. On one side, readers may also interpret that Tang Ciako,
diverts his attention to drinking liquor maybe because he thinks he will never be able to
provide his family enough and in order to cope with this dilemma, he spends his time
drinking. As the head of the family, his obligations are beyond measure and that when he
fails, the world considers him useless.

On the other hand, Tang Ciako’s character is also terrifying especially on the part
of his battered wife, Nana Elang. Here, the husband not only beats his children but also
his wife which only exemplifies inequality between a man and a woman. Nana Elang is a
fictitious character but she represents women who have been caged and powerless in
real world. Afraid of what would happen to their children, women will just endure, act as
a numb, and submit to their husbands, allowing the men to insult and indignify
themselves.

Both men and women are supposed to receive the same amount of respect and
recognition. Men may be physically strong compared to women but this should not be
the ground for dominance. Every individual, regardless of gender, has his or her worth in
the world. The concept of superiority and inferiority must be eliminated because there is
no such thing that would measure and prove who really possesses higher amount of
power. Stereotyping hits both men and women. Nevertheless, the concept of patriarchal
affects everyone.