THE TEAM : Constantino, Lim, Manalansan, Padilla, Tapac, Willie, Yan

G E R P H I S

colonial mentality.

A PEEK INTO COLONIAL MENTALITY AND ITS MANIFESTATIONS | a submission by Green Team |

acknowledgements. The team of editors extends their deep gratitude to the readers of this magazine who have shown interest in this work. The magazine would not have been possible if not for the efforts and determination of the following people: Angela Niña Lim for gathering and/or synthesizing all of the contents under "What is colonial mentality?", "Colonial Mentality as an Issue", "A Distinguished Figure on Colonial Mentality", "Brown Skin, White Minds", "The Colonial Mentality Scale", "Events of the Period (1990 - 2000)", and "Existing Modern Solutions to Colonial Mentality" (under the Conclusions Section); and evaluating each researched reference for the mentioned parts for its credibility and quality. Leila S. Manalansan for compiling and carefully evaluating all the effects of colonial mentality, starting from the Filipinos, the culture and heritage of the Philippines, which included music and literature, media and business industry, and the whole economy, that drove her to complete the third section of the magazine, specifically the postive and negative effects of colonial mentality.

contents.

01 What is colonial mentality? 03 Colonial Mentality as an Issue / Angela Niña Lim

04 A Distinguished figure on Colonial ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Mentality / Angela Niña Lim

05 Brown Skin, White Minds / Angela Niña Lim

06 The Colonial Mentality Scale / Angela Niña Lim

07 Colonial Mentality through the years 07 Common Practices of Colonial Mentality 1990 - 2000 / Angela Niña Lim and Milescent Rose Padilla

09 Common Practices of Colonial Mentality 2000 - 2022 / Krista Sophia Constantino

11 Positive and Negative Colonial Mentality 12 Positive Effects / Leila Manalansan

15 Negative Effects / Leila Manalansan

22 Conclusion

/ Milescent Rose Padilla

Effects

of

what is

colonial mentality? by Angela Niña Lim

For Cassandra Balbas, a Filipino advocate and blogger @asianmentalhealthproject (2020):

Colonial mentality is created by the uncertainties of what do and do not define our culture after having been colonized for so long, and it generates feelings of otherness and shame toward our identity and ultimately ourselves.

For Researchers E.J.R. David, Ph.D. of the University of Alaska Anchorage & Sumie Okazaki, Ph.D. of New York University (2006): Colonial mentality is a form of internalized oppression that conditions colonized people to believe that their ethnic or cultural identity is inferior to Western culture or whiteness. This leads them to live their lives striving to be westernized and learning to hate their indigenous roots. It involves uncritical rejection of anything Filipino and uncritical preference for anything American

01 | What is Colonial Mentality?

what is

colonial mentality? by Angela Niña Lim

For Alicia Soller, a graduate from the University of Florida, inspired to incorporate advocacy and activism into her work as a journalist (2017):

Colonial mentality is being conditioned to believe one is different and inferior, being ashamed of one’s race, and feeling in conflict with one’s identity.

·For Nikki Alfonso-Gregorio, a journalist of Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia (2022):

Colonial mentality is a feeling of inferiority or an engrained attitude of inferiority felt by a people brought about by colonization.

02 | What is Colonial Mentality?

Having these definitions of colonial mentality from different personalities, you might still be a bit lost among the terms. As an active way to get a better grip on what colonial mentality is, answer the following questions to associate your behavior with the definition of colonial mentality for an in-depth personal comprehension of it. Through this, you might be able to give a definition of colonial mentality yourself! For questions you answered with yes, those are your behaviors that display colonial mentality!

1.Do you know more foreign actors or actresses than Filipino actors and actresses? 2.Do you love watching more foreign movies than locally produced movies? 3.Do you tend to get a better first impression for white-skinned individuals? 4.Do you prefer imported goods or those locally manufactured or produced? 5.Have you ever thought of someone who struggles with speaking English as less intelligent or smart?

the gist. by Angela Niña Lim

Whether you ask a journalist, a blogger, a researcher, a doctorate degree holder, an expert, or a plain Filipino citizen, the idea that they would probably impart about colonial mentality’s definition would revolve around the feeling of racial inferiority. Colonial mentality among Filipinos is essentially influenced by the ideologies of the country’s colonizers. It is the issue of the country’s own citizen’s love of Filipino culture, characteristics, products, or practices. In simple common observations of Filipinos bringing umbrellas even while swimming on the beach and rants or complaints on social media about hatred for Filipino subjects in school, colonial mentality seems tightly anchored in us all in different and usually unconscious ways. Colonial mentality is closely associated with lacking patriotism – expression of support for one’s country – and nationalism – expression of strong identification with one’s own country or nation and strong support for its own interests.

·For Candice Garcia, a NSW mental health counsellor specialising in issues such as anxiety and self-esteem, shares that intimidation is one of the researched signs of colonial mentality amongst Filipinos:

"A huge chunk of Philippine history is of colonisation, so we grew up with feelings of inadequacy that have been passed on to us from our ancestors," Candice shares, "This feeling of inadequacy even streams down to the way we feel about imported goods being better than Filipino products."

03 | What is Colonial Mentality?

DID YOU KNOW? FOB-y is a derogatory term representing those “fresh off the boat”, a term used to make fun of Filipinos who immigrated to the states in recent years.

The word Filipino comes from the word Filipinas. Felipinas was the name given by Ruy de Villalobos to Tendaya (Leyte or Samar) in 1543 in honor of Philip (Felipe in Spanish), the Spanish crown prince who later became King Philip II. Villalobos later applied Felipinas to all islands of the Philippine archipelago and the word became Flilipinas after Miguel Lopez de Legaspi began the colonization of the islands of the country in 1565. The word Philippines, on the other hand, which is the word we use today to refer to our, the Filipino’s country, came from the English translation of Filipinas. From the origins of the words themselves that refer to the country, they are already colonial names that clearly tell our unconscious negligence in promoting a Filipino identity that veers farther away from displaying the stains of the colonial reign and influence. The word colonial mentality, for the most part, rears an ugly head to the idea of being a Filipino. It is the feeling of standing out as a sore thumb where a supposed source of pride becomes a source of embarrassment. This colonial mentality is very much clearly observable among those Filipinos living abroad where frequent comparison becomes more unavoidable.

colonial mentality as an issue how is it a social issue? by Angela Niña Lim

How colonial mentality would be considered an issue lies in the negative effects it pulls up at a small-scale level to a larger scale and as well as in how it handicaps the country from progress that could have been attained with more support and love for the country. At a personal level among individuals in a society, colonial mentality poses as a social issue being knitted with mental health concerns. Surely, the negative views of ourselves as Filipinos as the feeling of inferiority takes the stage will have an overall effect on self-doubt, self-worth, self-esteem, and ethnic identity. Some researchers even found a relationship between colonial mentality and depression in 2011 where some conclusions were how hating one’s brown skin or “Filipino nose” causes low self-esteem.

04 | Colonial Mentality as an issue

Source: huffpost

Dr. E.J.R. David. Associate Professor of Psychology; Author of "Brown Skin, White Minds" and Editor of "Internalized Oppression: The Psychology of Marginalized Groups"

Colonial mentality can lead to low self-esteem and lower life satisfaction because colonized people are taught that everything about them is less-than.

a distinguished figure on colonial mentality

E. J. R. David, Ph.D. by Angela Niña Lim

E.J.R. David at the Racial Equity Summit hosted by First Alaskans Institute (FAI) at the Egan Center on February 1-2, 2016. Source: Inquirer.Net

E.J.R. David, Ph.D., was born in the Philippines by Kapampangan parents, and he grew up in Pasay, Las Pinas, Makati, and Barrow, Alaska. He is an associate professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, with his primary duties being with the Ph.D. Program in Clinical-Community Psychology that has a rural, cultural, and indigenous emphasis..

David was the 2007 recipient of the American Psychological Association (APA) Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45) Distinguished Student Research Award "for his significant contribution in psychological research related to ethnic minority populations." In 2012, Dr. David was honored by the APA Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) with the Early Career Award in Research for Distinguished Contributions to the Field of Racial and Ethnic Minority Psychology, citing his "outstanding scientific contributions and the application of this knowledge toward the improved mental and physical well-being of people of color." In 2013, he was also chosen to receive the Asian American Psychological Association Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research. He is the author of Brown Skin, White Minds: Filipino-American Postcolonial Psychology.

05 | Colonial Mentality as an issue: A Distinguished Figure on Colonial Mentality

Brown Skin, White Minds by Angela Niña Lim

The book highlights the universality of internalized oppression and, at the same time, acknowledges its unique manifestations and implications for various groups such as AfricanAmericans, Latinas/os, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Alaska Natives, women, the LGBT community, and people with disabilities.

identity, and mental health, to decolonization in the clinical, community, and research settings. It is intended for the entire community teachers, researchers, students, and service providers interested in or who are working with Filipinos and Filipino Americans, or those who are interested in the psychological consequences of colonialism and oppression, and it may It focuses mainly on Filipino Americans serve as a tool for remembering the past and their attitudes in terms of colonial and as a tool for awakening to address mentality. It mentions how Filipino the present. Americans have a long and rich history with and within the United States. It stresses how the most insidious psychological consequence of their historical and contemporary experiences is colonial mentality or internalized oppression.

Scan to get a copy of Dr. David's book!

It explores the historical and contemporary reasons for why Filipino -/ Americans display the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of colonial mentality. This book is a peer-reviewed publication that integrates knowledge from multiple scholarly and scientific Moreover, according to the book, there disciplines to identify the past and are some common manifestations of current catalysts for such self- colonial mentality. 1. Frequent use of skin-whitening denigrating attitudes and behaviors. It products by Filipinos in the takes the reader from indigenous Tao Philippines to make their skins culture, Spanish and American lighter. colonialism, colonial mentality or 2. Special regard for imported goods. internalized oppression along with its 3. Emphasis on foreign blood. implications on Kapwa, 4. Low regard for their race.

06 | Colonial Mentality as an issue: Brown Skin, White Minds

by Angela Niña Lim

The Colonial Mentality Scale by E.J.R. David

Dr. David was also able to create a test that determine how inferior Filipinos in the United States of America thought of themselves. This test was called the Colonial Mentality Implicit Association Test (CMIAT). A colonial mentality scale was also developed to determine five indicators of colonial mentality among Filipinos.

Based on the Colonial Mentality Scale, there seem to be at least five indicators of Colonial Mentality among Filipinos: 1.Feelings of inferiority for being Filipino

fun fact.

2.Feelings of shame, embarrassment, resentment, or self-hate about being a person of Filipino heritage 3.Denigration of the Filipino body (regarding white physical characteristics as more attractive, advantageous, and desirable than typical Filipino physical traits such as brown skin and flat nose)

4.Discriminating against lessWesternized Filipinos (e.g., making fun of people from the provinces—“Promdi”—or indigenous peoples and regarding them as “backward”) 5.Tolerating or minimizing historical and contemporary oppression of Filipinos (because such oppression is accepted as the appropriate cost of civilization).

Source: Kalamansi Juice

07 | Colonial Mentality as an issue: The Colonial Mentality Scale

events of the period. 1990-2000 by Angela Nina Lim

The 1990s, particularly in 1992, saw the establishment of the first free trade agreement of the Philippines. This was called the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). A moment’s reflection will suffice to know that free trade agreements boost the growth of imports – what seems to contribute to the rampancy of colonial mentality to Filipino’s eyes.

The 1990s to 2000 saw a massive shift from local produce to imports. A testimony to this is how much of the initially thriving businesses closed its doors as the Philippine government opened opportunities for international trade. Although this did not pose dreadful effects on the national economy, it did render the introduction of foreign goods or products the Filipinos saw to be more complementary to their preferences than what remained of the local produces of the nation. This is a fact agreeable based on first-hand testimony of previously thriving businesses of older generations and as well as based on the non-existence of most of the local businesses of before. In the early 2000s, social media begun its marathon in creating enormous changes in history. In the advent of social media where it led to having a world knowing no barriers and creating a diverse online village, the lack of Filipino representation was one factor first in line to have influenced molding the preference on Eurocentric beauty standards. Exposure to different media contents from other parts of the world created a pathway for Filipino immersion to different practices and cultures which actually becomes a problem when there is no attention left for locally created media within the interests of the Filipinos. There is no way of reversing the invention of social media nor is there a way to solve the issue on colonial mentality through media deprivation. Instead, an effort must be made to give Filipinos in the media industry a chance to be appreciated and noticed for their talents and unique beauty.

07 | Common Practices of Colonial Mentality (1990- 2000)

Due to the Spanish and Americans' strong influence, Filipinos still prefer western culture over Filipino culture. It is no surprise that Filipinos have included this behavior in their mindsets and used these cultures as the standard or superior ones. During the 1990s to 2000s, western 1990-2000 influence is highly evident in terms of by Milescent Rose Padilla lifestyle, media, language, and beauty standards. Moreover, this mentality has been passed on from generation to generation to the point where it has become normalized. As a result, Filipinos develop a lack of patriotism and appreciation for the country. One of the most common practices was rooted in colorism, wherein Filipinos have a preference for light skin. Colorism has also contributed to Philippine media because actors that take the lead roles have fair skin or are half-white. With Philippine media having Source: PreviewPH a preference for light skin, it also affects the self-esteem of Filipinos. Hence, they develop fun fact. actions and behaviors that make them have a GlutaMax faced backlash after fair complexion and prevent tanning. These releasing an ad that suggests people with dark skin are behaviors include using umbrellas outside treated unfairly in society. and using whitening soaps, lotions, etc.

common practices of colonial mentality

Illustration by: Karen Grace Quinzon

did you know? Filipinos use the term “nosebleed” as a joke when they have a hard time speaking or understanding English .

Furthermore, the English language is viewed as a social status and is commonly associated with the rich. Since people with power and money can afford a good education, they are most likely fluent in English. Additionally, Filipinos tend to look down on people who cannot speak or understand English, leading to discrimination. As a result, most Filipinos are ashamed to use their native language and see the English language as superior.

07 | Common Practices of Colonial Mentality (1990- 2000)

common practices of colonial mentality 1990-2000 by Milescent Rose Padilla

Another factor affected by colonial mentality is the economy. Filipinos are meticulous when it comes to the brands that they purchase. Foreign brands are also associated with having a high social status and quality, while local brands are considered to be inferior. Due to this impression, Filipinos tend to be loyal to brands that they purchase. However, these consumer behaviors have less benefit to Filipinos and can further affect the local economy and employment.

activity

08 | Common Practices of Colonial Mentality (1990- 2000)

fun fact. Filipinos love receiving balikbayan boxes from friends or family overseas because they contain imported goods that are inaccessible or are sold for an expensive price in the Philippines.

events of the period. 1990-2000

by Krista Sophia Constantino

Around the 2000s, during former Presidents Estrada’s and Ramos’ administration, the telecoms sector was liberalized, and the number of phone owners soared. In a 2022 report by Statista Research Department, Filipinos spend an average of over four hours on social media with Facebook being the most widely used, and Youtube and Tiktok gaining popularity and gradually being used by more users. Local and foreign firms are placing more emphasis on social media marketing techniques including influencer marketing and social commerce to reach the Filipino audience. With the help of social media, colonial mentality continues to invade the minds and lives of the Filipinos until today as seen in the prominence of foreign concepts in Filipino’s lifestyle, language, food, and media. In 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) declared that Filipino and Panitikan are no longer required and are not core subjects in college anymore. They stated that these subjects were transferred to and

will be taught in senior high school and should not be repeated in college. Even with this reason, it is still removing the national language in college when it should be preserved and used for discourse and cultural expression. Since 2006, more foreign fast-food restaurants and stores have opened in the Philippines such as Krispy Kreme in 2006, Jamba Juice in 2011, and Popeyes and Shake Shack in 2019. All of these are American companies; other American restaurants have already opened stores here in the Philippines way before the year 2000, and the services these stores and establishments offer are being availed and consumed by many Filipinos. Some of these stores are Starbucks and McDonald’s.

did you know? Alyansa ng Mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino o Tanggol Wika submitted a letter of protest to the Supreme Court to reverse its decision on removing Filipino and Panitikan in college, but the Supreme Court upheld its decision.

09 | Common Practices of Colonial Mentality (1990- 2000)

common practices of colonial mentality 2000 - 2022 by Krista Sophia Constantino

The effect of colonial mentality is prevalent in Filipinos’ language, as the national language has become a mix of Tagalog and English, and English is mostly used in school as the primary mode of instruction instead of Filipino. Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking nations in the world,

and although speaking English is helpful in acquiring opportunities abroad, Filipinos do not get to use and practice Filipino in formal settings most of the time.

fun fact. 193 Filipinos are already in Taiwan as of 2021 and more are expected to come as Taiwan's Ministry of Education launches the Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP).

Colonial mentality has also affected how Filipinos consume and react to content on the internet, specifically social media. “Pinoy baiting” is a prevalent technique of foreign content creators to gain views, likes, and traction by making content about Filipino culture. Filipinos are attracted to these kinds of content and interact with it, and this stems from colonial mentality as anything foreign is considered superior or high quality. Filipinos seek the validation of foreigners from these videos and content.

fun fact. Nas Daily's Nas Academy sparked an issue after including a Kalinga tattoo by Apo WhangOd in its offered courses.

09 | Common Practices of Colonial Mentality (1990- 2000)

positive and negative effects of colonial mentality by Leila Manalansan

Since colonial mentality is seen as one of the problems faced in the Philippines, it is expected that it has affected the country, and it truly is up to the present. Starting from the Filipinos themselves, the culture it had in the future and has in the present, and the preservation of the heritage, including the works of literature, music, and other art forms. It also had and is having an impact on different industries, specifically media and business industries. Hence, it affected the economy as well.

Philippines know the effects of colonial mentality as it is tackled in their history subjects in school. Thus, Filipinos are aware of how colonial mentality has badly impacted them or the country. However, this issue also has contributed in some way to the country, which needs to be given awareness too. Hence, this section of the magazine tackles not only the adverse effects of colonial mentality but as well as the positive effects or the contribution it gave to the country through the years. 11 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality

positive effects of colonial mentality. I. On the Filipinos

Due to the colonial mentality’s effect on languages used by Filipinos, particularly English, a language that is one of the priorities of people and a subject in school, many people learn and know how to speak English. Many people have tried to hone their English skills until they are fluent. This has a positive effect since people can communicate with others. Using those learnings in school or self-studies, they can disseminate information about the country. Since if they only spoke Filipino, almost everyone in other countries would not understand it. Hence, being able to talk in English became an advantage for Filipinos as billions of people outside the country can understand them. Through these, foreigners can know or learn from them and even be inspired by them. Also, English has given chances to Filipinos to create relationships with those who are not Filipinos. Filipinos are not limited to having friends with Filipinos only. In addition, speaking in English has an advantage also to people who have the opportunity to study or work in other countries. The possibility of grabbing the chance is higher since many Filipinos do not worry about the language since they can understand and speak English. Also, speaking English opens doors for Filipinos who do not have jobs in the Philippines and even those with jobs, but the salary is not enough to live comfortably. There are more significant opportunities for people there. Many Filipinos who work in other countries, known as Overseas Filipino Workers or OFW, can keep enough money to support themselves, most especially their families living in the Philippines.

12 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Positives

positive effects of colonial mentality.

II. On media and business industries Regarding media, the colonial mentality has brought Filipinos to know and idolize other countries' artists, shows, and media. This resulted in some Filipinos getting inspiration from foreign media. An excellent example of this is how Filipinos' interest in Korean Pop led to Filipinos producing P-pop groups inspired by the K-pop industry, allowing Filipinos with talents in singing and dancing to be recognized.

Colonial mentality also positively affects the business industry, since colonialism has enabled Filipinos to communicate with other countries and have a business in the Philippines, which originated outside the country, also known as franchising. Thus, many entrepreneurs make money without the need to think and make their own shops, restaurants, and any other business.

Some of these groups are rising, and they are not only recognized by Filipinos but by other countries as well. One of these is SB19, a five-member group that made history by being nominated under the Billboard Music Awards Top Social Artist category. Another group is ALAMAT, an eight-member group that became the OPM act with the quickest Billboard's Next Big Sound Chart debut. The boy band is also becoming wellknown for using seven different Filipino languages in their songs to represent their home provinces. Therefore, colonial mentality became a way for people to have the medium through which Filipino talents could be known.

An example is Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, an international restaurant that is now famous in the Philippines. Another one is Nike and Adidas shops around the Philippines, which are also from other countries, particularly the United States and Germany. In addition, the colonial mentality on light skin color has given many entrepreneurs an idea for a business, specifically making and selling skin whitening products, which has a high chance of success since many Filipinos try to achieve this. Roger Lee Mendoza estimated that one in two women in the Philippines used these products at least once. This explains why these products are among the most bought in the Philippines. Hence, the marketing of it keeps on expanding.

13 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Positives

positive effects of colonial mentality. III. On the economy The colonial mentality has brought wealth to the Philippines, which has improved its economy. This is because they taught Filipinos many trades, including international trade. Filipinos can purchase a broader range of goods and services by trading with other countries at a lower price—the ability to deal with one another benefits both nations and families. Trade enables nations to focus on their areas of expertise and enjoy the benefits of a broader range of products and services. Another reason is that some colonizers intend to give some of their resources to the country they colonized as the Americans did back then. The American colonizers provided Filipinos with resources that dealt with lands that allowed them to farm crops and plants. They introduced new crops like cacao and corn and did something to improve the production of sugars and coffee. Additionally, the Philippines benefited from some of the gold, coal, oil, and other valuable resources that Americans were wealthy in. Their intent is not to harm the economy of the Philippines but to give an impact that would result in the Philippines benefiting from their wealth and craftiness, improving the Philippines' economy.

14 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Positives

negative effects of colonial mentality. I. On the Filipinos Colonial mentality has greatly affected the mindsets of people starting from their way of thinking and then perceptions of self especially beauty as well as what makes them good and considered an upper class. Consequently, it also affected their mental health. First, in the Filipinos perception of beauty, they tend to imitate the colonizers as they think that they have better physical appearances. With this, people sometimes deny that they are a Filipino or try to do something to look like foreigners and it is either using specific products or getting to the point that they undergo surgeries and other medical procedures to change their appearances.

This resulted in another issue called colorism. Most Filipinos think that having white skin indicates that they are rich or upper class, while those with dark skin are poor or lower class. Even with jobs, those that are working indoors are wealthy while those working outdoors experience poverty. Also, many Filipinos are refrained from going outside and staying there for too long in order to not get dark.

Aside from skin color, having a tall nose is preferred. Filipinos are known to have a flat or button nose, but because of colonialism, people started to practice pinching noses of babies for it to appear sharper, while elders buy products to make their nose bridge higher The most common effect of and most of the cases, they colonial mentality is on their undergo surgeries, such as preference for a lighter or whiter rhinoplasty, in order to conform skin. to the global standard of beauty.

15 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Negatives

negative effects of colonial mentality. These effects of colonialism impacted people since it has become their standard or measurement of beauty that is still evident up to the present. The desires to comply with the beauty standards have affected several Filipinos physically and psychologically. In terms of physical appearance, there are Filipinos who take products because of its ability to make skin white without knowing its side effects or if it is approved by FDA. They tend to rely on the information that it makes skin white and not minding how it can result in health repercussions. Thus, instead of achieving their goals, they experienced the opposite. In terms of the surgeries, since not all Filipinos can pay high amounts to dermatologists, they try the unguaranteed surgeries that are conducted by non-professionals that offer surgeries with a cheap price. Many cases have failed and had an effect on their health because of its unsafeness.

Moreover, these beauty standards have affected the mental health of Filipinos to decline and to lose their self confidence and self esteem. This mostly happens when they are with the elders, such as during the regular get-togethers. Sherina Ong shared her her experience on this wherein during family gatherings, she always hears her relatives nagging about why she is so dark and they even make fun of her and tell jokes about her skin color (2016). This issue of colorism is also associated with racism since there is also preference for white people to be their partners.

16 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Negatives

negative effects of colonial mentality. Moreover, another effect of colonial mentality is speaking in english. Similar to skin color, this also has a psychological effect on Filipinos. Speaking in English is treated as superior to everyone. If white skin color became a measurement of beauty, being fluent in English became a measurement of intelligence. A person who is fluent in the English language is considered smarter than those who are not fluent, especially to those who cannot speak English at all. Those who are not good at speaking in English are being laughed at as well. Hence, this has an impact on the confidence of people and leads to feeling inferior over others.

In addition, many are disturbed because of the fact that most of the students, especially those studying in universities, are proficient and fluent in English, but when it comes to their own language they struggle to write or speak. On the other hand, parents or guardians who focused their children in learning English and did not let them learn Tagalog also experienced declining selfesteem and a high possibility of depression as shown through some psychological studies. This is because they feel out of place whenever people around them speak Tagalog so they cannot understand what is being talked about.

17 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Negatives

negative effects of colonial mentality. Men and should not touch even if it is just a hand. But because of the influence of colonizers, these practices diminished, and holding hands and being affectionate to both genders, even in public, became standard. Also, in terms of courting, men should undergo a series of tests to win the woman and her family's hearts. However, because of colonizers, this way of courting changes. Courting nowadays also happens with gadgets and social media platforms, allowing them to have text, chat, calls, and video calls.

This is supported by a social experiment by sociology students called "The Lost Wallet" in 2016. After implementing it, it was observed that despite the owner's wallet being put right in front of the owner, some Filipinos did not care about their feelings. Another culture somewhat associated with helping is the debt of gratitude, known as "utang na loob." This is when Filipinos owe someone for assisting them in resolving hardships. However, due to the colonizers, some Filipinos sometimes prefer not to feel obligated to those they perceive to be inferior.

In addition, helping someone in doing a task as a group to make the job easier, also known as Bayanihan, is one of the most popular cultures that is also gone. This is because of the influence of colonizers that changes the behavior and dispositions of Filipinos, which is why being independent and finishing a task without asking for assistance from others is what is being done now.

18 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Negatives

negative effects of colonial mentality. III. On media industries

Media industries, including movies and artists, have also been affected by colonial mentality. It is observed through different channels on Philippine television that news, dramas, and variety shows that almost everyone is lightskinned. This is because of the beauty standard of a fair complexion. This can also be applied in movies, wherein the actors and actresses are light-skinned. In this industry, as much as possible, they choose people who already have white, or if ever they get someone who is not that white, they will make their skin color appear white through the lights. Therefore, many talents have been wasted because people are also chosen based on the beauty standards set by the colonizers. In addition, another result of colonization is people preferring other countries' media rather than their own. It was observed that Hollywood films, such as Hunger Games, Jurassic Park, and Titanic, are selected over Filipino Movies, such as Everything About Her, A Very Special Love, and Heneral Luna. The same goes with songs like All Too Well, Easy On Me, and I'm Not The Only One, which are supported more by Filipino people than the music produced in their countries, also known as "Original Pilipino Music" (OPM). Filipino media may be supported when they compete with other Filipino work, but when it competes with one made in other countries, it knocks down Filipino works.

19 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Negatives

negative effects of colonial mentality.

IV. On businesses and the economy

Because of the Filipinos' adaptation to the colonizers' culture, they have admired and patronized them to the point that their own is being ignored already, like what has happened and is happening to the businesses in the Philippines. Many Filipinos prefer buying products from other countries rather than those made in the Philippines. This is because they think foreign or imported products are always better than local ones. Starting from fashion - the brand of clothes and shoes- if a survey is conducted about what brand Filipinos will choose, specifically if local or international, they will surely choose those made in foreign countries. This is also shown through the preference for foods. An example is chocolates, wherein people decide to consume Doritos over Piattos. This is also noticed in Filipinos' fondness for restaurants; they want cuisines of other countries than their own. The continuity of letting colonial mentality rule each one's mind has resulted in the economic rates of the Philippines dropping because Filipinos prefer purchasing and consuming foreign products instead of their own. Moreover, due to the fair skin standard, many businesses have made products that promise flawless skin as they whiten their skin. This has been one of the most selling products, but many people still prefer those products made in foreign countries, not those created by Filipinos. Hence, instead of significantly contributing to the growth of the economy of the Philippines, the economy of foreign countries is the one improving. In addition, it also affects businesses in terms of advertisements. They choose and project people of mixed nationalities with pearly white skin or international artists or celebrities to advertise local products.

20 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: The Negatives

conclusion.

In conclusion, the colonial mentality has both positive and negative effects on the Philippines. There are things Filipinos do not notice that are an effect of colonial mentality and most of these are the positive effects of it. On the other hand, the adverse effects of colonial mentality are mostly known by many. It was concluded that some effects are not adverse, but it becomes negative due to how people use and perceive them. But some effects are in no way positive. The effects of colonial mentality may not all be removed because we benefit from some. However, people must mind the adverse effects of it. Everyone should work on the negative impact as it can result in much detrimental damage beginning with the minds of Filipinos up to the economy. As Cabotaje said, everyone should know that no one is inferior or less than others. They should be the ones in control of their identity, worth, and how they perceive themselves. Each one should have the power and freedom to be who they want themselves to be. And when this time comes, there will be improvements starting from themselves, culture, different industries, and the Philippines' economy.

21 | Positive and Negative Effects of Colonial Mentality: Conclusion

conclusion. by Angela Nina Lim

Existing Modern Solutions to Colonial Mentality Given the different descriptions, facts, concepts, effects, and practices of colonial mentality throughout the body of the magazine, colonial mentality it may be derived that colonial mentality poses negative effects towards many aspects of the country and its people, so there lies a challenge to overcome these in order to set forth a better pathway towards winning over the popular mentalities from our colonizers and turn our appreciation to our own Filipino culture, practices, and behavior instead of having it fly out to other foreign lands. There are actually existing modern solutions to colonial mentality in terms of legislations, programs, policies, and the like that help solve the issue on colonial mentality directly or indirectly. Some of the many solutions are recognized as follows: DO 16, S. 2012 Section 13, Article II of the 1987 Constitution Balik Kasaysayan Program Section 12, Article XII of the Constitution Republic act No. 138 or the “Flag Law”

DO 16, S. 2012 Guidelines on the Implementation of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education (MTV-MLE) The DO is implemented in all public schools, specifically in Kindergarten and Grades 1,2, and 3. It stresses the use of the native mother tongue as part of the education students at a young age. With colonial mentality masking our use of the Filipino language or throwing it out into the grey area, making it more foreign to us than the foreign language colonial mentality deems superior, English, this DO provides a way to create a backbone of love and appreciation in the use of the native mother tongue of Filipinos. The DO allows the students to both learn English, the universal language, which is integral to boost career competitiveness, and the native mother tongue that complements to the area where a student studies. As this DO is subjected to Filipinos at an earlier age, this may pose as a solution to altering the colonial mindset that speaking English make

one better than those who speak Filipino or any of the diverse dialects of the Philippines as it highlights the importance of the inclusion of the native mother tongue as part of the learnings of students. This DO makes students deepen their roots into the native mother tongue of their area enabling them to connect better to their “Filipino-ness” than teaching solely Tagalog and/or English in the curriculum. It’s practice alone by the masses could possibly eliminate the common mentality that those who speak English are smarter as every student is now exposed to the use of a native Philippine language or dialect, allowing all to be connected to the same root. Moreover, using the mother tongue fosters a deeper love for one’s culture as it uses the language imbibed since childhood – a language as nourishing as mother's milk.

Section 13, Article II of the 1987 Constitution An Act Instilling the Sense of Patriotism and Nationalism among the Youth through the Institutionalization, Development, and Administration of Fundamental and Specialized Programs in the Basic Education Curriculum in all Public and Private Educational Institutions The issues on colonial mentality show close association with the Filipino’s attitudes or spirits of nationalism and patriotism. The lack of expression of support for one’s country (patriotism) and the lack of expression of strong identification with one’s own country or nation and support for its own interests (nationalism) are both factors that contribute to the persistence of colonial mentality as it continues to tolerate the admiration of other countries more than one’s own and the feeling of shame or inferiority as being an identified Filipino. This act may pose as a solution to colonial mentality as it encourages the youth’s involvement in nation-building and it aims to inculcate patriotism and nationalism through the introduction of a Fundamental Program and Specialized Program in the students’ curricula that endeavors to instill, teach, and strengthen moral values, discipline, patriotism, nationalism, and a strong sense of bayanihan among all students.

Balik Kasaysayan Program This is a program of the Department of Education envisioning filipinos who passionately love their country, and the overall goal of this program is to strengthen the patriotism and nationalism of filipino teachers and learners through learning, understanding, and appreciating history. This program stresses knowledge of one’s own filipino history and connecting to their ancient roots as vital or essential in understanding the origins of colonial mentality and hence being able to realize how the practices of this mentality must be put to a halt as these should not be perceived as a normal behavior or attitude. Part of being a filipino is being proud of it and one way to be able to appreciate the “uncontaminated” filipino-ness would be to know what filipinos were like before colonial rule in the historical timeline of the Philippines, therefore, this program would surely influence a deepened awareness on the local culture, arts, and the like that meaningfully contribute in strengthening patriotism and nationalism, and hence, eradication of colonial mentality.

Section 12, Article XII of the Constitution & Republic act No. 138 or the “Flag Law” Directing All Heads Of Departments, Bureaus, Offices And Agencies Of The National Government, Including Local Government Units (LGUs); Government-Owned And/Or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), State Universities And Colleges And Military And Police Units To Give Preference In The Procurement Of Materials And Supplies, Produced, Made And Manufactured In The Philippines One of the common manifestations of colonial mentality lies on the preferences of the Filipinos on foreign brands or those products manufactured by businesses abroad. The mentality is that those products manufactured abroad are more reliable and of higher quality than those locally produced. This generalization negatively affects the economic progress of local businesses. Both Section 12, Article XII of the Constitution & the “Flag Law” serves to solve this bias and discourage this manifestation of colonial mentality as it promotes the preferential use of filipino domestic materials and locally produced good and adopt measures that help make them competitive, and mandates the Government to give preference to the procurement of local products, materials and supplies, respectively.

REFERENCES What is colonial mentality? Balbas, C. (2022, October 22). Colonial Mentality in the Filipino-/American Community. Asian Mental Health Project. https://asianmentalhealthproject.com/2020/10/22/colonial-mentality-in-the-filipino-american-community David, E. J. R. & Okazaki S. (2006, February). Colonial mentality: A review and recommendation for Filipino American psychology. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7184660_Colonial_mentality_A_review_and_recommendation_for_Filipino_American_psychology First Alaskans Institute. (2018, November 4). 2018 social justice summit - day 2 keynote address by Dr. EJ R. David [Video file]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OSP652tCHGo Soller, A. (2017, November 21). 4 ways colonial mentality taught me to hate myself and how I fight against it every day. Everyday Feminism. https://everydayfeminism.com/2017/11/fighting-colonial-mentality/ Gregorio, N. (2022, January 17). Decolonising the mind: why colonial mentality is a difficult attitude to abandon. SBS Filipino. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/filipino/en/article/decolonising-the-mind-why-colonial-mentality-is-a-difficult-attitude-to-abandon/nhjtcjj1m Quimpo, N. G. (2003, September). Colonial name, colonial mentality and ethnocentrism. Solidarity Philippines Australia Network. https://cpcabrisbane.org/Kasama/2003/V17n3/ColonialName.htm

Colonial Mentality as an Issue Balbas, C. (2022, October 22). Colonial Mentality in the Filipino-/American Community. Asian Mental Health Project. https://asianmentalhealthproject.com/2020/10/22/colonial-mentality-in-the-filipino-american-community Huff Post. (n.d.). E. J. R. David, Ph.D. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/author/ejrdavid-141 Soller, A. (2017, November 21). 4 ways colonial mentality taught me to hate myself and how I fight against it every day. Everyday Feminism. https://everydayfeminism.com/2017/11/fighting-colonial-mentality/

A Distinguished figure on Colonial Mentality Psychology Today. (n.d.). E. J. R. David Ph.D. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/contributors/e-j-r-david-phd

Brown Skin, White Minds Rakuten Kobo Inc. (n.d.). Brown skin, white minds. Rakuten Kobo. https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/brown-skin-white-minds

The Colonial Mentality Scale David, E. J. R. (2017, November 2). Filipinos, colonial mentality, and mental health. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/unseenand-unheard/201711/filipinos-colonial-mentality-and-mental-health

Events of the Period (1990-2000) Santos, H. (2011). Trade and investment in the Philippines. https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2011-015_parcon-santos_-_final.pdf Gonzales, A. L. (2022, March 21). The impact of free trade agreements on the Philippines. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/21/business/top-business/the-impact-of-free-trade-agreements-on-the-philippines/1836997/amp Ospina, E. (2019, September 18). The rise of social media. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/rise-of-social-media Cheung, B. (2022, April 29). Filipino media representation and colonial mentality. UBC. https://blogs.ubc.ca/bycacamshowcase/2022/gabrielleabando/

04 | References

Positive Effects Abad, Y. (2022, January 23). P-pop power: A guide to rising P-pop groups. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/guide-new-pinoy-popgroups/ Cruz, G. (2019, February). A Review of How Philippine Colonial Experience Influenced the Country’s Approaches to Conservation of Cultural Heritage. https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/arts-congress-proceedings/2019/FAC-02.pdf Introduction to Philippine English. (2022, March 28). Oxford English Dictionary. https://public.oed.com/blog/introduction-to-philippine-english/ Marchand, U. B. (2017, August 9). How does international trade affect household welfare? https://wol.iza.org/articles/how-does-international-trade-affecthousehold-welfare/long Meyer, J. (2019, August 14). History of Nike: Timeline and Facts. TheStreet. https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/history-of-nike-15057083 The Early Years. (n.d.). Adidas. https://www.adidas-group.com/en/about/history/ Veneracion, C. (2021, May 18). The Spanish Influence on Filipino Cuisine. The Spruce Eats. https://www.thespruceeats.com/the-spanish-influence-on-filipinocuisine-3030287 What is the Meaning of OFW – Overseas Filipino Worker. (2022, April 7). OWWA Member. https://owwamember.com/what-is-ofw/

Negative Effects Ambag, A., Baslot, T. L., Celeste, C. M., Eltagon, J., & Namocatcat, J. (2016, May 17). The Effects Of Colonial Mentality On The Filipino Culture. Arndreblog. https://arndreblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/the-effects-of-colonial-mentality-on-the-filipino-culture/ Balbas, C. (2019, October 22). Colonial Mentality in the Filipino-/American Community. Amhp. https://asianmentalhealthproject.com/2020/10/22/colonialmentality-in-the-filipino-american-community/ 4 Ways Colonialism Affects the Everyday Lives of Filipino Americans. (2016, June 8). Everyday Feminism. https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/06/colonialismfilipino-americans/ Gabornes, M. C. (2010, March 11). Colonial Mentality: A Filipino Heritage? https://learningfragments.blogspot.com/2013/03/colonial-mentality-filipinoheritage.html Heins, C. (2022, January 13). The Effects of Colonial Mentality Are Long-Lasting on Filipino Youths. New University. https://newuniversity.org/2022/01/13/theeffects-of-colonial-mentality-are-long-lasting-on-filipino-youths/ Lansang, L., & Pascual, G. (2014, August 12). Colonial Mentality in the Philippines. When https://worldculturesproblemsinthephilippines.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/colonial-mentality-in-the-philippines/

Culture

and

Problems

Meet.

Mateo, F. V. (2016). Challenging Filipino Colonial Mentality with Philippine Art. Scholarship Repository. https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/196/ Singson, F. (2017). Colonialism’s Role in the Success of the Filipino Skin Whitening Industry. Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship. https://doi.org/10.25886/jbzg-3742 When Did Philippine History Begin? (n.d.). American Historical Association. https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/giroundtable-series/pamphlets/em-24-what-lies-ahead-for-the-philippines-(1945)/when-did-philippine-history-begin

Existing Modern Solutions for Colonial Mentality Department of Education. (2012, February 17). February 17, 2012 do 16, s. 2012 – guidelines on the implementation of the mother tongue-based- multilingual education (mtb-mle). GOVPH. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2012/02/17/do-16-s-2012-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-mother-tongue-basedmultilingual-education-mtb-mle/ Cayetano, P. (2019, August 19). 1. An act instilling the sense of patriotism and nationalism among the youth through the institutionalization, development, and administration of fundamental and specialized programs in the basic education curriculum in all public and private educational institutions. https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/3130928207!.pdf Falcon, A. L. (n.d.). -Balik kasaysayan program. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Balik-Kasaysayan-FAQ.pdf Ermita, E. (2008, May 27). directing all heads of departments, bureaus, offices and agencies of the national government, including local government units (lgus); government-owned and/or controlled corporations (goccs), government financial institutions (gfis), state universities and colleges and military and police units to give preference in the procurement of materials and supplies, produced, made and manufactured in the philippines. https://www.gppb.gov.ph/laws/laws/AO_227.pdf

04 | References