In defense of knowledge: Philippine victimhood, the sequel

Posted by JoeAm on April 9, 2015 · 338 Comments 

A recent blog by Pinoy in Europe gave me the opportunity to sit back and reflect for a change, rather than engage in the dialogue. PiE’s point was that it is time for Filipinos to set aside the notion of being victims, which is a powerless role, and aspire to take control of their lives, … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Religion

The ethics of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on April 7, 2015 · 273 Comments 

Often I overlay my observations about the Philippines with personal history, that being American, corporate, and socially liberal, touched with military, sports, travels and family. Often, I am met with the pointed point that “we do it differently here, Joe”, or its obverse, “the US is the same way.” Well, if I am here to learn … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics

Rising from victimhood

Posted by JoeAm on April 5, 2015 · 224 Comments 

  By Pinoy in Europe For many centuries, Filipinos have seen themselves as victims. As part of colonial manipulation, the Spanish friars inculcated into a formerly warrior people a spirit of passivity and glorified victimhood similar to what they were not able to teach to people in Europe anymore, which had passed from the Middle … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Politics, Religion

BBL? Yes, but peace in Mindanao will be won or lost in the mosques*

Posted by josephivo on March 11, 2015 · 216 Comments 

by josephivo More of the same results in more of the same. Six centuries of Moro factions in a struggle to keep their influence in Mindanao saw a continuous flaring up of violence. Rulers changed, violence remained. A new peace agreement between the Government and the currently most influential faction, the MILF, will not end … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government, Religion

The Philippines’ myth of sovereignty

Posted by josephivo on March 1, 2015 · 272 Comments 

by josephivo I was so fortunate to have had a very motivating history teacher in the last years of high school. Sovereignty was one of his favorite subjects. Luckily there is Wikipedia and Peter Watson’s book “Ideas” to refresh some events and concepts. Sovereignty might have a precise definition in international legislation, but the meaning changed over … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans