Scribd
Upload
9K views2 pages

Assignment On Western and Eastern Concepts of Self

The document discusses characteristics of Filipinos, both positive and negative. It notes that Filipinos possess both Western and Eastern traits. Positives include optimism, humor, flexibility, strong faith, and hospitality. Negatives include selfishness and lack of discipline. The author is content with their combination of traits as a Filipino and appreciates qualities like optimism, faith, and viewing difficulties positively. They embrace their culture and uniqueness as a Filipino.

Uploaded by

Kiana Vren Jermia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9K views2 pages

Assignment On Western and Eastern Concepts of Self

The document discusses characteristics of Filipinos, both positive and negative. It notes that Filipinos possess both Western and Eastern traits. Positives include optimism, humor, flexibility, strong faith, and hospitality. Negatives include selfishness and lack of discipline. The author is content with their combination of traits as a Filipino and appreciates qualities like optimism, faith, and viewing difficulties positively. They embrace their culture and uniqueness as a Filipino.

Uploaded by

Kiana Vren Jermia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

The strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character have their roots in Western and Eastern

traditions. Write an introspective essay about your character as a Filipino, using the following
guide questions:

1. What are your Western and Eastern, and Filipino characteristics that can help you succeed
in life?
Majority of the people have their individual characteristics or personal traits, whether it would
be positive or negative. May it be known specifically, that most Filipinos’ negative
characteristics are selfishness, lack of ingenuity, lack of self-analysis, and lack of discipline which
makes the popularity face troubles and are constantly involved in disputes. On the contrary,
their positive traits, include exhibiting humor and positivity despite numerous problems, being
flexible and adaptive to challenging situations, retaining strong faith and religion, and lastly, this
trait is where Filipinos are renowned for by foreigners, and that is being hospitable. Despite the
weaknesses or negative traits most Filipinos have, they still have more of the positive traits,
most of which are of relevance to the Eastern culture. On the positive aspect of being a Filipino,
my values are in line with the collectivistic qualities of the Eastern concept of the self.
With Filipino blood rushing through me, along runs optimism, humor, and positivity within me.
These are esteemed traits that displays the fact that in the face of difficult circumstances, us
pinoys, are encouraged to look at the brighter side of things. Take for instance, you would see
“batang-kalye” or “homeless children” running in the streets with smiles on their faces, meager
stall vendors greeting passersby with uncontainable excitement, and more underprivileged
Filipino citizens that go through their dark misfortunes with brightness of hope and joy. Like
others, finding the good in the bad is quite a common affair to myself. I would think that this
shows how much of a perseverant and enthusiastic I am as a person.
Another term to note within the Filipino community is “bahala na” which means “whatever
happens, happens”, is one of the more familiar phrases used in the country and is perhaps the
common representation of how Filipinos implement flexibility and adaptability. It exemplifies
one’s belief in a higher power and submitting one’s fate to elements that cannot be controlled.
Others may view this negatively, but for me, this serves as an encouraging assertion that allows
me to deal with difficulties without having to overthink and let worrisome behaviors overpower
me.
To myself and most Filipinos, religion outlines their values and principles. Religiousness and
devotion to God is firmly instilled within ourselves. These days, religion poses an important role
within the everyday lives of Filipinos, most especially to me. When in doubt, I pray; when I am
down, I pray; mostly in everything I do, I pray as a meditation and spiritual enlightenment to
refresh and detach myself from the negativities that life throws at me.
We, Filipinos, note the term “kapwa”, roughly translated in English as “neighbor or fellowmen”,
as this represents the essence of Filipino values and psychology. A person who treats another
as a “kapwa” promotes a mutual sense of identity and consciousness with that ‘other’ person,
leading to the promotion of hospitability. Social acceptance and maintaining social harmony is
firmly considered within the Filipino individual and community level. As such, social awareness
and approval about others’ thoughts and actions immensely marks a positive impact on my
self’s social behavior.
Albeit discrimination from several countries is rampant within the Filipino community, our core
values still linger within ourselves and will still continue to attest our place in the world and how
much we deserve being honored also. Filipinos are imperfect, but then again we unveil great
individualities and merits that every one of us should confidently prove to the judicious eyes of
the world. Through these qualities may we be able to attain success and personal contentment,
even when facing judgment and discernment.

2. Are you happy about having this combination of traits?


As of now, I would say that I am contented with the characteristics I possess. Although, I cannot
just stick with these attitudes and way of thinking, because I believe I can be much better. Like
all other existing matters in this world, I am also a subject of change. I would take all the
chances I have to gradually attempt to improve myself in the future by altogether learning from
what I have been in the past and accepting what I am in the present.
3. How do you appreciate your own uniqueness as a Filipino? How do you feel as a Filipino?
I am one with the Filipino community, like most, I possess and bring out the culture within my
personality and lifestyle as much as I can. We may receive backlashes negative impressions
from other nationalities about how our country is underdeveloped and poor, but these does
not define the wholeness of our being as a Filipino. As far as I am concerned, we have been
deemed as one of the races with pure of hearts and compassion, individuals with dynamic
personalities, citizens accustomed to the acts of hospitality and goodwill towards others despite
the thought of whether it would go beyond their capabilities. Not to mention our
distinctiveness amongst foreign looks and appearances, we are one of the countries with
exclusive beauty standards. In support of my arguments, I embrace my culture, how I look, act
and think as a Filipino. I am pretty sure that it is safe to say that we are unique beings amongst
the commonness of the global community and I am ecstatic to be a pinoy at heart.

You might also like