Modern storytelling helps bridge the gap between old and new generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage. By incorporating elements of old cultures into contemporary narratives, the stories become more relatable and accessible to younger audiences, fostering a sense of connection with their roots.
Modern storytelling in the Philippines is crucial for several reasons when it comes to remembering the old gods and creatures of Philippine mythology. Here are some key points:
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Modern storytelling serves as a means to preserve and pass on the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. By incorporating ancient myths and folklore into contemporary narratives, these stories remain relevant and are more likely to be remembered and cherished by younger generations.
Connection to Identity: Philippine mythology is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the Filipino people. Modern storytelling helps maintain a strong connection to these cultural roots, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among the population.
Educational Value: Incorporating mythology into modern storytelling provides an educational platform for people both within and outside the Philippines. It helps raise awareness about the country's unique folklore, promoting a better understanding of its history, beliefs, and traditions.
Adaptation to Contemporary Issues: Modern storytelling allows for the adaptation of myths and legends to address contemporary issues. By doing so, these stories can remain relevant to current societal concerns, making them more relatable and impactful for today's audience.
Preservation of Oral Tradition: The oral tradition has been a significant part of Philippine culture, with stories being passed down from generation to generation. Modern storytelling, whether through written mediums, film, or other forms of media, helps to preserve this oral tradition in a format that can reach a broader audience.
Foreigner Understanding and Appreciation: Opening up Philippine mythology to a global audience fosters cross-cultural understanding. It allows foreigners to appreciate the richness of Filipino folklore, promoting a more inclusive and diverse representation of world mythologies.
Concerns arise when foreigners attempt to gatekeep or freeze the narratives of Philippine mythology. It's essential to recognize that cultures are dynamic and constantly evolving. Here are reasons why outsiders should avoid imposing their interpretations:
Beyond the Eurocentric Gaze:
Foreign perspectives on Philippine mythology often fall prey to Eurocentric interpretations, missing the unique cultural and linguistic nuances. Rather than approaching these myths through a European lens, a more illuminating exploration involves recognizing the indigenous perspectives and influences that have shaped these narratives over centuries. with excemption to foreign Anthropologist (who have studied and learned can speak and fully comprehend the language).
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century brought about a profound clash of cultures, with the Spaniards imposing their religious beliefs on the indigenous people, branding their ancient gods, particularly the diwata, as demons (Demonios). Explores how the rich and diverse pre-colonial culture of the Philippines was stigmatized, leading to the enslavement and brainwashing of the local population, and how this historical narrative continues to influence perceptions in the modern era. In modern days foreigners who gatekeep and try to pit Filipinos againts each other about the gods and other mythologies.Reminiscent to the Spanish destruction and death to the old gods.
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.
Linguistic and Cultural Misinterpretation:
Foreigners, casual observers, may inadvertently misinterpret and distort Philippine mythology due to linguistic and cultural barriers. The nuanced meanings embedded in myths, carried through indigenous languages, often elude translation into Eurocentric frameworks. As outsiders attempt to understand and categorize these narratives through a Western lens, the depth and richness of the myths may be lost, resulting in a skewed representation that fails to capture the essence of the living tradition.
Static vs. Dynamic Nature of Myths:
The Mythology of the Philippines is a living one, evolving and orally passed down and reshaped along the way as it was in ancient times to this day. unlike the Dead myhtology in most Western and European countries.The contrast between the dynamic nature of Philippine mythology and the static representations often found in Western mythologies is evident. Foreign perspectives, shaped by exposure to fixed narratives, may struggle to grasp the evolving nature of myths transmitted orally. Attempts to freeze these narratives in rigid frameworks stifle the organic growth inherent in the living tradition. The constant transformation of stories is a result of the diverse languages and people, unlike in Europe or Western countries where mythology is considered dead.
Cultural Sensitivity: Outsiders may not fully grasp the cultural nuances, contexts, and sensitivities embedded in Philippine mythology. Attempting to freeze or control the narratives could lead to misinterpretations and cultural appropriation.
Diverse Perspectives: Philippine mythology is not a monolithic entity. Different regions and communities may have unique variations of myths and stories. Allowing for diverse perspectives and interpretations ensures a more accurate representation of the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore.
Living Tradition: Mythologies are living traditions that continue to evolve. Local communities may reinterpret or adapt stories based on their contemporary needs and understanding. Foreign gatekeeping may hinder this natural evolution.
Empowerment of Local Voices: Allowing local storytellers, artists, and communities to shape and share their own narratives empowers them to take ownership of their cultural heritage. Outsiders should support and amplify local voices rather than imposing external perspectives
What is MYTHOLOGY ?
.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.
A mythology is a collection of myths or stories about a specific person, culture, religion, or any group with shared beliefs. Most people don’t consider mythology to be entirely true, but they still take it seriously.
Ang mitolohiya ay isang halos magkakabit-kabit na kumpol ng mga tradisyonal na kuwento o mito (Ingles: myth), mga kwento na binubuo ng isang partikular na relihiyon o paniniwala. Karaniwang tinatalakay ng mga kwentong mito ang mga diyos at nagbibigay ng mga paliwanag hinggil sa mga likas na kaganapan. Halimbawa na ang kung paano nagkaroon ng hangin o mga karagatan. May kaugnayan ang mitolohiya sa alamat at kwentong-bayan.
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.
IMPORTANCE OF MYTHOLOGY BACK THEN UP TO NOW
Explanatory Nature: Myths often serve as narratives that explain the world, its origins, and various natural phenomena. They provide a cultural framework for understanding the complexities of the universe, human existence, and the relationships between the divine and the mortal.
Symbolic Representation: Myths are deeply symbolic, using characters, events, and motifs to represent abstract ideas, moral lessons, and cultural values. They offer a rich tapestry of symbols that convey meaning and wisdom, often transcending literal interpretations.
Relevance Across Time: Despite the passage of time, myths remain relevant because they address universal themes and fundamental aspects of the human experience. Themes like love, death, creation, and morality are timeless and resonate across generations.
Timeless Questions: Myths explore and attempt to answer timeless questions about the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the origins of the cosmos. They provide a cultural and philosophical foundation for grappling with these profound inquiries.
Guidance for Each Generation: Myths serve as a compass, offering guidance and moral lessons to each generation. The archetypal characters and their journeys provide a framework for understanding challenges, making choices, and navigating the complexities of life.
Cultural Continuity: Myths contribute to the continuity of culture by transmitting core beliefs, values, and traditions from one generation to the next. They are a vital part of oral traditions and storytelling practices that help maintain cultural cohesion.
Adaptability: Myths are adaptable and can be reinterpreted in different contexts. As societies evolve, myths can be reframed to address contemporary issues, making them a dynamic and living part of cultural expression.
Psychological and Emotional Resonance: Myths often tap into deep-seated psychological and emotional aspects of the human psyche. They resonate with individuals on a personal level, providing a sense of connection to broader human experiences and archetypal patterns
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Cultural Diversity: Different cultures worldwide have their own rich mythological traditions, showcasing the diversity of human thought and imagination. Exploring various mythologies allows for a better understanding of different cultural perspectives.
Harmful Aspects of White Savior Complex in Mythology Preservation:
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.
Imbalance of Power:
-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 the Philippines, the unsung heroes.
Profiteering and Exploitation:
- 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, Foreingers Selling merchandise gaining fame and profit. It's better to support the locals and independent Filipinos.
Divisiveness and Competition:
- 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
Why Outsiders Should Avoid Imposing Interpretations and gatekeeping:
Beyond Eurocentric Gaze, Linguistic and Cultural Misinterpretation:
- 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.
- 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.
REMINDER
The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners and foreign products. 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 in and out of the Philippines.
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