The Political Self
The Political Self
The Political Self
The institution which resolves conflicts that are public in nature and
involve more than a few people is called a government. It can be
city, provincial, national or even international.
POLITICS
Family Orientation
The Filipino is a family-centered individual. The family is not only the
center of his life but also the source of his name and status. His family is for
him an abode of protection and support. In return he protects and
promotes the family. “There is no place like home” – Filipino quote
Joy and Humor
Is said to be fun-loving and cheerful. He laughs out his problems. Whether in
times of trouble or in good times he keeps on smiling. The Filipino has a sense of
humor.
Ability to Survive
Flexible, adaptable and creative, the Filipino has the ability and
endurance to survive during difficult times. He has the capacity to counter
and overcome calamities, natural or political.
NEGATIVE VALUES/TRAITS
Extreme Personalism
There is nothing wrong for a person to protect his identity and welfare, because
that is his duty. He has to love and support himself. But if such acts are done to
the extreme, going beyond legitimate limits, they become negative, however,
because they encroach the rights and interests of others.
Extreme Family-centeredness
A working head of a family, who provides the financial support and whose
motivation and concern are centered too much on the family without due
consideration of other’s interest, has the tendency towards graft and corruption.
Lack of Discipline
There are instances where Filpinos manifest lack of discipline. Filipinos are
generally in keeping time; many are habitual late-comers.
Passivity and Lack of Initiative
Filipinos are said to be generally dependent on institutional leaders or authority
to do things for them instead of taking the initiative. As a result, Filipinos tend to
be complacent and easily oppressed and exploited.
Colonial Mentality
For many Filipinos, foreign goods are preferred and local products are less
appreciated.
“Kanya-kanya” Syndrome
While Filipinos generally have the feeling of oneness and belonging, there are
situations where selfish individualism or “to each his own” is manifested.
Lack of Self-Analysis
Filipinos have the tendency to be superficial in the face of serious problems.
Serious matters are taken for granted instead of deeply studying for analysis
and eventually for solution.
BASIC FILIPINO VALUES
Social Acceptance – as he needs it for group membership, in the
community and for peaceful co-existence with others. This is a value basic to him
as he cannot live alone, aloof from social groups.
*Elements: smooth interpersonal relationship and pakikisama