Question

Give example of manifestation of individualistic culture and collectivistic culture among filipinoa

Answer 1

Answer:

Individualistic culture defined as people who are strong, self- reliant, independent does not apply to filipinos in general. But individualistic culture defined as self interests over group interests & goals does apply. There are sectors in the society who through history (phil revolutions against spain, america, japanese during ww2, anti- marcos dictatorship, current militancy vs state fascism) exemplified the first definition, but as the citizenry put premium on self over pursuit of the collective intetests — these revolutions & armed struggles were doomed. Hence, the “ crab mentality” often attributed to filipinos by filipinos themselves. If you put crabs in a pail, one after the other will attempt to climb out. But as soon as one makes headway, another crab will pull it down, all wanting to be the first out ( rather than working together to get out of the pail). In local language, the “talanka” (crab) mentality. The story about the crabs in the pail ended with : all crabs remained at the bottom of the pail as none could make it to rise above the rest — they all ended up in the pot — red, cooked & eaten. Some filipinos desire to be regarded as a collectivist culture citing values as loyalty, helpfulness, camaraderie etc. However, if one looks at the underlying motivations — they are self- serving & turn around depending on the available opportunities, best illustrated in the political patronage culture. People belong to a particular network with a politician for a patron that keeps them together. In exchange for their loyalty