Sympathy alone is inadequate: the Single Story of the Philippines

 

Americans generally don't know much about the Philippines. Admittedly I never knew that the country even existed until I found out that it was going to be my home for two years.

On top of our ignorance of the country and its people, the media generally perpetuate our lack of knowledge by portraying only a "single story" about the country: abject poverty and/or devastating typhoons.

 

While these are accurate and serious issues that the country battles on a daily basis, it is not the only story these people have. The problem is that media or cultural coverage of this nation only comes about in times of crisis, which has resulted in our depressingly distorted perception of Filipinos around the world.

Can you imagine struggling to achieve something while having all of your pitfalls and weaknesses broadcast to the world? Would the blow to your hope and optimism be worth the sympathy garnered in others? Now imagine that when you do accomplish your goal despite extreme odds, news of your success barely makes a ripple across the airwaves.

We're so eager to know of the trials and struggles of others less fortunate than us because it makes us feel grateful for our own circumstances, glad that we're not them. To further shame us, we're reluctant to seek out news of the success and accomplishments of others because it makes us feel jealous and guilty that we haven't achieved as much. How incredibly backwards is this aspect of our culture?

 Filipino successes and accomplishments have undoubtedly affected everyone of us, and we should be aware of a few of them:

Lea Salonga, born in Manila, Philippines, is a singer and actress and probably best known to us for playing the voices of Fah Mulan in Disney's Mulan as well as Jasmine in Aladdin. She has won dozens of awards including the Tony Award, and the Theatre World Award, and the song "A Whole new World" from Aladdin sung by her won an Oscar.

Manny Pacquiao, born Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao in Bukidnon, Philippines, is a professional boxer and politician. He was elected in 2010 and 2013 to the Philippine House of Representatives. In 2013 Manny was the 14th highest paid athlete in the world, according to Forbes. His professional boxing record stands at 56 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws. He is the first and only boxer to have won world titles in eight different weight classes. Manny is also a professional basketball player, and was the 11th draft pick as well as the shortest player in the Philippine Basketball Association.













Allan Pineda Lindo, known as apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas was born in Pampanga, Philippines, and was adopted by Joe Ben Hudgens in America at the age of 14.

On top of individuals' successes, the Philippines as a nation harbors some of the most creative people on our earth. The following pictures are all forms of public transportation and a major way in which people artistically express themselves in the Philippines. Only in the Philippines will you find vibrant Dragon Ball Z characters share the same artistic canvas as a rendition of Jesus Christ:

Focusing on only the poverty and disaster-prone aspects of the Philippines warps our perceptions of Filipinos. It discredits them as incapable of having or achieving great goals. A balanced emphasis should be given to the positive and influential aspects of their culture.