Filipino Traits Essay

Negative, because it arrests or inhibits one’s action. This trait reduces one to smallness or to what Nietzsche calls the â€Å"morality of slaves†, thus congealing the soul of the Filipino and emasculating him, making him timid, meek and weak. Positive, because, it contributes to peace of mind and lack of stress by not even trying to achieve. Ningas-cogon (procrastination) Negative, by all standards, because it begins ardently and dies down as soon as it begins. This trait renders one inactive and unable to initiate things or to persevere. Positive, in a way, because it makes a person non-chalant, detached, indifferent, nonplussed should anything go wrong, and hence conducive to peace and tranquillity. Pakikisama (group loyalty) Negative, because one closes one’s eyes to evils like graft and corruption in order to conserve peace and harmony in a group at the expense of one’s comfort. Positive, because one lives for others; peace or lack of dissension is a constant goal. Patigasan (test of strength) Negative, because it is stubborn and resists all efforts at reconciliation. The trait makes us childish, vindictive, irresponsible, irrational. Actions resulting from this trait are leaving the phone off the hook to get even with one’s party line; stopping the engine of the car to prove that one has the right of way; standing one’s ground until the opposite party loses its patience. Positive, because it is assign that we know our rights and are not easily cowed into submission. It is occidental in spirit, hence in keeping with Nietzsche’s â€Å"will to power.† Bahala na (resignation) Negative, because one leaves everything to chance under the pretext of trusting in Divine providence. This trait is really laziness disguised in religious garb. Positive, because one relies on a superior power rather than on one’s own. It is conducive to humility, modesty, and lack of arrogance. Filipino Traits Kasi (because, i. e., scapegoat) Negative, because one disowns responsibility and makes a scapegoat out of someone or something. One is never to blame; one remains lily white and has a ready alibi for failure. Positive, because one can see both sides of the picture and know exactly where a project failed. One will never suffer from guilt or self-recrimination. Saving Face Negative, because, being closely related to hiya and kasi, it enables a person to shirk responsibility. One is never accountable for anything. Positive, because one’s psyche is saved from undue embarrassment, sleepless nights, remorse of conscience. It saves one from accountability or responsibility. This trait enables one to make a graceful exit from guilt instead of facing the music and owning responsibility for an offense. Sakop (inclusion) Negative, because one never learns to be on one’s own but relies on one’s family and relatives. This trait stunts growth and prevents a person from growing on one’s own. Generating a life of parasitism, this trait is very non-existential. Blaring music, loud tones are a result of this mentality. We wrongly think that all people like the music we play or the stories we tell. This mentality also makes us consider the world as one vast comfort room. Positive, because one cares for the family and clan; one stands or falls with them. This trait makes a person show concern for the family to which he belongs. Maà ±ana or â€Å"Bukas na† (procrastination) Negative, because one constantly postpones action and accomplishes nothing. This aggravates a situation, a problem grows beyond correction, a leak or a small break becomes a gaping hole. This arises from an indolent mentality that a problem will go away by itself. Positive, because one is without stress and tension; one learns to take what comes naturally. Like the Chinese wu-wei, this trait makes one live naturally and without undue artificiality. THE IMPORTANCE OF READING The importance of reading to children cannot be over emphasized. It is also a great way to focus on the family. With that in mind, â€Å"Little Ones Reading Resource† is dedicated to every child and every family out there and to educating us â€Å"big† people about the importance of reading to children and its role in child development. Every child deserves to have a good book read to her. Every child deserves to have good books he can call his very own, stored on his very own book shelf where he can pull them out and â€Å"read† them any time he wants. The importance of reading to children is significant in child development, and reading books to little ones at an early age is essential. In fact, reading childrens stories aloud is one of the most important activities we, as parents, grandparents, teachers, and care-givers, can do for our kids. The importance of reading to children plays out in a myraid of developmental, emotional, and learning issues from bonding and security . . . to learning to read . . . to future success. The best part about reading childrens stories to our little ones is that we can ALL do it! We don’t have to be experts, or rocket scientists, or teachers, or even millionaires to experience the joys of snuggling up with our little ones and enjoying a special story. There is SO MUCH more to reading books to a baby, toddler, preschooler, and school-age child than meets the eye. Isn’t it great to know that something so simple can make such a difference? All children should have good books of their very own, as it is truly a fantastic way to encourage reading. However, we don’t have to think of material things when we think of gifts. The greatest gift we can give our children is the gift of OURSELVES — our time, our talents, our prayers, our thoughts of kindness, and our acts of love and compassion. Any day is a good day to step forward and offer the gift of yourself by reading a book to your little ones! Please come on in and look around and learn about the i mportance of reading to children . . . and let’s start reading together today!