It's crucial to address the issues related to the White Savior Complex and gatekeeping in the context of preserving Philippine mythology. The preservation of cultural heritage, including mythology, is a significant aspect of maintaining a strong cultural identity. However, when individuals from outside the culture impose their interpretations or attempt to control the narrative, it can lead to harmful consequences. These do not include true anthropologist who have learned and educated and immerse themselve in the vast languages of the Philippines thus have a deeper understading of the symbolic truth of the stories.
What is mythology?
Mythology refers to a collection of traditional stories, beliefs, legends, and narratives that are passed down through generations within a particular culture or community. These stories often involve gods, supernatural beings, heroes, and symbolic elements that explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, customs, rituals, and moral values. Mythology serves as a cultural framework, providing people with a sense of identity, purpose, and understanding of the world around them.
Mythological narratives are not purely factual or historical accounts; instead, they are symbolic representations that convey deeper truths about the human condition, the cosmos, and the relationship between individuals and the divine or supernatural realm. These stories are typically transmitted orally or through various forms of artistic expression such as literature, art, music, and dance.
Harmful Aspects of White Savior Complex in Mythology Preservation:
Imbalance of Power:
THEIR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY
- The White Savior Complex reinforces power dynamics, suggesting that outsiders have superior knowledge and skills, undermining the agency and capabilities of the local community in preserving their own cultural heritage. There are a lot of talented and hard working, devoted scholars that are Filipinos, who speak are in and out of the Philippines, the unsung heroes. Some white foreigners with Websites and blogs about Philippine mythology even try to intimidate, shame and harass young indivuals with small blogs if the post dont align with the naratives they want.
MYTHOLOGY NOT HISTORY
-Foreign casual observers often tend to misinterpret Philippine mythology by erroneously perceiving it as historical fact, treating stories and accounts as literal occurrences. What they overlook is the fundamental distinction between mythology and history. While Philippine mythology may contain elements that echo fragments of reality, it is imperative to recognize that its essence is symbolic, not to be construed literally. Regrettably, foreigners often conflate mythology with history, failing to grasp the metaphorical nature inherent in these narratives.
FOREIGNERS FAIL TO COMPREHEND ORAL MYTHOLOGY
Due to different cultures and world view most casual foreign obserevers don't understand why some stories are similar. All the stories and myths in the Philippines are connected because they all come from the same group of islands. People talk to each other, share ideas, culture, and words, and that's how these stories get passed down from one generation to the next.
FOREIGN DOMINON OVER LOCAL LORES
Foreigners who struggle to comprehend the non-linear narratives and verbally transmitted stories of Philippine mythology often impose their own European-centric interpretations of myths and stories.Great example of this is White foreigners who want to monetize and control content online .This tendency reaches the. extent where they frequently disregard local voices and narratives that do not align with their pre-existing worldviews.
Profiteering and Exploitation:
RE-SELLING FILIPINO MYTHOLOGY PACKAGED IN WHITE BRANDING
- When individuals from outside the culture exploit the narratives for personal gain, it can lead to the commodification of cultural elements. This not only reduces the richness of the culture but also perpetuates economic disparities. Some individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, may engage in cultural appropriation by adopting elements of Filipino culture for personal gain. This can be seen as insensitive or disrespectful, especially when done for the sole purpose of attracting attention, Selling merchandise gaining fame and profit. It's better to support the locals and independent Filipinos.
Divisiveness and Competition:
Pitting Filipinos againts Each other
- Pitting Filipinos against each other by creating a competitive environment for storytelling can lead to internal conflicts. This undermines the unity and collaboration needed for authentic cultural preservation. Killing new stories and mythologies in the process. Some white foreigners with Websites and blogs about Philippine mythology even try to intimidate, shame and harass young indivuals with small blogs if the post dont align with the fixed and stagnant naratives they want. Some even brainwash their Filipino followers to bash one another.
Foreigners struggling with the non-linear narratives of Philippine mythology sometimes impose their European-centric perspectives on these stories, dismissing local voices that don't match their beliefs. Additionally, the monetization and control of online content contribute to Filipinos fighting each other, diverting attention from the mythological and non-factual nature of these stories.
Why Outsiders Should Avoid Imposing Interpretations and gatekeeping:
Beyond Eurocentric Gaze:
- Eurocentric interpretations can overlook the unique nuances and cultural context of Philippine mythology. Acknowledging indigenous perspectives and influences is essential for a more accurate understanding of the narratives.Some foreigners push their Eurocentric and foreign ideas and Western world views into the stories of Filipinos. Western people has this obession with fixed narratives, not realizing people in the Philippines still worship the old gods, Tribes still exist that pass down their stories orally through prayers, rituals and epic chants.
Linguistic and Cultural Misinterpretation:
- Language and cultural barriers can result in misinterpretations. Outsiders may unintentionally distort the meaning of myths when viewed through a Western lens, missing the depth and richness embedded in indigenous languages.
Foreigners who find it hard to grasp the non-linear stories of Philippine mythology often impose their European-centric views on these myths. This leads them to dismiss local voices and stories that don't align with their own beliefs.
Static vs. Dynamic Nature of Myths:
- Recognizing the dynamic nature of Philippine mythology is crucial. Attempts to freeze these narratives in rigid frameworks, as seen in Western mythologies, hinder the organic growth inherent in the living tradition of oral storytelling. Stories and myths can only be Recorded not frozen. One story can have many different version because like the languages in the Philippines the stories evolve depending on the region and language it is translated and transfered to. In contemporary Philippines in the remote areas, tribes in the Philippines still worship most of the gods,goddesses and spirits, practcing animism to this day along with it passing their mythology orally to their kin and people around them.
Empowering Local Voices and Preserving Identity:
Community Involvement:
- Local communities should be actively involved in the preservation of their own mythology. This ensures that the narratives remain authentic and reflective of the lived experiences and perspectives of the Filipino people.
Cross-Cultural Exchange:
- Instead of imposing interpretations, there should be a focus on fostering genuine collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. This allows for a more inclusive representation of Philippine mythology on a global scale.
Supporting Indigenous Scholars and modern stories
- Recognizing and supporting Filipino scholars and storytellers ensures that the preservation efforts are led by those who intimately understand the cultural nuances and can communicate the richness of the mythology authentically. Support young contemporary works by young indiduals and indie artist who try make comics, poems, books about Philippine mythology
Mindful Social Media Use:
- Social media users, regardless of nationality, should be mindful of their impact and influence. Responsible use of social media involves promoting positive content and avoiding exploitation or manipulation. Supporting Filipino scholars and storytellers instead of pitting them againts one another. Stories, legends and mythology specifically the Philippine mythology is meant to be shared not appropriated.
The preservation of Philippine mythology is best achieved through collaboration, respect for local agency, and a commitment to understanding and embracing the dynamic nature of the culture. Foreingners should understand that the Mythology in the Philippines is still alive and can not be frozen. only recorded. Outsiders can contribute positively by supporting, listening to, and learning from the local community rather than imposing their own perspectives. it is crucial not to be a ''white savior''. Look at the Philippines in the SouthEast asian perspective a process with cultural sensitivity and a recognition of the dynamic nature of folklore. Foreigners should embrace and respect the diversity of Philippine mythology, avoiding any attempts to gatekeep or freeze its narratives.
Reminder
Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.
Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.
Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.
Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.
The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.
Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.
