Culture refers to all manner of human actions and behavior that are learned. Contrary to biology, culture is something humans have that, in the main, makes them human. Language, for instance, is largely associated with culture.
However, something like politics is not so readily associated with culture. But then there is the matter of political culture, which refers to those patterns of beliefs and orientations towards politics and political artifacts that a group of people holds. From our forum, we are left with the impression that in order to have a better polity, we must continuously engage in and learn from activities of the political system and try to realize daily those small acts of “patriotism” that would shape a better Philippine society — we need to mould a better political culture.
In a forum held at DLSU-Manila, the idea of Patriotism was re-explored and the kind of political leadership and system that the country has was problematized. The forum therefore raised issues that are central to creating a meaningful political culture in this country as our speakers, in effect, addressed these key questions: 1) What is the best form government or system of governance for this country? 2) What kind of leadership is necessary to maintain such a polity? 3) What is Patriotism or what kind of attitude must citizens have toward their nation and the state?
One of the speaker’s ambivalence towards participating in the upcoming 2010 elections was tempered by his view that, in the final analysis, we need to engage the political process simply because we learn precisely from such engagements and his belief that Patriotism (love for one’s native land, the Patria) can be expressed in many ways, from envisioning a better nation to doing small acts of kindness towards ones fellow Filipinos.
The other speaker hinted that there may be a more appropriate form of governance for this country as well as a correpondingly appropriate leadership style. From his theoretical explorations, one is asked to consider that a more culturally sensitive study of Philippine history and politics may be needed. To illustrate, what we may need in this country are not just a “Bayani” (hero) but groups of “Bagani” (hero-warriors) who are ready to collectively push a national agenda for reform.
All things considered, we ask the youth to further their engagements in the political system. Indeed, from our youth, our people, can come more Bagani — courageous, idealistic and vibrant political actors who have truly learned from their experiences that elections are but one of the many forms of political participation that there are, and that what we Filipinos really, truly need to do is to participate more in political processes in between these political fiestas called “Presidential Elections.” We do not need less politics in this country. We need more.
We need to shape a more meaningful political culture so, yes, let us vote. Let us learn more about our polity by going through that political exercise. But let us do more beyond 2010. Let us be Bagani ng Bayan. (A Bagani Party anyone?)
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Posted by: Mr. Justin See, student of Development Studies and Business Management in De La Salle University.
ReplyDeleteWith the 2010 Elections quickly approaching, I agree to this "Bagani" (hero-warrior) kind of political culture which Filipinos especially the youth must have. It is really needed now more than ever to influence the youth to actively participate on affairs of the state.
In relation to this, a talk last March 27, 2009 about Youth Empowerment in the 2010 Elections held in DLSU-Manila, talked about the youth's importance and participation in electing the next leaders of this country.
According to one of the speakers, Mr. Harvey Keh, the youth should first make sure that they be able to register before the deadline which is around October this year. They should also join the "Kaya Natin To!" Movement which is a movement for genuine change and ethical leadership. Kaya Natin! aims to be able to help elect effective and ethical leaders in the Philippines this coming 2010 Elections.
In addition to this, Mr. Keh also stressed out to us that the youth should change their old ways like partying and going out. Instead of uploading pictures of us having good time, we must instead make sure that we advocate for change in the political system of this country. We must be present in the 2010 election in polling stations to cast our votes, volunteer to count, and try to safeguard the ballots.
The youth's participation is indeed very important in the kind of political culture we will have after the 2010 elections. The hero-warrior mindset must be instilled in the youth so that the next leaders of this country would be effective and ethical and right for their respective positions.
It's funny how people throw away our patriotism especially this generation of teenagers who are in the high school and college levels. Go to any internet cafe and you will see young teens and some young adults who are playing online games and looking at social websites like friendster, multiply, and even a facebook.
ReplyDeleteI am not saying that this is wrong but I want to emphasize that the times are changing and we have to do something about it as most teenagers today have lost that "spark" called patriotism.
I could see that there are individuals who are still nationalistic as I read through websites like this and i find the issues interesting. I would say that if one loves his country so much, he would do something to make things better out of selflessness.
There are a number of ways to show ones patriotism and one of them is through the means of advocacy and I cannot stress enough that in this turbulent and confused society that we have right now is a product of outside influences that diluted our sense of patriotism. We spend time that we find worthy of our time or to entertain us like games and social sites but should we care for our country's dilemma? We should. If we do not love our country and try to make a change, we can forget our very existence as citizens as we couldnt care less of what will happen to our country. Like they say, regret is always at the end. Vote wisely. Time is irreversible. We must be active participants not passive recipients.
I was dumbfounded after reading this article-- it is true in so many ways. I am not a Filipino, but a Korean. Sad to say, I'm not a nationalistic person. I rarely find myself reading or watching news about Korean Politics, much less Philippine Politics. Come to think of it, people like me are not difficult to come across. The present-day teenagers and young adults seldom show interest in politics. This may not sound like big news for some people, but it’s a major problem that needs to be considered. What will happen to the future if nobody cares about politics? Though we sometimes live as if Politics is something to be less cared about, that idea is entirely false. After saying all that, I find myself in a gloomy situation. They say it’s never too late to start doing something, but I might as well be (late).
ReplyDeleteJin Hwa Choi [DLSU POLISCI C33]
People expecially the youth should be aware of how our country's status now. Different distractions tend to divert the attention of the things that really matter like politics. It is important to know what is happening in our country.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Shi ong [DLSU CBE POLISCI C33]
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere are alot of news about politics, politicians and what is happeneing in the country. However, it saddens me to find out that most people aren't really interested on those. Usually, teenagers nowadays are more into internet games rather than reading the new online. It seems that the youth is more into fantasies than the reality. It is more familiar for us to visit multiply and facebook and put comments on the new photos posted rather than putting comments on the political issues. I wonder how many teenagers nowadays would even at least dare to check what is going on in this world. Many people are becoming indifferent with what is happening in their country. Sometimes, I think that people's apathy over politics may be a reason for the officials in the government to be corrupt.
ReplyDeleteDa Eun K. Lee (CBE)
C33 POLISCI(DLSU)
I definitely agree because patriotism is the value Filipinos less have. It greatly shows even in the malls we always buy imported goodies admit it we love it. The fact is those imported "kuno" products are made here in the Philippines sometimes in china the reason is it cheaper here and when the signatures are attach the magic appears.
ReplyDeleteWe are Filipinos and we must love our country.
The thought being raised about having a sense of responsibility as to the political culture in every Filipino is indeed ideal. Involving one's self in the voting, immersing yourself in the daily news, being aware of the current political trends in society are great ways of growing in this aspect.
ReplyDeleteHowever, without the "Bagani", this will forever be a dream. If you ask any aspiring politician on corruption, the answer is simple, IT IS GLOBAL. No one person can change the world rather but start a glimmer of hope for people to start realizing the power in each individual and from these individuals can arise the Bagani who now have more chances of changing the world. But until everyone is ignorant or scared to hear and face the reality of life, then nothing changes.
The message is simple, open your eyes and those around you as well. Face the facts and despite whatever hardships, STAND UP and BE THE LEADER OR LEADERS the world is in dire need of.
Darlene Co POLISCI C33
Jose Rizal once said that the youth are the future of the nation and he may be right so we must take action for our country to have a better government that would lead us to development. One thing that we can do is to participate in the upcoming 2010 elections. We would be the key for our country to be headed by great people and that will be possible by voting the right person to lead us. Also, we could be the leaders,who would govern this country for its betterment. If we really want to have a better government,let's not just sit around and just watch what's happening to our country. We can contribute a lot for our country.
ReplyDeleteJan Bernard F. Lejano CBE MMG POLISCI C37