The Double-Edged Sword: How Foreign Perspectives and Social Media Exploitation Threaten the Living Mythology of the Philippines
The mythology of the Philippines is as rich and coveted as its mineral rich archipelago, intricately woven into the cultural fabric of the archipelago, faces a contemporary threat that emanates from both foreign perspectives and the exploitative nature of social media. Dwell into the potential distortion and erosion of the living mythology caused by gatekeeping and the imposition of Eurocentric viewpoints. Furthermore, the dark side of social media influence, where foreigners exploit Filipinos, pitting them against each other for recognition and clout. Reviving the same tactics used by the Spanish in old times to divide and conquer. Monopolize and shape Philiipines culture to benefit their own.
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.
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.
Several reasons contribute to the dynamic nature of mythology, causing it to change through time:
Cultural Evolution: Cultures evolve over time due to factors such as technological advancements, social changes, and interactions with other cultures. As societies transform, so do their myths to reflect new beliefs, values, and concerns.
Adaptation to Societal Needs: Mythology often adapts to address the needs of a society. New myths may emerge to explain contemporary challenges, ethical dilemmas, or significant events, providing guidance and meaning for the community.
Political and Religious Influences: Changes in political structures or religious beliefs can influence the interpretation and emphasis of certain myths. Rulers or religious leaders may promote specific narratives that align with their ideologies or agendas.
Interactions Between Cultures: Cultural exchange and contact with other societies can lead to the integration or transformation of myths. Elements from different cultures may be blended to create new mythological stories or reinterpret existing ones.
Oral Tradition and Interpretation: In oral cultures, where stories are transmitted verbally, each storyteller may add their own nuances or interpretations, contributing to variations in the myth over time. Additionally, written versions of myths may be subject to reinterpretation or embellishment.
Symbolic Nature: Myths are symbolic in nature, allowing for multiple interpretations. Different generations or communities may find new meanings in the same myth, adapting it to address their unique circumstances and perspectives.
Cultural Amnesia and Revival: Some myths may fade from memory over time, while others experience revival or reinterpretation. Rediscovering or reimagining ancient myths can provide contemporary relevance and resonance.
TRYING KILLING THE LIVING MYTHOLOGY
The Living Mythology Threatened by Eurocentric Imposition?
The Philippines boasts a mythology that is not only rich but also alive, continuously evolving as it is orally passed down through generations. The diversity of languages and people contributes to the myriad versions of stories. However, the imposition of Eurocentric perspectives, reminiscent of historical colonial forces, poses a significant threat. Eurocentrism, rooted in Western thinking, may lead to a reductionist interpretation, overlooking the cultural nuances that distinguish Filipino myths. This risks eroding the authenticity of the narratives, perpetuating a cycle akin to historical colonization.
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.
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.
Gatekeeping and Cultural Hegemony:
Gatekeeping, intentional or not, occurs when individuals or institutions control access to and interpretation of cultural knowledge. The imposition of Eurocentric gatekeeping in the study and dissemination of Philippine mythology perpetuates a cultural hegemony that marginalizes indigenous voices. This exclusionary approach hampers the preservation of the living tradition and stifles the authenticity of the narratives, echoing historical parallels with Spanish colonization.
Social Media Exploitation: Pitting Filipinos Against Each Other:
Social Media Exploitation: Likes and Followers as Modern Power.In an era dominated by social media, the pursuit of followers, likes, and online clout has become a potent force shaping individual and collective behavior. Unfortunately, this pursuit opens the door for exploitation, particularly by foreigners from economically developed countries. Exploitation occurs as foreigners leverage economic disparities, cultural appropriation, and the illusion of social media friendships to pit Filipinos against each other for recognition. Followers are power, Social media Influence is power, it's sad that many Filipino still do white worshipping at this day and age.
In the old times the Spanish decolonized and destroyed most of the pre exisiting culture of the philippine archipelago. pitting the Filipinos againts one another. turned the gods into demons, turned encanted creatures into monsters. All for economic and political gain. This is happening again via social media to this day.
Cultural Appropriation and Sensationalism:
Mythology is meant to be shared not appropriated. Some foreigners resort to cultural appropriation and sensationalism to garner attention. Exploiting Filipino customs, traditions, or poverty for shock value contributes to a skewed representation, capitalizing on stereotypes and exaggerating cultural differences.
The Illusion of Social Media Friendships:
Foreigners exploit the desire for connection and friendship among Filipinos, portraying themselves as approachable. These online friendships, often transactional, benefit foreigners through increased visibility and engagement. Clout for likes and shares, selling things online to jump into some band wagon with Philippine mythology as its click bait topic.
Exacerbating Inequality and Monetizing Local Trends:
Social media dominance, foreigners exploit economic disparities, cultural appropriation, and the pursuit of online clout to pit Filipinos against each other on comments and forums about Philippine mythology and culutre. This exploitation mirrors historical tactics used by the Spanish to divide and conquer, turning gods into demons and mythological creatures into monsters.
The intersection of Eurocentric perspectives, gatekeeping, and social media exploitation poses a severe threat to the preservation of the living mythology of the Philippines. Recognizing these challenges is crucial for fostering a discerning online community. Through digital literacy, Filipinos can navigate social media with heightened awareness, protecting the authenticity of their cultural heritage and working towards a more equitable online environment.
In essence, mythology is a dynamic cultural phenomenon that evolves alongside the societies that create and perpetuate it. Its adaptive nature allows it to remain a relevant and influential aspect of human culture, providing a lens through which individuals can understand their past, present, and future.
In the old times the Spanish decolonized and destroyed most of the pre exisiting culture of the philippine archipelago. pit the filipino againts one another. turned the gods into demons, turned encanted creatures into monsters. All for economic and political gain. This is happening again via social media, Likes and Followers is power and influence for personal, economic and ego boosting gains. Stories though Threatened not be killed, they will live on.
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.
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