2 thing rise to the top - cream and scum: Which best describes #Philippine govt officials?
Culture and its associated values are major factors in determining whether the cream or the scum (metaphorically and in reality), dominate in politics and society, and which/who become the ‘role-models’. Bad apples exist in any society, but with the right values, better mechanisms are created to identify and dispose of such malignants and retrobates.
The problem is that if it is the scum, then like the bacteria, over time it infects everything else, and only radical disinfectant will change the situation.
“You can think of this self-perpetuating cycle, where promotion of self-interest increases status in society, which further increases willingness to behave unethically. It may help explain the runaway rise in inequality in the last 50 years.” - Piff, professor of sociology
The cultural/personal values which I consider are largely absent in the Philippines, in the population as a whole, and therefore which, through their absence, act as an enabler for the scum, rather than the cream, to flourish are:
Individuality
Responsibility
Accountability
Creativity
Honesty
Equality
Hard work
Open minded
Compassionate
Forward looking
International/open
Inquiring mind
Dynamic
Realists
Problem solvers
Self pride/personal achievement
The majority of Filipinos are in survival mode, where planning is day to day, hope is an emotional crutch (or a cult church), and any escape from the monotony and desperation is welcomed, however banal. The need to belong is paramount, and creates a fear of dissent and banishment.
The psyche translates into a philippines which is...
Defensive
Emotional
Lazy
Hypocritical
Copycats
Victim mentality
Narcissistic
Idolatory
Superficial
Hubristic pride/bandwagon
Collective thinking
Low self-esteem
Pessimists
PNoy Aquino is almost a perfect reflection of cultural shortcomings in many respects, and that alone explains why a lifelong failure could suddenly become president on an emotional wave, despite complete incompetence and an indolent life spent avoiding work.
Filipinos may be good but simple people, but they remain slaves to bad masters. Colonialism and subjugation of your own people must be the greatest crime. Pnoy aquino, and his forebears, and his cronies, represent the scum of the earth, but accepting servitude so readily is also not a path to self-respect and therefore individuals need to take personal control and responsibility first and foremost.
Enough excuses, blame games, and cowardice.
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