WE HAVE just celebrated our 123rd anniversary of independence. Over a century of being “free” and “independent.” The product of the bravery of our heroes and our years of suffering.
We have been through a lot as a nation; colonized thrice by countries that would leave a lasting mark on us.
First were the Spaniards, the ones that started it all. Some 333 years of being controlled by the balls through the church and treated as second-class citizens. Where our sense of insecurities and colonial-mentality developed.
Next were the Americans. They were our saviors from the so-called tyranny of the Spanish crown, but then they decided to wrap us around their fingers too. Yes, they gave us education and an obsession with Spam, but their presence also stunted our growth as a nation. Our sense of colonial mentality grew and we started viewing the Western way of life as ideal, discarding our culture.
Finally, the Japanese. Though our relationship with them now has taken a 180 degree turn – who doesn’t love anime or the quirkiness of the Japanese culture? There was a time when the sight of our now beloved senpais brought fear to our hearts. The second World War was hard on everyone, but the Japanese occupation robbed us of funds and stunted our growth as a nation even more.
To think that we were already “independent” when the Americans and Japanese came is surprising, because we were so easily stepped on by these countries. You could compare us to a newborn baby who was pitted against two world champions in a marathon. We barely even got a taste of true freedom before it was robbed from us.
Now, times have changed. No colonizers, we are treated with respect by Spain, Japan, and America when it is not overrun by racist idiots. We are truly free now.
Or, are we?
Now, it seems we are facing the toughest challenge yet – ourselves.
It’s surprising why we are quite a slow contender in the global race. Why we are still a developing country when we are rich with resources and brilliant minds?
It’s because we are holding ourselves back. I’m not just talking about the egotistic, corrupt politicians or the abusive “enforcers” of the law. It goes down to the most basic units of society. Our families and communities.
We have parents who hold their children back from succeeding because they owe their parents for raising them, or their chosen field isn’t something that can make money. We have neighbors and friends who gossip and pull people down when they are still trying to find their niche in life. This selfish mentality is what fuels everything that’s holding our country back from succeeding. Your acquaintance who accepts or gives bribes to people in the government in exchange of convenience.
I can find some consolation, though. I see some citizens, especially those of my generation and younger who care about all these problems and try to make us a better country. An act as small as throwing your trash in the proper place or respecting your Grabfood delivery guy is a way for us to develop a better sense of community.
This desire to be a better citizen is what can help the country. It may seem like a small act when you are doing it, but if several people are involved it will make a difference.
It may be hard to believe now, but I still hope for the day that we can make our country a place we are proud of. A truly independent nation free from the chains of abusive people./PN
