Acbang, Roselyn M.

GED0101
ACCTY 155 – SEC 101

“A Damaged Culture”
By: James Fallows

I agree with what James Fallows had said in his article that culture can make a naturally
rich country poor because that is how the Philippine culture is now. It may not be as a whole, but
the identity of Philippine culture has been lost for a longtime now. We were influenced by too
many external cultures. We were blinded by what the other countries have. In the other perspective,
one essential part of the society is the attitude of the people towards their own country. The
Filipinos are dependent on the countries we are allied with, especially the United States. We have
somehow forgotten that in order to achieve stability or more specifically, economic success, we should
work together towards that and not the economic success of another country. It is simply saying,
leaving behind the colonial mentality, this may be viewed as simply an effect of social classes.
Since we are now considered to be a developing country, it is inevitable for us to be dependent
on the developed ones. And that is because we are becoming hopeless with our own capabilities,
and the capabilities of our government. We must imbibe the idea of nationalism and relive the
true Philippine culture by putting trust back to what I know our country can do and can be. And
this shall come first in the support of local products, events, traditions, etc. If everybody would
work for a better Philippines (meaning stable economy, commendable values system, and
unwavering faith on future success), then it will never be too late for the Philippines to mend its
damaged culture.  I am torn between two sides: my pride as a Filipino, and Mr. Fallows’ blunt
but honest remarks. I’m not sure whether to side by reality, or continue being blinded by a hope
for our country’s progress. If the Filipinos truly loved the Philippines, I don’t think it would be in
its current state. We take countrywide matters so lightly but when the time will come when these
problems will affect us directly, we’ll realize how serious they are. For many years, I have
believed that nationalism was all about loving one’s country. Yes, we “love our country,” but
what are we doing for its well-being? Nothing, actually, we are contributing to its degradation. If
this is the case, we do not deserve to be called nationalistic. We barely even deserve the title
“Filipino.” For generations, we’ve been left with the notion that nationalism is naturally in the
hearts of the people when in fact, effort must be exerted to be nationalistic. We have to prioritize
our country’s interests and promote them. Rather, we are prioritizing our own interests and
promoting them. This is what we have done in the past and this is what we will continue to do in
the years to come. Another point I would like to emphasize is that Filipinos are rapidly adapting
the “white” culture. As Mr. Fallows had asserted, Filipinos with fair skin and foreign accents are
given preference in society. This led me to a realization. If the “white” culture is where we’re
heading, our culture is not only damaged; it continues to die. Why are some Filipinos ashamed of
their nationality? And that many Filipinos struggle to go abroad at the cost of everything they
have? The answer is simple. They believe that the Philippines cannot give them the life they
deserve. Many Filipinos are qualified for white-collar jobs yet they work in Saudi as maids,
apparently because the Philippines cannot provide sufficient job opportunities for its people. I am
not implying that these internationally renowned Filipinos are “Proud to be Pilipinos” or that
they are the epitome of nationalism. They may be ashamed of their nationality nevertheless still
represent it. Why? Because the moment they step foot on another nation’s airport, they are
identified as representatives of the Philippines. So to speak, they have no choice but to carry their
national mark along with them wherever they go. Nonetheless, being able to acknowledge these
people as our countrymen is our national pride. Though we lack a sense of nationalism, I believe
we have sufficient achievements as Filipinos to take pride in our nation. Before I end this paper I
want to remind everybody that we are Filipinos. Nothing we say or do can ever change what was
ours by birth and blood. Either we begin working now to achieve national pride and unity, or
blindly sit while our nation walks towards its worse possible state.