ARE FOREIGNERS BETTER IN TELLING PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY????

 In the Philippine when it comes to Philippine mythology, foreign perspective reigns supreme,sadly this is the reality. The local voices that orally passed down the living mythology are set aside giving way to the perception that White foreigners are better in telling Philippine mythology

The perception that Filipinos may believe foreigners more than their fellow Filipinos, especially in matters related to their own mythology, can be viewed as ironic for several reasons:

1. Colonial Legacy:

   • The Philippines has a history of colonization by various foreign powers, including Spain and the United States. The influence of colonial education and cultural assimilation has left a lasting impact on the mindset of some Filipinos. This historical context may contribute to a predisposition to value foreign perspectives over local ones.

2. Cultural Hegemony:

   • The idea of cultural superiority or hegemony, where certain cultures are considered more advanced or authoritative, can lead to the perception that foreign perspectives are more credible. This may result in a subconscious bias favoring foreign opinions, even in areas where local expertise and knowledge exist.

3. Educational System:

   • The educational system in the Philippines has historically been influenced by Western models, and curricula often prioritize Eurocentric perspectives. This can create a perception that foreign knowledge is more legitimate or superior, leading to a preference for foreign sources over local ones.

4. Language and Media Influence:

   • The dominance of English as a language of instruction and the prevalence of Western media can contribute to the perception that foreign information is more reliable. Foreign ideas and perspectives often reach Filipinos through media channels, which may inadvertently reinforce the notion of foreign credibility.

5. Globalization and Modernization:

   • As the Philippines becomes more interconnected with the global community, there may be a tendency to associate modernization and progress with foreign ideas. This can create a subconscious bias toward foreign perspectives, even in areas deeply rooted in local culture, such as mythology.

6. Internalized Stereotypes:

   • Some Filipinos may internalize stereotypes or biases against their own culture, leading to a lack of confidence in local narratives and beliefs. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as cultural cringe, where individuals devalue their own cultural heritage.

It is essential to recognize that these dynamics are complex and multifaceted, and not all Filipinos share the same perspectives. Many Filipinos take pride in their cultural heritage, value local knowledge, and actively work to preserve and promote their traditions, including mythology. Addressing the irony of favoring foreign beliefs over local ones may involve efforts to strengthen cultural pride, promote indigenous knowledge, and challenge ingrained biases influenced by historical and cultural factors.

MYTHOLOGY NOT HISTORY

mythology involves traditional stories that may include fantastical elements and cultural explanations, while history is the study of past events based on factual evidence and strives to provide an accurate and objective account of what happened in the past.

Mythology:

• Nature: Mythology consists of traditional stories, legends, and beliefs passed down through generations. It often includes fantastical elements, gods, goddesses, and supernatural events.
• Purpose: Myths serve to explain the unknown, convey cultural values, and provide a framework for understanding the world. They may not always be grounded in historical facts and can vary across cultures.

History:

• Nature: History is the study of past events based on evidence, documents, and records. It aims to provide an accurate account of what happened in the past.
• Purpose: History seeks to chronicle and interpret actual events, often supported by archaeological findings, written records, and other tangible evidence. It focuses on factual information and aims to provide a reliable account of the past.

The fluid nature of Philippine mythology, as well as the challenges foreigners may face in understanding its dynamic quality, can be attributed to several factors:

1. Oral Tradition and Adaptability:

   • Philippine mythology has primarily been transmitted orally, allowing for flexibility and adaptability over time. As stories are passed down through generations, different regions, communities, and storytellers may introduce variations and adaptations, leading to a lack of a fixed narrative.

2. Cultural Diversity:

   • The Philippines is a country with a diverse cultural landscape, encompassing various ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. Different regions may have their own versions of myths, each influenced by local customs, languages, and historical experiences. This diversity contributes to the dynamic nature of the mythology.

3. Influence of External Factors:

   • Historical events, colonial influences, and interactions with other cultures have shaped Philippine mythology. Foreign influences, such as those from Chinese, Malay, Spanish, and American cultures, have left imprints on the stories, contributing to their evolution over time.

4. Individual Storytellers and Interpretations:

   • The oral transmission of myths involves individual storytellers who may infuse their own interpretations, perspectives, and experiences into the narratives. As a result, the same myth may be presented differently by different storytellers, adding layers of complexity and diversity to the stories.

5. Fluidity of Belief Systems:

   • Indigenous belief systems in the Philippines often exhibit a syncretic nature, blending indigenous animism with later influences from colonial religions. This blending of belief systems has contributed to the adaptability and evolution of myths as they are integrated into evolving cultural and religious frameworks.

6. Reliance on Context and Cultural Nuances:

   • Understanding Philippine mythology requires familiarity with the local context, cultural nuances, and the social dynamics of specific communities. Foreigners may struggle to grasp the intricacies of these elements, leading to potential misunderstandings or oversimplifications of the mythology.

7. Lack of Written Records:

• The absence of widespread written records for many indigenous Philippine cultures has contributed to the reliance on oral traditions. This lack of a centralized written repository makes it challenging for foreigners to access and comprehend the full spectrum of the mythology.
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8. The notion that the Westernized(Foreign) way of thinking attempts to freeze narratives in Philippine mythology may stem from several factors. Cultural perspectives and approaches to mythology can vary widely within any given society, and not all Westernized perspectives treat mythology in a static manner. However, let's explore some possible reasons:

Cultural Differences:

• Western cultures often have a strong tradition of written documentation and formalized storytelling. This might lead to a perception that myths should be recorded and preserved in a specific, unchanging form.
• Some Western cultures may have a historical tendency to categorize and compartmentalize information, which could influence how they interpret and understand foreign mythologies.

1. Academic and Artistic Perspectives:

   • Academic study of mythology in the West has often involved attempts to analyze, categorize, and document myths. This can sometimes be interpreted as an effort to freeze or solidify the narratives, rather than recognizing their fluid and evolving nature.
   • Artistic representations, including literature and film, may also contribute to freezing certain aspects of mythology. These representations can be influential in shaping popular perceptions and interpretations.

2. Cultural Appropriation Concerns:

   • There may be instances where Western perspectives, unintentionally or otherwise, appropriate elements of Philippine mythology. This can be seen as an attempt to freeze or reshape these narratives without a deep understanding of their cultural and symbolic significance.

• Literal Interpretations vs. Symbolic Understanding:

  • Western cultures, at times, have a tendency toward literal interpretations. This could lead to missing the symbolic nature of myths, as myths are often rich in metaphor and symbolism rather than straightforward historical or factual accounts.

Foreigners may find it difficult to grasp the ever-changing nature of Philippine mythology due to these factors. Appreciating its dynamic quality requires a deep understanding of the local context, an openness to diverse interpretations, and recognition of the cultural diversity that shapes the mythology across different regions and communities. It is important to approach Philippine mythology with a sense of humility and an acknowledgment of its fluid, living nature.

It's important to note that these observations do not apply universally to all individuals or groups within Westernized cultures. Many scholars, artists, and enthusiasts within the Western world approach mythology with a nuanced understanding of its symbolic and evolving nature.

The idea that Philippine mythology is meant to be shared, not appropriated, aligns with a broader global discourse on cultural sensitivity and appreciation. Recognizing the symbolic nature of mythology and understanding that it evolves over time helps foster a more respectful and inclusive approach to diverse cultural narratives.

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.