Filipinos, as a people, nation, and culture, have an identity crisis and an inferiority complex.
There, I said it. Anyone who thinks or says otherwise is either clueless or in denial. Herein lies the problem: it is a cowardly society where nobody takes accountability for themselves.
For a group that hasn't much to show for itself, it sure is so loud and proud. Filipinos put their nationality and origin ahead of everything else, including their own individualism. For a big shiny example of this, look at the Miss Universe 2013 competition. The final ten contestants each gave a solo video speech about themselves. Miss Philippines was among them. And out of the ten remaining ladies, Miss Philippines was the ONLY one who did not talk about herself. Instead, she talked about the COUNTRY, highlighting its natural beauties and beaches or some shit like that.
This bothered me to no end, and is very indicative of how most Filipinos think and conduct themselves. Their sense of self takes a backseat to some macroscopic idea that simply having their own nation validates their existence as people. Rather than let the world know who Miss Philippines is as a person, she cowers behind advertising the Philippines instead. Way to be charming and relateable. Could you imagine Miss Japan dodging personal questions to brag about the beauty of Mt. Fuji, or hearing Miss Italy prattle on about how great her country's food is? It would seem so arrogant and pretentious, wouldn't it?
The irony is that Filipinos rely so much on "being Filipino" for their identity as if to give an impression that Filipinos have this sense of community as a people and culture. Reality check: there is no sense of community among Filipinos. Filipinos hang on to each other and band together only when it's convenient to. But on a normal given day, Filipinos will be vindictive, covetous, insecure, judgmental, and looking to one-up each other. Jealousy, self-entitlement, and crab mentality run really deep and it permeates every level of society, even within families. I get no sense of togetherness when in public, even in America, Filipinos cut each other in line and don't care to do simple courteous things like saying thank you for holding a door open.
So you're proud to be Filipino, but do you really care to make Filipino society better? I doubt it! And it's that culture of inaction for why the country will never improve. Face it: "pinoy pride" is a lazy state of mind that Filipinos can take with them anywhere without having to actually do anything.
I've never seen Japanese or Koreans posting their flags so visibly in public for everyone to see. I've seen Filipino flags and stickers on cars, on caps and shirts, pins on bags, even tattoos of the flag on arms and necks. What's with the overflow in shameless pride? It's obnoxious and unwarranted. Modesty and humbleness only comes with confidence and security, which are traits Filipinos do not possess. Filipinos rely on things above their own selves to feel validated. They have to make it clear to the whole universe that they're Filipino first before their own individual voice and personality. No personal accountability. Cowering behind national pride is the easy way out.
Oh, one thing I have to get out to Filipinos: stop bandwagoning. It's embarrassing and shows how insecure and pathetic you are. Jessica Sanchez does not represent you Filipinos. Stop claiming her as your own. She was born and raised in America became successful under the American system. She is not entitled to owe anything to the Philippines. Her achievements are not achievements of the Philippines or its people. She's not even full Filipino. There was an outcry when Jessica lost. Well, she was simply not the best overall contestant in the competition. Get over it.
I could continue on for literally another 10 paragraphs about this, but I'm tired. Let the flaming commence.
