January 27, 2024

Rod Mark M. Naval

EXPLORING FREUDIAN PSYCHOANALYTIC CONCEPTS WITHIN THE

LANDSCAPE OF FILIPINO CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

1. ICEBERG THEORY

Freud used the analogy of an iceberg to describe the three levels of the mind. On the surface
is consciousness, which consists of those thoughts that are the focus of our attention now, and this
is seen as the tip of the iceberg. The preconscious consists of all which can be retrieved from
memory. The third and most significant region is the unconscious. Here lie the processes that are
the real cause of most behavior. Like an iceberg, the most important part of the mind is the part
you cannot see. In Sigmund Freud’s conceptualization of personality, the most important
motivations are unconscious, just as the major part of an iceberg is under water.
In Filipino culture and traditions, what you see on the surface is the warm hospitality,
respect for elders, religiosity, values-oriented, and strong family bonds. Digging a bit deeper, there
are remembered traditions like traditional dances, honoring saints, celebrated liturgical feast and
local festivals. Going even further down, there are hidden influences such as the impact of colonial
history, historical traumas like martial law, and shared cultural memories that shape attitudes and
responses to challenges. Understanding these layers helps reveal the richness of Filipino culture—
from the visible practices to the remembered traditions and the unseen influences that make up
their way of life.

2. COMPONENTS OF THE PERSONALITY

Freud suggested that the mind has three parts: the id, ego, and superego, which together
shape our personality. The id is the part driven by our basic, unconscious impulses, like the desire
for pleasure and aggression. It's why we might engage in enjoyable or harmful behaviors without
considering the consequences. On the other hand, the superego is like our moral compass, guiding
us on what we should and shouldn't do. It aims for perfection, and falling short can lead to feelings
of guilt. The ego, in contrast to the id, operates on the reality principle. It's the conscious part of
us that makes decisions, balancing the desires of the id with the societal rules set by the superego.
For example, while the id may want instant gratification, the ego advises waiting, reflecting, and
choosing a more suitable response.
In Filipino culture and traditions, think of the mind like having three parts—id, ego, and
superego—that shape how people act. The id is the spontaneous side, driving the desire for
pleasure and fun without worrying too much about consequences in the long run, like engaging in
vices, squandering money, treating other people without due respect, and having a happy go lucky
attitude. The superego is like a moral guide, influenced by values and ethics, making people feel
guilty if they fall short. The ego, on the other hand, is the practical part, balancing the desire for
pleasure with societal rules. For example, the ego might advise waiting and reflecting before
making decisions, blending joy with moral values and practical thinking in Filipino life.

3. THE CONCEPT OF LIBIDO

Libido is a term used in psychoanalytic theory to describe the energy created by survival
and sexual drives or instincts. According to Sigmund Freud, the libido is part of the id and is the
driving force of all behavior. While the term "libido" has taken on an overtly sexual meaning in
today's world, to Freud, it represented all psychic energy and not just sexual energy.

In Filipino culture and traditions, think of libido as the shared energy that drives people to
come together and support each other. It's not just about sexual energy, as commonly thought
today, but a broader force behind survival instincts and community well-being. This collective
spirit is evident in traditions like "bayanihan" and the lively celebrations that express the shared
drive for joy and cultural preservation. So, in Filipino life, libido is more about the energy that
unites people for survival, joy, and cultural unity.

References:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/unconscious-mind.html#Iceberg-Theory

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-libido-2795329

https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/chapter/11-2-the-origins-of-personality/