Americans influence us in a lot of different ways. They influence us in terms of speech, sense of style and clothing, food we eat, the movies we watch and even how we think and decide. And for that, I can say that our minds are somewhat manipulated by the Western culture and thus, we think and act as if we were like them. Where is the modern day Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara who took their stand for the traditional way of living? Where are the people who care enough to preserve our culture and tradition?
I agree with Renato Constantino's statement in which I would quote "Education is a vital weapon of people striving for economic emancipation, political independence and cultural renascence." One must be aware of the country's problems, understand the solution and be caring and courageous enough to work and sacrifice for our country's salvation. We Filipinos must work hand in hand to achieve one goal.
In my opinion, many Pinoys want the Philippines to be an American state because for them, lying in independence could mean poverty.
Hopeless and grim as it may seem. For me, it's not just the government and the system that has problem here, it's the people and their manners plus attitude. It is also said that the most effective way of subjugating people is to capture their minds. In doing so, we are tricked into doing or being someone we are unlikely to be and some of our beliefs and stand can be swayed by such illusions of freedom to express. As long as feelings of resistance remain in the hearts of the vanquished, no conqueror is secure and as long as we are strong and sure of ourselves, we can avoid being swayed by others. The Filipinos mentality sometimes just escapes me. Many are bias and many are just plain jealous of the fact that Filipinos can be smart too. A lot can't still accept that fact. On the other hand, there are several weak beings that move beside