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 A QUESTION OF CHARACTER (a must-read for Filipinos) - From FBPForum

 â€œWe always seem to blame the government for all the failures that arise in our country. This is not to say that the government is not to be questioned for the services it provides or the rampant corruption that takes place… The root of our downfall lies in the state of our being. We should look within ourselves. What is happening right now is that for every accident or incident that occurs we tend to point our fingers to the government. It is very easy to blame others. It is difficult to blame ourselves… The problem we have lies in our character… There is too much talk about showbiz, Congress, Senate and the President. Let’s talk about uplifting our spirits. We need to redirect ourselves from talking about ISSUES to taking some ACTION at the grassroot level… It’s time to arise, stand firm in ourselves and prepare for the only revolution that will finally overcome all these… a revolution of the heart. ”
A question of character
AS A MATTER OF FACT By Sara Soliven De Guzman
Monday, November 12, 2007

We always seem to blame the government for all the failures that arise in our country. This is not to say that the government is not to be questioned for the services it provides or the rampant corruption that takes place. Sure there is a lot of work to be done and controls to be established but when all is said and done shouldn’t we also question our own character?
The root of our downfall lies in the state of our being. We should look within ourselves. What is happening right now is that for every accident or incident that occurs we tend to point our fingers to the government. It is very easy to blame others. It is difficult to blame ourselves.
The Filipino culture is so diverse and rich. We are fortunate to have such a breed coming from the influences of our Indo-Malay ancestors, Chinese, Spanish and American heritage – all blended together to produce the Filipino character. In fact, our beautiful and colorful race is the key that allows us to easily adapt to many cultures around the world.

Many Filipinos are able to work in different parts of the world because of our ability to speak English and our ability to easily learn a foreign language. We are a hardworking people and much loved because of our compassion and ability to relate with others. Filipinos, given the right environment are able to achieve great heights in their own chosen fields.

The problem we have lies in our character. “Ayoko ng away!” (I don’t like trouble) is a common exclamation. The Filipinos say “paki-usap,” a kind of “please” which really means “can we work things out?” It’s time we break this mentality or we will forever be a picture of frustration and helplessness.

Overprotective parents end up with spoiled brats. When a child fights with another child – the parents of both children end up fighting each other. What does this tell the child? Parents must help their children become independent to help themselves. Responsibility must be encouraged.

School-aged children must be taught grace and courtesy. They should be taught to follow school rules and regulations. They must be encouraged to dress appropriately. Today, many colleges allow students to wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, tattered pants and slippers in school. Is this our way of strengthening the character of the youth so they can rise up in dignity amidst all the adversities in life?

In the workplace, professionalism is expected. The problem is that even after college, the person is still not prepared to work. Many employees are too immature, they cannot even pass interviews. So we end up with countless numbers of jobless people all waiting in vain for that little luck in looking for a job. But what company would hire them? I am not talking of Manila alone. I am talking of Filipinos in general.

You talk about poverty and hunger and blame the government for this…but actually, many families suffer the extended family syndrome when parents do not push their children to get a job. Do not tell me there is not enough work available because there is work out there, we are just tamad to exert ourselves. The problem is that we want a high paying job right away. If the salary is low, we decide not to work. This is wasted opportunity on improving and refining personality, skills and experience.

Talk to the people around you (your own family, friends, co-workers even your drivers and maids) and ask them who amongst their relatives are unemployed. You will realize that many tend to be leeches – all depending on only one person who works hard to support them. Why is this happening when these dependents or leeches are capable of working?

Just the other day, I encountered a family of 10 who depended on one person to support them. When I asked why, I was told that the matriarch of the family encouraged such a setup. They were envious of their relatives who had graduated from college and got good paying jobs. I asked if these leeches were able to go to school, the response was, they did but they failed to complete their schooling not because of financial constraints but because of lack of determination and the will to improve their lives. The right values were not instilled in them when they were young so they all grew up to be pathetic and totally dependent on their elders and mind you, even after marriage, their own family expenses still come from the matriarch of the family. And now, they are depressed. Instead of helping themselves rise up against the tide and work hard to fend for themselves and their families, they sulk and blame others for their miseries. Is devotion to family exclusively a Filipino virtue and a vice? This is just an example of the many tales of Filipino (especially OFWs) families.

How can we break this vicious cycle? How can we educate our people to become independent? How can we help our people develop that work ethic that will give them DIGNITY and SELF-ESTEEM?

There is too much talk about showbiz, Congress, Senate and the President. Let’s talk about uplifting our spirits. We need to redirect ourselves from talking about ISSUES to taking some ACTION at the grassroot level. Let us talk about the plight of the farmers, the lowly fishermen and the like. The media being a very powerful tool can do wonders through radio, television and print. Enough talk of personalities. What we need is a medium to help educate and strengthen the character of the Filipino. What we need is a change of heart!

Character is an evaluation of an individual’s moral qualities. It is the sum of these qualities of moral excellence that stimulates a person to do the right thing. Character, not circumstance makes a person. When I was in college, my professor spoke about the Six Pillars of Character which I want to share with you: Trustworthiness (Be honest. Do not deceive, cheat or steal); Respect (follow the Golden Rule); Responsibility (Persevere: keep on trying! Always do your best. Be accountable for your choices); Fairness (Play by the rules. Do not blame others carelessly); Caring (Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Help people in need); and Citizenship (Do your share to make your community better. Vote. Obey laws and rules. Protect the environment).

We are a nation struggling to recover its pride. It’s time to arise, stand firm in ourselves and prepare for the only revolution that will finally overcome all these… a revolution of the heart.
 
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Fiel Angeli Espejo Araoarao – Gabin


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