BIOPSYCH AS A NEUROSCIENCE

Title: Papunta ka palang pabalik na ako: The Impact of Toxic Filipino

Mindset of Baby Boomers towards Genz’s Cognitive Capacity

INTRO

The term "culture," stemming from the Latin word “colere” meaning to

inhabit, cultivate, or honor, typically denotes the behaviors and symbolic

systems that hold meaning in human societies. Various interpretations of

"culture" highlight diverse perspectives on human activity, with anthropologists

often emphasizing its role in the universal human ability to classify, encode,

and convey experiences through symbols (Jodie Taylor, 2016).

Furthermore, a known literary critic, Terry Eagleton (2016) stated that

culture constitutes a fundamental element of human identity, yet

comprehending its significance can be complex. It embodies the collective

traits and knowledge of a community, including language, faith, food,

customs, and artistic expressions. Additionally, the Center for Advanced

Research on Language Acquisition (2022) extends this notion, describing

culture as communal behavioral patterns, cognitive frameworks, and acquired

understanding. Consequently, culture reflects the development of group

identity through distinctive social norms and interactions.

Moreover, the cognitive capabilities also known as cognitive skills or

faculties, refer to brain functions essential for acquiring knowledge,

processing information, and engaging in reasoning tasks. The American

Psychological Association characterizes cognitive ability as encompassing

perception, learning, memory, understanding, awareness, reasoning,

judgment, intuition, and language skills.

The concept of cognitive capacity refers to constraints in cognitive

processing and task performance believed to stem from inherent limitations

within an organism, which can vary both within and between individuals.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Cognitive Psychology engaged in intense

discussions concerning the notion of "representation." A significant focal point

was the "imagery debate," which revolved around the format of

representations, questioning whether cognitive representations are structured

prepositionally, symbolically resembling language, or if they should be viewed

as a direct, analogical mapping of environmental properties onto brain states

(Thomas Kleinsorge, 2021).

According to Cultural Atlas (2017), the Philippines boasts a rich tapestry

of cultural influences, largely shaped by past colonization, particularly by

Spain and the United States. However, amidst these external influences, the

traditional Asian culture of Filipinos perseveres, evident in their lifestyle,

beliefs, and traditions. Filipino culture is widely recognized and celebrated

globally, showcasing its resilience and enduring appeal. Amidst the South

China Sea and Philippine Sea, the Philippines boasts a rich array of terrains,

tongues, and traditions. Over time, influences from Spain, China, and the

United States have shaped Filipino society, fostering a distinct national

consciousness. Despite this, familial and regional ties remain paramount,

while core principles like camaraderie, deference, and inclusivity permeate

Filipino life, often reflected in their warm and welcoming nature.

Given the diverse nature of the Philippines, the unifying aspect of Filipino

culture is intricate. A collective identity has evolved from the enduring struggle

for independence. In modern times, many Filipinos are keenly aware of their

nation's colonial past. This national identity is delicate, with primary allegiance

often lying with one's kin, province, or municipality. The Philippines embodies

a collectivist ethos, with individuals seeing themselves as part of a larger

whole. Collective interests often take precedence over individual ones.

Filipinos typically take great pride in their group and express it by sharing

stories or facts about their family, village, or town.

In the context of Filipino culture, cognitive capacity intertwines with

various cultural aspects such as language, social norms, and values. For

instance, the Filipino language, which is rich in nuances and cultural

references, shapes the cognitive processes of Filipinos by influencing how

they perceive and interpret the world around them. Additionally, cultural

practices like storytelling, which are deeply embedded in Filipino society,

enhance cognitive capacities such as memory, imagination, and emotional

understanding by providing opportunities for individuals to engage in complex

narratives and empathize with diverse perspectives.

Moreover, the collectivistic nature of Filipino culture emphasizes

interpersonal relationships and communal harmony, which in turn impacts

cognitive capacities such as empathy, social cognition, and perspective-

taking. Filipinos often prioritize group welfare over individual achievement,

fostering a sense of interconnectedness and mutual support within

communities. This emphasis on interpersonal relationships not only shapes

cognitive processes related to social interaction and emotional intelligence but

also influences decision-making processes by considering the collective

consequences of one's actions.

In relation of filipino culture, the "papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako"

culture prevalent among Filipino boomers reflects their belief that they have

already experienced life's challenges and successes, while the younger

generation is just beginning to navigate these paths. It signifies a sense of

superiority or wisdom gained through age and experience, often leading to

dismissive attitudes towards the cognitive capacity of Gen Z individuals.

Boomers may perceive Gen Z's ideas, opinions, and actions as naive or

inexperienced, attributing any differences in mindset to generational gaps

rather than recognizing the unique perspectives and capabilities of younger

generations.

This mindset can create barriers to understanding and collaboration

between generations, as it undermines the potential contributions and insights

of Gen Z individuals. However, bridging this gap requires acknowledging and

valuing the diverse perspectives and talents of each generation, fostering

open communication, and embracing opportunities for intergenerational

learning and growth. By challenging stereotypes and fostering mutual respect,

both boomers and Gen Z can contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic

society.

Culture - New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.).

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Culture

Taylor, J. L. (2016). The festivalization of culture.

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315558189

Eagleton, T. (2016).Culture. Yale University Press

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Pappas, S., & McKelvie, C. (2022). What is culture? livescience.com.

https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-
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Scroope, C. (2017). Filipino Culture - Core Concepts. Cultural Atlas.

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipino-culture/filipino-culture-core-
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