#OneDown

[aherequirements]

The Shackles That Binds Us by Christian Jay Villanueva

In Plato's Allegory of the Cave, Socrates likens society to slaves being shackled to a cave from the day they were born. These slaves are positioned in a such a way that they cannot face anything else other than the wall that is in front of them. Behind these slaves is a roaring fire, and with this fire their captors cast shadows of various things. These slaves, being in captivity from birth, sees these shadows as "truth". This twisting of the truth is an example of the shackles that binds a country. Which had me thinking, "What other facets of Filipino society do these shackles apply to?"

The first thing that comes to mind is smart shaming. Smart shaming is generally defined as the act of mocking or opposing the development of ideas in an intellectual conversation and expressing hostility and mistrust to intellectual pursuits (Villar, 2021). For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it may be difficult to spot smart shaming when it does happen. Smart shaming is a lot like doling out backhanded compliments, in which it is dripping with condescension and sarcasm. According to OneDown in February 2023,

"Smart shaming, at its core, is a by-product of anti-intellectualism–where one is mocked for being smarter or more knowledgeable. It’s why others say “Nosebleed!” when one has the ability to speak in straight English. Another choice insult is “Eh di ikaw na!”--and while there is no direct translation for the phrase, it’s a sarcastic way of saying “If you’re so good at it, then you do it.” And according to a Reddit thread on the topic, “Ikaw na” even triggers a sense of inferiority and even jealousy among those who say it."

The concept of smart shaming in modern Filipino culture gets its roots from the concept of pakikisama. Dr. Virgilio Enriquez emphasized the Filipino value of pakikisama, or the ability to get along with others. Interpersonal relationships and overall harmony are placed at a premium. As a result, people are expected to conform, not to stand out. So smart shaming is another form of hitting the nail that sticks out. Smart shamers are basically those that are so insecure with their own ignorance that they opt to just drag down those that display any form of erudition. This, of course, only serves to degrade our already poor literacy rate, shackling us at the bottom of the intelligence rankings.

Another important example is the Filipino fanaticism. Our propensity to blindly follow trends and/or ideas set by celebrities. We seldom question the logic or reason behind these things, but rather forge on straight ahead with no regard to how it affects others. Herd (or mob) mentality describes how people are influenced by their peers to follow trends, purchase items, or perform certain behaviors. Studies show that as the number of people in a crowd increases, the number of informed individuals decreases (Sison, 2015).

The modern Filipino, as an individual, is an amazing product of the Philippines' history, culture, language, and traditions. But when they start following a single person, the inherent individuality of the Filipino is sacrificed for the sake of the group. They no longer form their own opinions or ideas, they only follow the standards set by celebrities. Worst of all, fanaticism is not exclusive solely to celebrities because there is also political and religious fanaticism. Politicians and religious leaders are quick to take advantage of the Filipinos' fanaticism. They use the influence they have over them in order to stay ahead of the curve. One can usually observe this during the campaign period before the election. Politicians and religious leader go hand in hand in advocating for laws that are heavily favor their own selfish desires. They usually sweet talk not only their own followers but also anyone that has ears. They use their venomous drivel coated in sweet promises to hoodwink the masses into believing them. Fanaticism is the chains that binds us from thinking for ourselves.

Of course, if we are to talk about problematic Filipino traits, then it would be the height of stupidity to not mention "PiNoY pRiDe." Pinoy Pride in its most common sense, is unhinged and misplaced. It is branded as a form of patriotism that certifies the country and its people’s superiority among others. It may seem positive on the surface but in reality, the Pinoy Pride attitude is just a toxic reminder and celebration of Filipinos’ racial insecurity, supremacist outlook, and thirst for Western validation. It is the single most divisive Filipino trait in existence. It harbors our most elitist and most insecure part of Filipino heritage. It masquerades itself as a mark of unity and camaraderie, when in reality it contains the most hateful aspect of Filipino psychology.

Pinoy Pride completely disregards and invalidates the individuals' efforts, and instead attributes the individuals' achievements as some sort of team effort or a product of the "Filipino genes." It champions Filipinos as the greatest race in the world, and while there is nothing wrong with a little hyperbole and personal bias, it’s problematic when xenophobia and conceit start to play a role. In fact, what constitutes Pinoy Pride is not pride at all, but hubris. In her book, Pride: The Secret Of Success (2016), Jessica Tracy defined hubris as an embedded narcissism, arrogance, and conceit that may be suffused by insecurity and shame. Unless we let go of this hubris, we will remain shackled and chained to our narrow point of view, our tunnel vision.

Filipinos are truly amazing, I will not deny that, but our flaws are as grievous as our strengths are great. Our refusal to accept informed opinions, our inability to think for ourselves, and our hubristic pride will be the shackles that will wrap around our arms and legs. Our obstinacy will be the chains that will choke us to death. We will be our own undoing. Change is hard, that I know, but I also know that unless we change none of us will ever be able to raise our heads because of our shame.

REFERENCES:

Ikaw Na: The Reality Of Smart Shaming In The Philippines, February 9, 2023

How Pandemic Intensified Smart-Shaming in the STEM Field, Denyz Del Villar, November 22, 2021

The trouble with Filipino fanaticism, Shakira Sison, October 21, 2015

Why ‘Pinoy Pride’ Is Toxic, June 14, 2020

[babyawacs]

#this #stuff #is #intel #deep #intelstuff #how #them #rule @law .@law @harvard_law @laws @ap @reuters @bbc_whys @france24 @who @snowden @haaretzcom .@sun @judge .@judges @scotusblog  right there x marks the spot someone o r d e r e d  ‎criminal security policy to nut loop right there right there hunt that onedown and jail they repeated the trick v e r y often inother cases too usually: toddler charges securitymethod: ok find sth to nut l oop it right there ‎ I am Christian KISS

#this #stuff #is #intel #deep #intelstuff #how #them #rule @law .@law @harvard_law @laws @ap @reuters @bbc_whys @france24 @who @snowden @haaretzcom .@sun @judge .@judges @scotusblog  right there x marks the spot someone o r d e r e d  ‎criminal security policy to nut loop right there right there hunt that onedown and jail they repeated the trick v e r y often inother cases too usually: toddler charges securitymethod: ok find sth to nut l oop it right there ‎ I am Christian KISS

#this #stuff #is #intel #deep #intelstuff #how #them #rule @law .@law @harvard_law @laws @ap @reuters @bbc_whys @france24 @who @snowden @haaretzcom .@sun @judge .@judges @scotusblog right there x marks the spot someone o r d e r e d ‎criminal security policy to nut loop right there right there hunt that onedown and jail they repeated the trick v e r y often inother cases too usually: toddler…

[alexmusil]

one down

[timetoplayredsgame]

The First On The LifeBoat

   It is June 15th, 2018 and I just finished creating all of the invitations for my first ever “escape room” on my illustrious ship. The invites have been sent and as the night begins my beautiful prey are walking into the LifeBoat. The tasks for all of the competitors have been handed out, but little do they know that I have a secret agenda. My goal for the night is to slowly, but surely murder all of the invitees. I have invited Yellow, Blue, Purple, Brown, White, Black, Green, Pink, and Orange. They have all begun to go their separate ways to do these perfectly placed tasks. I creep into the vents and make my way from the Cafeteria to the Navigation room. There he is, Purple, all alone charting the course the LifeBoat will take in the coming days. He’s focused, I slowly creep my way behind him and in the blink of an eye my serrated blade perfectly cleans his neck from his torso. “One down” I whisper.

[norrinthedreamer]

Finally, we can love again. ☄️🌍 ‘Apocalove’ Out Now. You know where to find the link🧬💜💙 | | | #norrin #sapphire #violet #inferno #quarantine #connected #onedown #earthday #r3frence #ther3frenceclub #royalepicturesinc #bluesbellmusic #mstagescenecommunications #color #randb #poetry #tints #moonlight #alternative #vigilante #newmusic #chess #kingdom #newartist #harlem #neorenaissance https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SgADwFP0O/?igshid=wxbzwq2mrxe

[mustlovesuperman]

Puzzle #3 done. Good way to kill a couple hours. Mom crushed most of this puzzle too. #jigsawpuzzle #puzzletime #puzzles #puzzleseason2020 #4seasons #winteristhebest #itwasonly550pieces #oneup #onedown #movingontothenextone https://www.instagram.com/p/CFa8_ixgGJx-sxOio8bdz1_o6uf4brz27MInTk0/?igshid=zzpo714ah0wp

[ns-toopy]

Tantalus, Oahu

[londonspirit]

#ProjectNewKitchen #OneDown #HappyBunny 🥰 https://www.instagram.com/p/B8zMBWMqYfV/?igshid=1veynx50yq7mh

[crazycatstuff-things]

Inktober day one: Ring - - #inktober2019 #inktober #inktoberday1 #ring #art #onedown https://www.instagram.com/p/B3E2bCeg3T5/?igshid=1mg9jdky0hhme

[all-my-plants-are-dying]

I predicted that four girls in my English class were gay. I had a conversation with one the other day which consisted of Choni, Marina and the Diamonds and orangutans so like one down three to go am I right

[farnsworthguitars]

Beveled front stretcher meet front leg. One side down. @bluecheak says trust the block so I did. 😅 #wood #woodworking #trusttheblock #onedown #workslow #getzen https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv9lyj2gj6B/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=me500xqcvm54

[hydrogen29]

Change bite. 203/365 #365DaysPhotoChallenge #WhenInDavao #OneDown https://www.instagram.com/p/CgWJYc-hDpy3qS_LVDdJ3xYmMbyBNBexMBLUmI0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[chinike]

First cheesecake of the season. Pumpkin for my friend Veronica & her family. #2018 #november #baking #thanksgiving #begrateful #blessings #friends&family #onedown (at New Rochelle, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbLMOqHjEc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sgd1f9zdcvk6

[reneesrockingredesign]

Finally got my hands on #Stitch toy today. #onedown #seventogo #goldenarches https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ5BYOtuJLq/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mustlovesuperman]

First #puzzle of the season done! Some real funky pieces and a different shape made for an interesting put together but it was fun. #puzzleseason2020 #jigsawpuzzle #puzzletime #fall #fall2020 #leafpuzzle #onedown #atleastsixtogo #goingtobemorethanthat https://www.instagram.com/p/CFUsiNrgQL0u7miS6RRPoEzaZjMEY2-gfOeY9Q0/?igshid=vqwohul5020z

[floridadaytripper]

#finallyfinished It came together nicely. #onedown #coathook #itwasfun #blueisnext #art #acrylics #records #artsandcrafts #flartist