Why Filipino Culture is Not Completely Western

I am often asked why Filipino culture is almost completely Western. However, I believe this misconception stems from a lack of understanding of the country and its rich cultural heritage. While it is true that Filipinos often speak English with an American accent and admire Western media and products, the core identity of Filipinos is far from Western.

English Influence and Superficial Western Admiration

It is a common observation that many Filipinos speak English to a reasonable degree, often with an American accent. This can lead to the misconception that Filipino culture is heavily influenced by the West. However, this is a superficial aspect and does not reflect the deep-rooted cultural differences. Filipinos admire Western media, particularly Hollywood movies and Western products, but these are external influences rather than a core part of their culture.

Core Cultural Differences

When it comes to the core mindset, psyche, and behavior of Filipinos, there are significant Eastern influences. For instance, Filipinos place a high value on family and community, as opposed to the individualistic nature of Western societies. In Filipino culture, family decisions are often made collectively, and elders play a crucial role in guiding younger generations. Filipinos also maintain strong ties to their ancestral lands and traditions, which is a central aspect of Asian culture.

Key Cultural Traits in Filipino Society

Unlike Western cultures, Filipino culture is not superstitious. There is a strong emphasis on secularism and rational thinking, which is in contrast to the more religious and superstitious tendencies in Western societies. Filipinos do not let religion dictate their views and often maintain a more open-minded approach to religion.

Family is considered central to Filipino identity. Parents and elders take an active role in their children's lives, making significant decisions for them. This is in stark contrast to the more individualistic nature of Western cultures, where autonomy and personal decision-making are highly valued.

When it comes to views on social issues such as same-sex marriage, premarital sex, abortion, and human rights, Filipino culture is often more traditional and conservative. Filipinos generally oppose legalizing abortion, same-sex marriage, and even divorce in many cases. These attitudes align more with East/Southeast Asian cultures and are significantly different from Latin American and European cultures.

Religious and Social Practices

When it comes to religious practices, many Filipinos are Catholics, and it is common for entire families to attend church together. This is quite different from Western countries, where church attendance is often lower. In fact, if you visit a Western Catholic country, you will likely see more non-Filipino churchgoers than Filipinos. This underscores the distinct religious practices in Filipino culture.

However, when it comes to social and family values, Filipinos are deeply rooted in their Eastern traditions. The concept of kaibigan (friendship) and utang na loob (feeling of gratitude) is highly valued in Filipino society, reflecting strong social bonds and a community-oriented approach to life.

Conclusion

To sum up, while there are Western influences on the language and certain external aspects of Filipino culture, the core identity of the Filipino people is deeply rooted in Eastern values and traditions. The Filipino culture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western elements, making it distinct from both Western and Latin American cultures. Understanding this complex cultural mosaic is key to appreciating the richness and depth of Filipino society.