WHAT’S WRONG AND WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE FILIINO

Doreen G. Fernandez

GROUP 6

BS PSYCHOLOGY 2A

Submitted by:
Jimenez, Jesebell Q.
Liba, Gerleah D.
Malabote, Katelya Margrette L.
Matalinis, Mae Avegail P.
Milay, Jessah Vien A.

Submitted to:
Catherene B. Perin, DH-HRM
Group Dynamics Instructor
 Doreen G. Fernandez “What’s Wrong and What’s Right with the
Filipino” is an insightful examination of Filipino culture in the modern era. It
takes a hard look at what it means to be a Filipino today. In this article she
identifies and dissects the various issues that the Filipino nation faces, both
internally and externally. It is an objective and honest assessment of the
Filipino’s situation, and she points out both the positive and the negative
aspects of Filipino culture and identity. She argues that the Filipino culture
and identity are often misconstrued and misunderstood by those outside the
culture, leading to unfavorable and inaccurate views of Filipinos.

Following the Philippines’ independence from the United States in

1946, Fernandez argues that Filipinos are torn between the negative
stereotypes imposed upon them by outsiders and their desire to embrace
traditional cultural values. These misguided perceptions can have a significant
impact on how the country is represented in the media and even how Filipinos
interact with each other. She provides a few examples of how these
perceptions can be detrimental and lead to a lack of appreciation and
understanding of Filipino culture. Drawing on both colonial and post-colonial
literature, Fernandez paints a vivid picture of the double-edged sword of
Filipino identity: that while modern Filipino culture has been shaped by a
unique blend of Western and Eastern influences, it has also been burdened
by the stigma and disparagement of foreigners who view Filipinos as being
unable to measure up to the cultural standards of more advanced nations. 

Filipinos and their lack of self-confidence. This lack of assurance is

rooted in the nation’s history of being colonized by foreign powers and the
subsequent feeling of inferiority that it fostered. The article delves into the
history of the Filipino people. Fernandez notes, “The Filipino has been on the
move since the Spanish conquest of the Philippines in 1521,” and describes
the long history of colonization, spanning hundreds of years and various
foreign influences. This is the impact that colonialism has had on the modern
day Filipino identity. Fernandez laments the lack of a unified Filipino identity,
noting that there “are no longer any distinctively Filipino characteristics” and
that “we have evolved into a group of people with a diverse set of identities.
This is a problem that has plagued the Filipino for hundreds of years, and
which still exists in many areas of Filipino society today. 

The Filipino tendency to over-identify with the nation’s colonial past.

We thrill to the foreign exploits of personalities with the slightest connection to
the Philippines, we avidly share video of a Filipino-American guest, any
Filipino-American guest, on famous shows—but blithely, casually, question
the Filipino-ness of an outstanding graduate of the country’s premier
university merely on the basis of her name and her looks.

This has left many Filipinos with a sense of inferiority and a lack of
pride in their national heritage. Instead of learning to embrace the elements of
their culture that make them uniquely Filipino, they cling to their nation’s
former colonial masters for validation. Filipinos have the issue of our
colonizers' feet. We lick it so enthusiastically that we let everyone with fair skin
walk over our farm-broken backs. Because everything white is "beautiful;"
and because everything American is "superior". Filipinos have this colonial
fear. The natural timidness and submission that overtake everytime when
around a white person. The reverence that quickly accord Westerners while
so readily denying the Muslim and Lumad sisters and brothers. The issue with
Filipinos is that we prioritize flawless English language over the lives of poor
Filipinos.

Fernandez identifies both the positive and negative aspects of Filipino

culture in her analysis. On the positive side, she points to the strong familial
bond that exists between Filipinos, marked by a spirit of hospitality and
inclusivity. This is particularly evident during Filipino celebrations such as
fiestas, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles are
welcomed and embraced. The fact that it is still able to maintain these values
even in the face of colonialism. She also notes the Filipinos’ resilience and
resourcefulness in the face of adversity, as well as their hospitality and sense
of humor. Certain values such as family, faith and hospitality are positive
elements of Filipino culture. However, she encourages her readers to
consider whether these values are enough, or if they are being used in a
negative way. For example, is the respect we give our elders being misused
in a way which leads to a lack of innovation and progress? Another example
is our too much family centeredness to the point of lack of national ambition.
Too many of us cannot see beyond our family. We have a responsibility to
care for kith and kin, of course, to heed the biblical injunction and provide for
our parents in their old age and our children in their youth. John Adams’
words, “There must be a positive Passion for the public good, the public
Interest, Honour, Power and Glory, established in the Minds of the People, or
there can be no Republican Government, nor any real liberty.” Family first
gets in the way of that positive passion.

On the other hand, Fernandez also recognizes the shortcomings of

Filipino society, arguing that Filipinos are often too accepting of wrong-doing,
from corruption to intolerance, in order to fit in with their peers. The wrongs
that the Filipino have inflicted on themselves in terms of the way they treat
each other. The rampant corruption that continues to be a major issue in the
Philippines, and notes how it has become a symptom of a deeper problem
within the nation’s culture. We can all agree that our political system is
essentially flawed: It is designed to favor the moneyed, the popular, the
established. 

The article also calls attention to the lack of regard for human rights in
the country, and how this has led to the abuse of power by those in positions
of authority. The article also highlights many of the troubling issues that the
Philippines is facing. Fernandez does not shy away from mentioning
corruption, poverty, and foreign aid as areas that must be addressed. She
makes a convincing argument for investment in infrastructure and education
as a way to overcome inequity and provide equal opportunities. Filipinos must
pursue the implementation of public policies and programs that will ensure
basic services reach the poorest of neighborhoods and that organizations
focused on economic justice, human rights, and an improved quality of life
receive more support. Establish the necessity of community-based
infrastructure and organizations to promote poverty reduction, job
opportunities and access to quality education.

Filipino education system, fails to adequately prepare students for a

future in a globalized world. Rather than teaching children a few generic skills
that may not be applicable in the near future, education should be tailored to
the local context, helping children to develop skills that they can use in their
own society. We need to stress the importance of creating an environment in
which education is accessible and affordable to all, as well as one that
encourages diversity and creativity. Studies and fact-finding commissions
have shown that the deteriorating quality of education is due to the low
government budget for education; poor quality of teachers; poor management
of schools; poor school facilities such as laboratory and library facilities; poor
learning environment; the content of the curriculum; inadequate books and
science equipment; the poor method of instruction; shortages of classrooms;
and others. Since colonial days, the same fundamental issues have been
affecting Philippine education. 

In the article, Fernandez also criticizes the state of Philippine politics.

The lack of political parties that are free of corruption and stand by the
principles of justice and equity. She emphasizes the importance of strong,
honest and responsible leadership that can ensure the country's progress.
Political reforms should come from within the Filipino people, rather than from
outside sources. Despite a long tradition of democratic government and
serious efforts at market-oriented economic reform, the Philippines remains
plagued by poverty, corruption, crime, insurgency. This stagnant situation is
perpetuated by the traditional exemption of the ruling class from the rule of
law, which has excluded the unresponsive and inefficient governing elite from
the electoral and economic competition that could force meaningful reform.
The persistent inability of Philippine Governments to bring the elite within the
rule of law is a pervasive obstacle to progress that can only be removed by
focused, sustained political pressure from the Filipino people.

Also pointed out in the article is the advantages and disadvantages of

being “in-between” cultures, as demonstrated by Filipinos who are caught
between their traditional and modern identities. On the one hand, having
exposure to two sets of cultural conventions gives Filipinos a unique
opportunity to look at the world from different perspectives, allowing them to
bridge gaps between the diverging points of view. This dual cultural identity
can also cause confusion and hesitation in the face of significant decisions.
The Philippines has long been a “country of diverse and intermingled
cultures,” where “a long series of occupations, separatist movements, and
wars of independence” have left the people divided. Religious and social
hierarchies only added to the divide, creating even greater disparities between
those who have access to resources and those who do not.

One of the most compelling aspects of this article is its focus on the
Filipinos. Rather than simplifying the nation into statistics and data, Fernandez
deftly examines the people and how their actions—positive and negative—
affect the nation. Her analysis of the rise in the Filipino diaspora is especially
noteworthy, as she takes a humanistic approach and explains the effect on
families and individuals.

Fernandez also delves into the various historical, political, and

economic factors that have led to Filipinos’ often unfavorable reputation in the
eyes of the world. Much of the negativity stems from the gap between Filipino
peoples’ aspirations and the realities they face, a disconnect that has been
exacerbated by a long history of oppressive foreign rule. The Filipino people
have long been oppressed by foreign rule, starting with Spanish colonization
and continuing through American imperialism. This has led to a disconnect
between their aspirations and the realities they face. The gap between the
Filipino people's hopes and dreams and the actual conditions they experience
has resulted in feelings of negativity. The Spanish colonizers had a significant
negative impact on Filipino culture and identity. They imposed their language,
religion, and laws on the Filipino people, leading to a loss of cultural
autonomy. The Spanish also forcibly brought Filipino people into slave labor,
a practice that continued under American occupation. American imperialism
has also had a detrimental effect on the Filipino people. During their
occupation, the Americans imposed a number of economic reforms that
resulted in a decrease in the standard of living for many Filipinos. Additionally,
the American government enforced a number of oppressive policies that led
to the suppression of Filipino rights and freedoms. The long history of
oppressive foreign rule has had a significant impact on the Filipino people.
The gap between their aspirations and the realities they face has led to a
feeling of despair and powerlessness. This has contributed to the overall
feeling of negativity that is so prevalent in Filipino society.

Finally, Fernandez concludes with a plea for change, calling for

Filipinos to foster a sense of national pride that embraces cultural diversity
and encourages individuals to be honest and work hard in order to make a
better life for themselves and their families. Her words serve as a timely
reminder that as Filipinos seek to be respected and recognised by the rest of
the world, they must also strive to be receptive to different perspectives and
strive to do their part in improving the overall state of the country.

Doreen G. Fernandez’s “What’s Wrong and What’s Right with the

Filipino” provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of Filipino culture in
the modern era. The article provides a thought-provoking exploration of what
is right and wrong with the Filipino culture, and the challenges that the country
is facing. It provides insight into how Filipinos can best build upon their
cultural strengths while also learning from their mistakes. It encourages
individuals to look beyond the superficial aspects of their identity and to
recognize the true potential and unique talents of their people. Ultimately, it
stresses the need for Filipinos to come together to create a future that
embraces the diversity of their culture and the beauty of their land.

By examining both the positives and negatives associated with Filipino

identity, Fernandez offers an accurate depiction of the complex identity of
Filipinos that transcends traditional stereotypes and encourages Filipinos to
take pride in their culture and work together to build a better future for their
nation.
Documentation: