Fit in.
As I mentioned in a previous entry, we have a collectivist culture wherein the group should be the first priority over the individual. Thus, we try to deflect attention (unless you're Kris Aquino or KSP) and pretend that we are not all that.
In school, how many times did you hear someone say, "I did not study. I'm so dead." Then you find out he got an A in the exam. Or how many times have you praised someone for being talented and the response will be, "Hindi naman. (Not really)" Or how many times did you hear well-off people use self-depracating statements.
More often than not, these people who "try to look humble" are concerned about the others who are on a lower level than them. They do not want the others to feel bad because of their stature. This is a necessity in the Pinoy culture to gain acceptance. Everyone knows you're smart, just don't rub it in our faces.
Stand out.
Coming from an overly populated third-world country however, we also have to stand out to have a competitive advantage over the others. We strive to have the best education (best at least to how far we can go mentally and most importantly, financially) and get prestigous degrees.
It is important in the Philippine culture to know where you are from, what is your position in society, and what can you do.
Fit in. Stand out.
Therefore, in the Philippine culture, marrying the two (Fitting in and standing out) is an imperative but is also a difficult art. Sometimes we get too competitive that we forget we are alienating ourselves from the group. In the same manner, we sometimes get too humble that we do not get what we deserve. Mastering both fitting in and standing out is a skill.
You have to find your edge so you would not get left behind but you must not be very eager to promote yourself so the society will not "excommunicate" you.
This photo was taken in the Philippines. I just find it apt for this entry. :D
Fit In - to jag jeans to Stand Out. =)
ReplyDeletethanks anonymous. :D
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