GE 101 – UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

First Semester, 2021-2022

Prepared by Prof. Annabelle F. Nobleta, Course Facilitator

MODULE 2
UNPACKING THE SELF

This module explains the various aspects of self and identity such as the physical or biological, sexual, material or
economic, digital, political and spiritual self. Also, this part contains mandatory topics on Family Planning and
Population Education.

A. THE PHYSICAL SELF

The Self as Impacted by the Body

The physical self is an important component in the study of a person’s self and identity. It is described as the
tangible aspect or dimension of the person which is primarily observed and examined through the body. According to
William James, the self is the sum total of all that man can call his, which includes his body, clothes and the like. This is
also supported by Russel W. Belk and described them as part of the Extended Self.

On the other hand, William James asserted that the body is the initial source of sensation and necessary for the
origin and maintenance of personality. Erik Erikson also claims that experience is anchored in the ground-plan of the
body. This is supported by Sigmund Freud who states that physical body is the core of human experience. Furthermore,
Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1945) placed the body as the center of human existence, as a way of experiencing the world.

Such ideas make clear to us that the body is the way through which we make sense of the world and our
environment. We experience life through our bodies and senses (sight, smell, touch, etc.), allowing us to interpret the
world around us. However, the body is not merely an object in the world but the body serves as a vehicle for our
expression in the world. The body is the sight for articulation of all our identifications of gender, class, sexuality, race,
ethnicity and religion.

In broader sense, the body is called the “body culture” and that it is the only fix-point of “self-identity”. However,
nowadays, there is a modern way of describing the naked body, The change from noble pale skin to suntanned skin as a
“sportive” distinction was not only linked to sport, but had also an impact to society as a whole. The change in
appreciated body color reversed the social bodily distinctions between people and classes, and nudism became a radical
expression of this body-cultural change.

The Impact of Culture on Body Image and Self-esteem: The Importance of Beauty

With body image, we think of how attractive our body is. It refers to the person’s perception of the level of
attractiveness of his/her body or it can be somebody’s own impression of how his/her body looks. It may also be our
sense of how other people view our bodies. In that sense, body image can be seen as both internal (personal) and external
(social). One’s perception of his or her body elicits either pleasing/satisfying feelings. Body image lies at the heart of
adolescence and it is the mental representation of one’s own body, which is a very important aspect of identity.

Along with the concept of identity is the concept of beauty. Beauty is of two types: the inner beauty which refers
to the inner qualities of the person and the external beauty which refers to the physical characteristics of the person.
External beauty focuses on the physical features of the body commonly defined as “a combination of qualities, which
includes shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.”

Much effort is exerted to reach the ideal body called “body beautiful” by men which is the admired muscular
“Adonis” body built. The “coca-cola” contoured figure for women is equally desired and each one, male or female,
strives to acquire the body of his/her dream. We are in a culture in which beauty is judged by numbers. As commonly
observed, attraction to another person’s body increases if that body is symmetrical and in proportion. If the face is
proportionate, we are more likely to notice it and find it beautiful. We even perceive proportional bodies to be healthier.

The way then how one looks at himself or herself greatly affects her self-esteem or sometimes referred to as self-
worth or self-respect. Too little self-esteem can leave people feeling defeated or depressed. It can also lead people to
make bad choices, fall into destructive relationships, or fail to live up to their full potential. Too much self-esteem,
however, exhibited in narcissistic personality disorder, can certainly be irritating to others and can even damage personal
relationships. In other words, self-esteem can play a significant role in one’s motivation and success throughout life.

To overcome such adverse effects on the issues of self-esteem, one needs to develop a positive body image which
involves:
a. Understanding that healthy, attractive bodies come in many shapes and sizes;
b. Physical appearance says very little about our character or value as a person;
c. How we get to this point of acceptance often depends on our individual development and self-acceptance.

B. THE SEXUAL SELF

What is a sexual self? This is the part of yourself where you learn and understand your sexual development and
how people’s sexual activity, beliefs, misconceptions and unlimited access from the internet on sex can influence your
own sexual behaviors and responses. Your sexual self speaks of your sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity
and expression and values around sexuality.

Development of the reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics

The adolescent spurt in skeletal and muscular dimensions is closely related to the rapid  development of the
reproductive system that takes place at this time. The acceleration of penis growth begins on average at about age
121/2 years, but sometimes as early as 10 1/2 and sometimes as late as 141/2. The completion of penis development usually
occurs at about age 141/2, but in some boys is at 121/2 and in others at 161/2. The same is true of girls aged 11, 12, and 13.

The sequence of events, though not exactly the same for each boy or girl, is much less variable than the age at
which the events occur. The first sign of puberty in the boy is usually an acceleration of the growth of the testes and
scrotum with reddening and wrinkling of the scrotal skin. Slight growth of pubic hair may begin about the same time but
is usually a trifle later. The spurts in height and penis growth begin on average about a year after the first testicular
acceleration.

Axillary (armpit) hair appears on average some two years after the beginning of pubic hair growth. In boys, facial
hair begins to grow at about the time that the axillary hair appears. There is a definite order in which the hairs of
moustache and beard appear: first at the corners of the upper lip, then over all the upper lip, then at the upper part of the
cheeks, in the midline below the lower lip, and, finally, along the sides and lower borders of the chin. The remainder of
the body hair appears from about the time of first axillary hair development until a considerable time after puberty. The
ultimate amount of body hair that an individual develops seems to depend largely on heredity.

Breaking of the voice occurs relatively late in adolescence. The change in pitch accompanies enlargement of the
larynx and lengthening of the vocal cords. In the skin, particularly of the armpits and the genital and anal regions, the
sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands develop rapidly during puberty and give rise to a characteristic odor; the changes
occur in both sexes but are more marked in the male. Enlargement of the pores at the root of the nose and the appearance
of comedones (blackheads) and acne, while likely to occur in either sex, are considerably more common in adolescent
boys than girls, since the underlying skin changes are the result of androgenic (male sex hormone) activity.

During adolescence the male breast undergoes changes. In girls the start of breast enlargement—the appearance
of the “breast bud”—is as a rule the first sign of puberty. The uterus and vagina develop simultaneously with the breast.
The labia and clitoris also enlarge (https://www.britannica.com/science/human-development/Hormones-and-growth).

The Human Reproductive System

One of the many seemingly magical things about human reproduction is that only one sperm can ever penetrate an
egg. Sex, however, is not just for reproduction, but it serves other purposes as well. It helps strengthen relationships,
encourages a man to stick around to care for his child, and affects not only health but also well-being.

The Female Reproductive System. The ovaries produce 400,000 eggs or so every 28 days. The ovum is 100,000
times larger than the sperm cell. The egg cell carries the X chromosome. Puberty in girls usually starts between ages 8-
13, along with all the bodily changes (breast, hair, skin, hips, voice) it also where Menarche (from the Greek words
‘moon’ and ‘beginning’), the first menstrual period, would seal the growth spurt and signal the female’s sexual maturity.

The Male Reproductive System. The testes produce 200 million sperm cells/spermatozoa every week. It carries
X or Y chromosome, which is the sex-determining cell. In boys, puberty starts around 10 to 15 years old and explains
why girls look more mature than boys. The testosterone hormone causes most of the changes in a boy’s body and men
need sperm to reproduce. Besides the physical changes (voice, hair, size of penis, larynx), his brain also changes. Unlike
women varying monthly to create menstrual cycles, the hormones in men’s brains are constantly active. This may be the
reason why men are said to think about sex more than women.
The Erogenous Zones

This refers to an area or part of the body sensitive to stimulation that is a source of erotic or sexual feeling or
pleasure. Among the primary zones are the genitals, buttocks and anus, the breasts (especially the nipples), and the mouth.
The table below shows the Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Stages of Development in relation to the human being’s
erogenous zones and the like.

The Erogenous Zones on the Female Body

1. Clitoris
2. Vagina
3. Cervix
4. Mouth and lips
5. Neck
6. Breast and nipples
7. Ears

The Erogenous Zones on the Male Body

1. Penis
2. Mouth and Lips
3. Scrotum
4. Neck
5. Nipples
6. Perenium (the area between the anus and the scrotum)
7. Ears
8. The Takeaway

Understanding the Human Sexual Response

Biological factors such as the presence of androgens, estrogens and progesterone, prime people for sex. People’s
sexual responses follow a regular pattern consisting of four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Sexual
motivation, often referred to as libido, is a person’s overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. This is motivated by
biological, psychological, and social factors. In most mammals, sex hormones control the ability to engage in sexual
behaviors. Social factors such as WORK and FAMILY also have an impact, as do internal psychological factors like
personality and stress.

The Sexual Response Cycle is a model that describes the physiological responses that take place during sexual activity.

www.google.com
The Basic Biology of Sexual Behavior

The change from child to adult is an especially dangerous time for adolescents in our society. From their earliest
years, children watch television shows and movies that insisted that “sex appeal” is a personal quality that people need to
develop to the fullest. While adolescents and their parents agree about many issues of life, they hold strikingly different
views on sex. Parents, based on their perspective from greater experience, urge caution and restraint. Adolescents,
experiencing strong sexual desire for the first time and eager for all pleasures life can offer, are frequently tempted to
throw caution to the wind and indulge. The teenagers’ free access to media provides unlimited information on sex as well
as steady supply of people willing to talk about sex with them (commercialexploitation.org.factsheets/ccfc-
factsmarketingsex.pdf, 2008).

Human Sexuality

Sexuality is much more than sexual feelings or sexual intercourse. It includes all the feelings, thoughts and
behaviors associated with being female or male, being attractive and being in love, as well as in relationships that include
sexual intimacy and sensual and sexual activity. It also includes enjoyment of the world as we know it through the five
senses.

The Five Cycles of Sexuality

1. Sensuality – is awareness and feeling about your own body and other people’s bodies, especially the body of a sexual
partner. Sensuality enables us to feel good about how our bodies look and feel and what they can do. Sensuality also
allows us to enjoy the pleasure our bodies can give us and others.
2. Sexual Intimacy – is the ability to be emotionally close to another human being and to accept closeness in return.
Several aspects of intimacy include sharing intimacy, caring about another, liking or loving a person, emotional risk-
taking and vulnerability to a loved one.
3. Sexual Identity – is a person’s understanding of who he/she is sexually, including the sense of being male or being
female. Sexual identity consists of three “interlocking pieces” that together, affect how each person sees
himself/herself. Each “piece” is important.
4. Reproduction and Sexual Health – These are a person’s capacity to reproduce and the behaviors and attitudes that
make sexual relationships healthy and enjoyable.
5. Sexualization – is that aspect of sexuality in which people behave sexually to influence, manipulate, or control other
people. Often called “shadowy” side of human sexuality, sexualization spans behavior that range from the relatively
harmless to the sadistically violent, cruel and criminal. These sexual behaviors including flirting, seduction,
withholding sex from an intimate partner to punish him/her to get something, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and
rape. Teens need to know that no one has the right to exploit them sexually and that they do not have the right to
exploit anyone else sexually.

The Chemistry of Lust, Love and Attachment

There are psychological and physiological aspects in being turned on, being in love and attached to another
person. The chemistry of lust, love and attachment lies in our brains, which is the human’s most important sex organ.
The unexplained mechanism responsible or sexual attraction lies in the brain and not in the genital areas.

 Lust - This is the phase which is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen – in both men and women.
Testosterone are the two basic types of hormones present equally in men and women’s body that excite the feeling of
lust within the brain.
 Attraction – This phase of life is one of the most beautiful moments of life. This is the phase when the person
actually starts to feel the love. This is the amazing time when you are truly love-struck and can think of little else.
Scientists think that three main neurotransmitters are involved in this stage: adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin.
 Attachment – is a bond helping the couple to take their relationship to advanced levels. It investigates the feeling of
bearing children and falling in love with them wholeheartedly. Scientists think there might be two major hormones
involved in this feeling of attachment: oxytocin and vasopressin.

The Diversity of Human Sexuality

Though human beings have varied faces of sexuality, this should not be mistaken as a consideration of giving
gender roles. Gender bias should be avoided. It is because the prejudice and discrimination regularly experienced by
people identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual have been shown to have negative psychological effects.

The Sexual Orientation and Identity. The sexual orientation pertains to the sexual and romantic feelings of the
same gender, a different gender and/or more than one gender. Individuals who identify their sexual orientation as
“straight” or “heterosexual” typically feel attracted to people of a different gender than themselves. People who identify
as “gay” or “lesbian” typically feel attracted to people of the same gender as themselves. People who identify as
“bisexual” typically feel attracted to both men and women. Now, another term called “Pansexual” is a term often used by
people who feel attracted to more than one gender and feel that other terms don’t include people who are transgender and
gender nonforming (people who have a gender identity or gender expression that doesn’t match their sex assigned at
birth). People who use the term “queer” may use it to mean lesbian, gay, bisexual or pansexual or they may use it because
other terms don’t quite describe their experiences. Other members of the society might identify their sexual orientation
one way, but experience attractions that don’t match the label they are using.

Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections

Sexual Intercourse. It is a behavior that may produce sexual pleasure that often culminates in orgasm in females
and in males. Sexual intercourse may also result in pregnancy and/or STDs. It may be vaginal, oral or anal.

Premarital Sex. This is a sexual activity practiced by people who are married. It can be any sexual relations a
person has prior to marriage. Other terms include non-marital sex, youthful sex, and young-adult sex. People who have
premarital sex are recommended by health professionals to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) such as HIV/AIDS. There are also risks of unplanned pregnancy in heterosexual relationships.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections. These are known as Venereal Diseases (VD). They are passed
through sexual contact or genital – through vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. STI can be passed by your partner
even without their knowing as they don’t need to be ill to infect others.
What are some common types of STIs?
 HIV. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, destroys the body's ability to fight off infection. It is spread by unprotected sex
with an infected person. It's also spread by contact with infected blood or contaminated needles. People with advanced
HIV infection are very susceptible to many life-threatening diseases and to certain forms of cancer.
 HPV. HPV is a common STI that can cause genital warts. These can happen on the inside or outside parts of the
genitals and rectum. They may spread to the nearby skin or to a sex partner. HPV infection does not always cause
warts. So you may not know you are infected. Women with an HPV infection have a higher risk of cervical cancer.
Regular Pap tests can find HPV infection, as well as abnormal cervical cells. An HPV vaccine is available to help
prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. This vaccine is advised starting at age 11. But it can be given as young as
age 9. Discuss this with your child's healthcare provider. There is treatment for genital warts. These sometimes go
away on their own. But the virus remains and warts can come back. Some types of HPV can also cause warts (called
common warts) on other body parts such as the hands. But these do not generally cause health problems.
 Chlamydia. Chlamydial infections, the most common of all STIs, can affect both men and women. They may cause
an abnormal genital discharge, burning with urination, and rectal discharge and bleeding. In women, untreated
chlamydial infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes,
and other reproductive organs. It causes symptoms such as lower belly pain. Chlamydial infections can be treated with
antibiotics. Unfortunately, many people with chlamydial infection have few or no symptoms. The most common and
serious complications happen in women and include pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, and
trouble having children (infertility). Men may have urinary symptoms or no symptoms at all.
 Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea causes a discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum. It also causes painful or difficult
urination or bowel movements. The most common and serious complications happen in women. These include pelvic
inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and trouble having children (infertility). Gonorrhea infections can be treated
with antibiotics.
 Genital herpes. Genital herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms may include
painful blisters or open sores in the genital or rectal area. First there may be a tingling or burning feeling in the  area.
The herpes sores often go away in a few weeks. But the virus stays in the body. And the sores may come back from
time to time. There is no cure for HSV. But there are antiviral medicines that can shorten an outbreak and reduce
symptoms.
 Syphilis. The first symptom of syphilis is a painless open sore. It is often seen on the penis, in the vagina, or around
either sexual organ. Untreated syphilis may go on to more advanced stages. This includes a short-term rash. Over
time, the heart and central nervous system may be seriously affected. Syphilis infections can be treated with antibiotic
therapy.
 Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious complication women can get from some STIs, such as
chlamydia and gonorrhea. PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs. It can
cause lower belly pain. Later on it can cause problems having children.
Other diseases that may be sexually transmitted include:
 Bacterial vaginosis
 Chancroid
 Cytomegalovirus infections
 Granuloma inguinale (donovanosis)
 Lymphogranuloma venereum
 Molluscum contagiosum
 Pubic lice
  Scabies
 Trichomoniasis
 Oral ulcers (oral sex can result in ulcers from gonorrhea or herpes)

Facts about STIs and teens

1. STIs affect men and women of all backgrounds and economic levels. But nearly 50 out of 100 STI cases in the U.S.
happen in people younger than age 25.
2. STIs are on the rise, possibly due to more sexually active people who have multiple sex partners during their lives.
3. Many STIs cause no symptoms at first. And many STI symptoms may be confused with those of other diseases not
spread by sex, especially in women. Even symptomless STIs can be contagious and can later cause long-term
(chronic) or serious health problems. 
4. Women suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STIs:
 Some STIs can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can
lead to both infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
 Some strains of HPV infection in women may also be linked to cervical cancer. In both women and men, these
strains may cause anal, head, and neck cancer.
 STIs can be passed from a mother to her baby before or during birth. Some newborn infections may be
successfully treated. Others may cause a baby to be permanently disabled or even die.
5. Once diagnosed, many STIs can be successfully treated. Some STIs, such as herpes, can't be completely cured and
may happen again. But each recurrence can be prevented or treated.
6. Key ways to prevent transmission of HIV infection include PEP within 72 hours of exposure and PrEP to prevent
transmission if there is ongoing risk. Also make sure that HIV-positive partners are under treatment and have their
virus under control.

Family Planning Methods

1. Natural Birth Control employs natural control methods that people do to help prevent an unintended pregnancy
without the use of modern/artificial way of contraception. This includes abstinence, fertility awareness methods,
rhythm, calendar or standard days method, outercourse and continued breastfeeding.
2. Artificial Birth Control employs artificial control methods to help prevent unintended pregnancy using
modern/contemporary measures which are contraceptive or birth control pills, diaphragm, male and female condoms,
spermicide, cervical cap, birth control patch, birth control shot, birth control implant, intrauterine device (IUD), tubal
ligation/vasectomy, tubal implants and emergency contraception pill.

C. THE MATERIAL SELF/ECONOMIC SELF

According to William James, man has a “material” self. All the physical elements that reflect who a person is,
his possessions like car, home, body, clothes, are part of his material self. It is to these things, according to James, that
we are most deeply affected because of our investments of self within these things. The more we invest of ourselves in
these objects, the more attached we inevitably are to them.

“I shop, therefore I am: I have, therefore I am”

This was a slogan popularized by Barbara Kruger who used black and white images with her advertisement to
critique the world. The phrase emanates from Descarte’s “I think therefore I am” but for Krugers slogan she’s defining a
person with not by what they think but what they own making an impact and contribute to the materialistic side of society.
Material self, according to William James, refers to tangible objects, people or places that carry the designation my or
mine. Two subclasses of the material self are distinguished: the bodily self and the extracorpeal self. The bodily self
component speaks on our body part which is the inner core of material self such as arms, legs, hair and etc. Extracorpeal
self is referred to as the extended self. It includes clothes (my jacket), possessions (my car), places (my hometown),
immediate family (my parents) and other things that we consider as ours.

Shaping the way we see ourselves: The role of consumer culture on our sense of selves and identity

Consumer culture plays a role in our sense of self identity and has become increasingly materialistic. For
example, wearing a well-known clothing brand will portray a desired image or reveal their true personality or spending
their hard earned money to buy the latest gadgets to predominantly portray identity. Consumer culture is a socio-
economic phenomenon where social status, values and activities are centered on the consumption of goods and services.
Identity may be expressed in many types of consumption and may vary with the type of consumer
(https://simplicable.com/new.consumer-culture).
Examples of Consumer Culture

1. Conspicuous consumption – spending money on and acquiring luxury goods and services to publicly display
economic power.
2. Conspicuous conservation – a desire to signal that you are a good person who is concerned with the environment and
social issues.
3. Early adopters – consumers who pride themselves as being at the forefront of product trends. They may publicize
their purchases and view themselves as leaders. They can be enthusiasts who don’t view purchases in terms of social
status.
4. Followers – worry about missing out on new trendy products and brands. Such consumer may keep a close eye on
early adopters and mimic their consumer behavior.
5. Lowtech – enthusiasts of old technology
6. Peak experiences – consumers who seek meaning and experience through consumption. For example, a consumer
who views travel as a personal accomplishments that adds to their life story.
7. Escapism – Consumers who enjoy fictional realities as a “means of escape” from the harshness of day-to-day life.
For example, fans of popular culture who completely immerse themselves in experiences such as theme parks, events,
games, entertainment and reading.
8. Traditional culture – Products, services and brands that are viewed as part of a traditional culture such as the culture
of a nation, people or city. For example, an old pizzeria that becomes a symbol of a city.
9. Super culture – a large culture that exists on a global basis such as sport, video gamers or street fashion enthusiasts.
It is common for superculture to embrace a brand and attach meaning and storytelling to it. Wearing a particular
brand can signal membership in a super culture such as an athletic brand that signals you as a runner.
10. Subculture – It is a relatively small culture that surrounds a social group, profession or pursuit. Subcultures may
adopt obscure brands and products to signal membership. For example, a brand of turntable that only a true turntablist
would buy.
11. Normcore – is a subculture of people who just want to be normal such as they avoid purchases that send a strong
social signal.
12. Brand aversion – individuals who view branding negatively and avoid popular brands where practical.
13. Brand indifference – Consumers who view brands with complete indifference and buy based on practical
considerations of need and price. Example, neighbors who spread word of a good restaurant with cheap prices.
14. Anti-Consumers – Consumers who believe people should minimize purchases or be completely self-reliant.

D. THE SPIRITUAL SELF

The spiritual self is who we are at our core. It is our subjective and most intimate self. It is the aspect of self
which develops a certain level of spirituality which is deemed as man’s way of seeking as well as expressing the meaning
and purpose of his life. It speaks of the quality of one’s relationships with God, with self, with others and with God’s
entire creation, marked by respect, forgiveness, generous service and prayer. Spirituality leads man to a deeper
communion with the Divine. It aids persons in spiritual, emotional or physical distress, crisis or discomfort as well as
those seeking to make a significant change in their lives through self-awareness. This can be a healing process that leads
to personal development.

The Spirit and the Soul

Spirit comes from the Hebrew language ruach or pneuma in Greek which means “breath”. The spirit is
described as the disposition of an individual, a person’s habitual attitudes, as man’s supernatural power which comes from
God. It is the part of us through which all life and power of God flow. It is the “ life-giving” part of man. Soul, on the
other hand, comes from Hebrew language nephesh or in Greek psyche which means human life. It is described as the
“will, mind, the seat of emotion, conscience. Both soul and spirit mean life. But soul stands for natural man, which spirit
is the ethical factor which adds the new dimension of relationship with God. Spirit enables man to serve God and to
participate in the supernatural order. Here, the Hebrew concept of man is holistic, not a trichotomy of body, soul and
spirit but one totality. However, the Hebrew sees the distinction between the natural and the supernatural, in the respect to
the soul and spirit. The term used by the Filipinos for the spirit is the loan word “espirito” or “espiritu”, which in Visayan
term “ginhawa”, in Tagalog, “hininga” and in Ilokano, “anges”.

The concept of soul is very familiar to the Filipinos. It is the “nonphysical aspect of the person manifested in the
consciousness, thought, feeling and will, regarded as distinct from the physical body. It is the person’s personal and
moral nature where the most private thoughts and feelings are hidden. In some systems of religious beliefs, the soul is the
spiritual part of a human being that is believed to continue to exist after the body dies. The soul is also regarded as subject
to future reward and punishment. The Bible further speaks of the soul as the innermost aspect of the person which
signifies the spiritual principle in him, “the breath of life”. It is because of this spiritual soul that the body becomes alive.
The Filipino Traditional Understanding of Soul

The soul and spirit are sometimes used interchangeably but the Filipinos interpret the soul differently. According
to Demetrio, et al (2011), kaluluwa, kararwa, kadkadduwa, all come from the root word duwa, which means two. This is
because the soul has two existences – one physical that is connected to the human body and its life, and other spiritual
where it exists on its own. The Ilokano “kakadduwa” is further derived from kadduwa, meaning “companion.” The
doubling of “kad” intensifies the nature of companionship so that it means “constant companion” or an inseparable
partner,” therefore an attached companion to the living person”.

For the Tagalogs, the kaluluwa speaks more of the soul of the deceased person than that of the living. Jokano
(1971) refers to the soul of a living person as his kakambal (twin or double) which is thought of as the “malay” or the
“tiny voice”. It is a consciousness which is the individual’s capacity to think, to reason, to learn and to have willpower.
At night, the kakambal may travel around and its troublesome encounters could be the cause of nightmares (bangungut).
The double becomes a kaluluwa afte the person dies.

The dungan (not normally seen by the human eye) for the Ilonggos and Cebuanos sometimes comes out of the
body and takes on a visible form such as that of the insect like a housefly or even a lizard. The dungan may leave the
body voluntarily as when a person is asleep, according to the Visayans. When a person can see himself in his dreams, it
means that his “other self” has left the physical body. The dungan’s travel outside the body should be free from accidents.
Only when the soul has safely returned home would the owner be able to wake up. Whatever happens to the dungan
happens to the physical body as well.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Rituals are patterned forms of behavior that have something to do with the supernatural realm. They are
performed in a repetitive nature. They can be religious or secular. Examples are acts of self-torture, including bathing in
hot oil, fire walking and piercing themselves with sharp implements during their annual vegetarian festival.

In many cases, sacrifice as the offering of something to the supernatural beings is performed to please or to
express gratitude to such deities. An example of this is the offering ritual called “harang”, practiced by the Visayan
fishing villages. Such ritual is described as “a process of purification (tuob), invocation (pagtawag), entreaty
(pangamuyo), offering (bayad), feast (kan-on), encompassing every aspect of community’s existence including good or
bad harvest, the operation of fishing, boats and cases of illnesses. Kanyaw in the Cordillera, which is performed as an
expression of their thanksgiving to their deities as well as a means to appease them is also noteworthy. This is also an
expression of solidarity among the members of the community. Similarly, the Buklog of the Subanens in Aurora,
Zamboanga is performed in their fiesta to honor the spirits and plea for favors. It is also a symbol of the Subanon’s
relationship with their fellowmen, and a spiritual journey to their Creator. Rituals in this sense have the function of
reuniting the people. They allay fear of crisis as they prompt collective action.

Magic, Witchcraft and Religion

Magic is commonly referred to as “tricks” and “illusions” that make impossible things to happen, usually
performed as an entertainment. Stein and Stein (2011) described it as a special skill or talent; an act that makes it
impossible to happen through trickery or deception.

Witchcraft, on the other hand, is commonly known as “kulam”. It refers to the idea that certain people have an
inborn power to harness spirits or energies for specific purposes. It is an explanation of events based on the belief that
certain individuals possess an innate psychic power capable of causing harm, including sickness and death. It is closely
understood closely with sorcery. It is widely considered evil. Like sorcery, it is seen as magic or special power that is
worked for illegal or antisocial ends.

As Filipinos of today, predominantly Christians, we have the Bible as our guide in the practice of our religion. For
us, God alone is worthy of adoration, for He alone, is the ONE, TRUE GOD. Such acts contrary to this, such as ascribing
power to amulets, magic and others mentioned above, are considered idolatrous and therefore, unacceptable.

Finding and Creating Meaning – Viktor Emil Frankl

According to Victor Frankl, “meaning is something to discover rather than to invent.” It has the same concept
with inner happiness, life satisfaction, self-actualization, deep spirituality. He believes that in life, there is an existential
vacuum which means that life is empty, meaningless, purposeless, aimless, adrift and so on. Because of this existential
vacuum, we fill our lives with pleasure, eating beyond all necessity, or even having promiscuous sex.

How do we discover meaning in life? Frankl mentioned three approaches namely experiential values, creative
values and attitudinal values.
a) Experiential Values. This approach involves experiencing something or someone we value. An example is
the love we feel towards another – family, friends, relatives and workmates.
b) Creative Values. This is the traditional existential idea of providing oneself with meaning by becoming
involved in one’s projects, or better, in the project of one’s own life. It includes the creativity and passion
involved in art, music, writing, invention and work.
c) Attitudinal Values. These include practicing virtues such as compassion, bravery, a good sense of humor and
the like. Frankl’s most famous example is achieving meaning by way of suffering. The ultimate goal is self-
transcendence, in the spiritual realm. It is a reference to God, a reference to religion.

E. POLITICAL SELF

We Filipinos have a lot to be proud of. There are many unique things to identify our country that brings us a
sense of pride. We have the University of Santo Tomas and the University of San Carlos in Cebu as among the oldest
schools in the world, and they have outdated most of the known schools among the oldest schools in the world. The
Philippines is not the only the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence; it is also the only country in the world
known to hoist the flag upside down during the war.

In terms of animals, our Philippine eagle soars being the largest eagle in the world. The country is also a home to
the world’s largest snake and the longest reptile – the reticulated python. Almost 90% of the known giant clam species in
the world is found in the Philippines.

Filipinos are also known for its greatness. One will be surprised to see the monuments of Dr. Jose Rizal not only
in the Philippines but throughout Asia and Europe. Another controversial physician, Dr. Abelardo Aguilar helped in the
discovery of antibiotic erythromycin that has been saving millions of people until today. The famous Carlos P. Romulo
was the first Asian to become President of the United Nations. This is not to mention the countless professionals, athletes,
beauty titlists and artists who made it through the global stage.

The country is also known for its 7,100 islands. Among these islands, the Province of Camiguin is known for its
number of volcanoes that outnumbered the number of its towns. Its geography contributes to more than 170 spoken
languages and about 200 ethnic groups.

Philippines is likewise known for its hospitable, joyful and cheerful people. Its Christmas holiday is the longest
season in the world. The country is also known as the text capital of the world.

Developing a Filipino Identity: Values, Traits, Community and Institutional Factors

Our historical experience provides a profound trace of how our identifying values and traits have developed. In
the precolonial era, the Filipinos were free. The system of government was wide-ranging in small units called balangay –
a term derived from a wooden boat used by a community of families for their living. The notes of Antonio Pigafetta, the
scribe of the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan, revealed that the natives of the Philippine islands were autonomous
and economically prosperous.

When the Spanish colonizer, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made a kinship pact, the sanduguan, with a native
chieftain Sikatuna of Bohol, the pact was initially understood as a mutual promise, like blood brothers, of helping one
another in times of need and development. The blood compact was primarily grounded on the Filipino value of katapatan
(true to one’s promise). For over three centuries the Filipinos helped the colonizers build their military fortress, paid their
taxes, joined their civil guards and constructed their government and religious infrastructures. However, the Spanish
colonizers did not remain faithful to the pact that they have agreed with Filipinos. They required the natives to render
forced labor; they have monopolized the market by determining the price of farm products produced by the natives; they
have grabbed the land of farmers; they have limited the freedom of the natives and they have kept the Filipinos ignorant.

Towards the end of the third century under the Spanish colonial rule, a few educated indios (Filipino natives),
reminded themselves of the original kinship pact, and faithful to the traditional values and traditions of the prosperous
balangay, they manifested the value of katapangan (courage) to fight back against the oppressive rule of the colonizers.

While the colonial powers and influence were so ingrained in the Filipino system, the revolutionary movements
against the Spaniards began to claim only little and scattered victories all over the country. Then the Americans
intervened to help the Filipinos win the war and gain liberation from Spain. In 1898, the country gained its independence
and continued to intervene with its political, educational, economic and military affairs. In the course of many years, the
Filipino revolutionists, never blinded of their desire for real independence, began to suspect that the Americans do not
have the plans to leave the country. Thus, the Philippine-American war broke and costed the lives of thousands of
Filipinos and Americans.

The superiority and might of American military led to the surrender of the Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo.
This signified the end of the revolutionary struggles of the Filipinos. Nonetheless, the desire for freedom was still burning
in the heart of every Filipino. This led to the political pragmatist Manuel Quezon to fight to the US Congress and
eventually won the Jones Law. He became the Commonwealth President and in 1946, the country finally received the
independence.

Establishing a Democratic Culture

Just after gaining independence from the United States, Filipino democracy started to shape; the Japanese
occupied the country and established the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic. President Jose Laurel cushioned the
impact of the atrocities and violence by constantly winning the trust of the Japanese while faithfully serving the suffering
Filipinos. He was the guerilla who fought his battle not in the jungles but in the embattled office in Malacañang.

The defeat of Japan in World War II also mean the regaining of Philippine independence. Since then, we
struggled to rebuild our communities and the structures of our democracy. Filipinos lived their liberated hopes and
dreams until the establishment of 1973 Marcos Constitution. This placed the entire nation under the authoritarian rule of
President Ferdinand Marcos. We have once again lost our freedom. We have once again succumbed to the mercy not of
foreign colonizers but of a fellow Filipino wanting to pursue his development ideologies. The dictator initiated the needs
of the Filipino people by improving infrastructures and government systems. After 13 years under Martial Law, the
people became fed up with so much corruption, injustice and violence that eventually led to EDSA Revolution. The
People of EDSA remains to be a compelling message to the world that the Filipinos value freedom so dearly.

The historical bloodless EDSA People Power Revolution guided the promulgation of the 1987 Constitution. This
document defined how the institutions and systems of government function in the way of democracy. Since President
Corazon Aquino, until the present administration Rodrigo Duterte, the Filipinos became highly vigilant and watchful to
safeguard the democratic processes in the government and communities. The people’s assertions to peaceful and assertive
means of participation to democratic election and representation are healthy indications that the Filipinos have matured in
their quest for real independence.

If the government officials and the society cooperate with each other, respect each other, know how to handle
situations, this will lead to a better democratic government, a stronger sense of community, a stronger sense of belonging
and a more stable, more meaningful and healthier sense of self.

F. THE DIGITAL SELF: SELF AND OTHER IN CYBERSPACE

We are living in a digital age and other than face to face interaction, we have interactions involving technology.
Thus, we build our DIGITAL SELF.

I, me, myself and my user ID online identity

Online identity is the sum of your characteristics and interactions. Because you interact differently with each
website you visit, each of those websites will have a different picture of who you are and what you do. Here are some
realities about online identity:
1. Your online identity is not the same as your real-world identity because the characteristics you represent online differ
from the characteristics you represent in the real world.
2. Online, most research on identity focused on self-presentation.
3. It is up for you to represent yourself as closely as you are and what you do in real life

Selective Self-Presentation and Impression Management

These are characteristics showing behaviors designed to convey an image about ourselves to other people and to
influence the perception of other people of this image. This explains why our behaviors can change if we notice that we
are being watched or observed. This self-presentation can also change depending on who we are interacting with or what
personal information we need to be providing to present ourselves in a way that will be acceptable to others. Thus, we
can select only what we want to present and impress to others, what we view beneficial to our personality, especially
when we create a digital self. We carefully choose representation or expression of one’s real world to the online world.
Impact of Online Interactions on the Self

When interacting with other people, we automatically make inferences about them without even being
consciously aware of it. We cannot help but ponder what they are thinking about, what their facial expressions mean,
what their intentions are and so on. This predisposition is what makes social interactions so demanding. This suggests
that interaction with human partners requires more emotional involvement, and thus more cognitive effort, than
interacting through a computer. The conclusion is clear – online interaction does not require cognitive or emotional
involvement, making out interaction with it much easier.

These are some of the realities with online interactions:

1. Facebook provides opportunities for increased identity development.
2. Online interactions cannot reveal our true feelings and can decrease people’s happiness levels.
3. We can control our self-representations on online interactions and this may be both beneficial and harmful to the
individual.

Boundaries of the Online Self: Private vs Public: Personal vs Social Identity Online: Gender and Sexuality Online

Setting Boundaries to your Online Self

1. Stick to safer sites.

2. Guard your passwords.
3. Be choosy about your online friends.
4. Remember that anything you put online or post on a site is there forever, even if you try to delete it.
5. Don’t be mean or embarrass other people online.
6. Limit what you share.

- End of Module 2 -