THIS SENTENCE may be shocking for some and understandable for others. Our country right now is in a state of total mess with the pandemic and a less-than-incompetent government. We are a far-from-ideal nation that has unsatisfied, suffering citizens.
However, this isn’t just a 2020 and 2021 thing. We have been a struggling nation for a long time. Even during pre-COVID times, we have had our fair share of crisis and calamities. There is always a big problem being handled haphazardly by corrupt leaders.I think this is why some people end up rejecting their being a Filipino. We are a nation full of talents – artists, athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs and young leaders. Sadly, they usually have to turn to other countries for their talents to be truly appreciated. People who could work to benefit our country move to other nations that are already well-developed all because they aren’t supported in their own country.
The people who are left here are the mindless cronies of corrupt people in power. That is why people who try to develop our community are ignored, made to feel insignificant, or even killed in extreme circumstances.
This is the pathetic reality why it seems we go two steps back with every step forward. Innovation is met with pessimism and judgment instead of wonder. We are still stuck on some of our counterproductive beliefs that hinder us from growth. We expect so much from pettiness like beauty pageants, voice actors, and your ability to speak English, but from important things like choosing people in power we can be swayed by a simple 500 peso bill.
The silver lining in all this is that I see a more aware and passionate generation. Make fun of them for being “woke”, but that woke’ness may be what will give the country the push it needs to be great.
So, am I proud to be a Filipino? I still try to be. Even though we have fallen from grace so many times, I still believe that we can change for the better.
Being exposed to other cultures makes me see clearly the beauty of our own. If only we could keep it beautiful, we would have less people shying away from the “Filipino” name./PN
