Mirrors

 

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Mag pila sa una kun magsalida an kan Fernando Poe sine…

Is Filipino cinema on the brink of extinction? This question arises frequently, particularly in the face of the overwhelming influx of superhero films with cutting-edge special effects and the growing preference for K-dramas among the younger generation.

During the 40th Luna Awards, Jose Javier Reyes delivered a speech emphasizing the evolution and future of Filipino cinema. He stressed the importance of ensuring that Philippine cinema retains its distinct Filipino identity while also being understood and appreciated on a global scale.

According to a study by Turner (2019), cinema serves as a "cultural repository" that maintains a nation's cultural memory, particularly in the face of globalization, which often leads to the dominance of foreign cultures in local markets.

Roderick Paulate (who won Best Actor for the film “In His Mother’s Eyes) nostalgically recalled the vibrant gatherings of local artists during the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) events as he delivered his speech at the Luna Awards. He vividly described the camaraderie and the shared passion for Filipino cinema that once brought together the industry's finest talents.

Paulate reminisced about the sense of community that these gatherings fostered, where artists, directors, and industry professionals exchanged ideas and celebrated their collective achievements. His reflection highlighted the significance of these moments in shaping the local film industry and the deep connections that were forged during those times.

Recently, the esteemed matriarch of Regal Films, Lily Monteverde, passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of Philippine cinema. During the 1980s, she was instrumental in producing an array of high-caliber films that garnered critical acclaim and poignantly captured the essence of Filipino culture. Among her most notable contributions is the "Mano Po" franchise, which offered an intimate exploration of the lives and challenges of Filipino-Chinese families, shedding light on their significant influence within the broader societal landscape.

Gerbner and Gross's(1976) research is part of the Cultivation Theory, which posits that long-term exposure to media content, including films, can shape an individual's perceptions of reality and societal norms.

In the context of Filipino cinema, films that authentically depict the country's unique cultural heritage and social experiences help anchor the nation's identity, ensuring that, even amidst globalization, the core essence of being Filipino remains vibrant and resilient.

Let the spirit and culture of Filipinos continue to thrive through different media.

Uncontextualized

 

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Mikallit pagka-abtik.

Occasionally, individuals may exhibit a sudden shift towards becoming more opinionated. This phenomenon prompts the inquiry: Is there an emerging source of confidence underlying this change?

Without a grounding in context, ideas can lead to misinterpretations, flawed decisions, and potentially harmful outcomes.

Individuals who give opinions and ideas without considering the context, concepts can be significantly impaired, leading to less optimal or even harmful choices. Morrow and Bowers (2007) argue that context provides essential information that shapes how ideas and decisions are framed.

Then, there are juxtapositions without clear context.

Juxtapositions—placing two or more elements side by side for comparison—can be powerful tools for analysis and insight. However, when used without clear context, they can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and erroneous conclusions.

It is a discourse in fallacy when one compares the sun and the moon.

Comparing the sun’s heat to the moon’s coldness without recognizing that the moon doesn’t emit its own heat but reflects the sun’s light can lead to misleading conclusions about their relative temperatures.

In philosophy, a category mistake occurs when items from different context are compared inappropriately. This concept is discussed in works such as "Philosophical Investigations" by Ludwig Wittgenstein (1953), which explores how incorrect comparisons arise from misunderstandings of the categories involved.

Comparing two different cultures and systems can result in a false equivalence if their fundamentally different properties are ignored.

The concept of false equivalence is explored in critical thinking and logical fallacies literature. For instance, "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli (2013) discusses how false equivalences can mislead reasoning and decision-making.

Using analogies to compare two different systems without proper context can lead to misleading conclusions. Analogies are useful for illustrating similarities but can be misleading if the differences are crucial to the comparison.

In "The Nature of Scientific Thinking" by Howard E. Gruber (1981), the use of analogies in scientific reasoning is examined, highlighting how analogies can clarify concepts but also mislead if not applied with attention to relevant differences.

Comparing two systems without considering their different contexts can lead to misrepresentation of their significance and function.

The importance of context in understanding and interpreting information is discussed in "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman (2011), which explores how context shapes our perception and reasoning.

Ergo, airing unfounded opinions may feign confidence but it takes a lot of processes and scientific thinking before becoming profound idea-generators.

 

 

 

This Hunger Inside You

 

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Panan-aw nan iban hakad, garaon para mapansin nan mga halangdon, pero…

We often encounter individuals who consistently strive to be at the forefront, sometimes resorting to manipulative tactics to achieve their objectives. These people might engineer situations to ensure they remain in prominent positions, driven by a need for recognition and control.

Validation is a fundamental aspect of human psychology. This need influences behavior, shapes self-perception, and affects interpersonal relationships.

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs places the need for esteem and belongingness as essential for psychological well-being. Validation and approval from others fulfill these esteem needs, contributing to a sense of achievement and recognition (Maslow, 1943).

What drives some individuals to seek recognition so intensely that it becomes obvious but appears natural to them?

Research based on John Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that early attachment experiences with caregivers shape the need for approval and validation in adulthood. Insecure attachment may result in heightened dependency on external approval to feel valued (Ainsworth et al., 1978).

This is where the danger lies: when a person does not realize that intrinsic validation is more valuable than extrinsic validation, they may continually take on roles and responsibilities beyond their capacity. This relentless pursuit of external approval can lead to burnout and undermine their well-being.

Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory (1954) suggests that individuals evaluate their own worth and abilities by comparing themselves to others. Accepting roles and responsibilities can be a way to elevate one’s status in comparison to peers. This comparison can provide a sense of achievement and validation, reinforcing self-worth.

But, relying heavily on external validation can make individuals vulnerable to fluctuations in others' opinions and approval. This dependency can undermine intrinsic motivation and self-worth.

Focusing on extrinsic validation makes individuals dependent on external factors beyond their control. This can lead to a fragile sense of self-worth that fluctuates with others' opinions and feedback.

Developing self-awareness helps individuals recognize when they are overly reliant on extrinsic validation and shift their focus towards internal sources of affirmation.

Intrinsic validation is vital for fostering genuine self-esteem, resilience, and long-term well-being. The opposite drives the cuckoos in you.

Psychological Roots and Effects of Copycats

 

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Hawoy mag-isip nan imo kaugalingon na mga ideya?

Oftentimes, people will get offended when their ideas, concepts and even creations are being claimed by others as their own.

There are individuals who struggle to generate their own innovative thoughts and seek shortcuts to gain recognition or success without putting in the requisite effort.

The pressure to succeed and the desire for quick success can also lead to copycat behavior. Hennessey and Amabile (2010) theorized how external pressures can stifle genuine creative efforts, as individuals focus more on the outcomes rather than the process.

This results in intellectual stagnation, where the reliance on others' ideas inhibits the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Sternberg and Lubart's (1991) investment theory of creativity further supports this, explaining that creativity requires sustained effort and investment, which copycats typically avoid.

There are individuals naturally endowed with creative talents, effortlessly generating innovative ideas. Equally commendable are those driven by intrinsic motivation, who diligently hone their skills in the creative field, investing substantial time and effort to achieve their goals. In stark contrast, those who resort to shortcuts represent a troubling phenomenon, as they unjustly claim the fruits of others' labor, undermining the true essence of creativity and the integrity of intellectual effort.

These individuals not only diminish the value of authentic creative work but also erode trust within creative communities, highlighting the need for a culture that prioritizes originality and genuine effort over mere recognition.

Gino and Ariely (2012) explore the darker aspects of creativity, revealing that individuals might engage in dishonest behavior, such as plagiarism, to appear creative.

The phenomenon of copying others is deeply rooted in psychological factors such as insecurity, lack of intrinsic motivation, low self-efficacy, and the pressure to succeed.

Understanding these underpinnings can help in developing strategies to foster a culture of originality and ethical behavior.

Ultimately, people can discern between those who are authentic and those who are not.

Excuse me, Sir!

 

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Di siguro kun sir…Yots!

Claudine Flores of Sunstar reported on July 22, 2024: A “MISGENDERING” incident made rounds on social media after a customer, a member of the LGBTQ community, made a male restaurant wait staff adopt a “parade rest” stance for almost two hours for addressing him as “sir.” The customer was identified by a netizen as the local Cebu personality Jude Bacalso, a writer, former TV personality and host in Cebu.

People went berserk on social media sites as they bash the culprit for his inhumane treatment to the waiter.

Bacalso said that “she” is just educating the person who misgendered her on the issue of gender issues and equality. Yet, even members of the LGBTQ community raised their voices in protest for a seemingly punitive action given to the food server.

He seemed to weaponize his advocacy.

Weaponizing an advocacy involves manipulating a cause or movement to serve ulterior motives, often at the expense of the original intention. This process can distort the advocacy's purpose, turning it into a tool for personal or social gain (Joyce, 2019; Meyer, 2020).

The consensus among netizens was that the behavior in question was predominantly characterized by rudeness. Some might argue that while respect for gender identity is crucial, Bacalso's response could be seen as overly punitive. While educating the waiter on the significance of using correct gender pronouns aligns with one's personal convictions, it is inappropriate to extend such lecture over an excessive duration.

Based on Bacalso's persistent use of defense mechanisms, including the posting of past videos where he speaks eloquently to seemingly project an image of intelligence, it can be inferred that he is experiencing cognitive dissonance.

When individuals have a self-image of being superior but are aware of their limitations, they might create a false image of intelligence to reduce the dissonance between their self-perception and reality. Festinger’s (1957) work on cognitive dissonance explores how individuals may alter their beliefs or behavior to align with their self-image.

This incident stands as a sobering reminder of the profound impact of individual actions on communities and the importance of accountability in maintaining societal integrity.

There is an urgent need for ethical behavior to flourish, anchored by a profound inner reflection and rigorous self-examination.

Distorted Perceptions of Skewed Minds

 

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Mandaot para isalbar an kaugalingon bisan sija an sajop!

Some individuals, unable to come to terms with their own failures and downfalls, resort to psychological transference as a coping mechanism. They seek out a scapegoat upon whom they can project their own shortcomings and mistakes. In their desperation to deflect responsibility, they fabricate narratives designed to tarnish the character and reputation of their chosen target, thereby attempting to elevate themselves by diminishing another.

They perform character assassination.

Character assassination is the deliberate and sustained effort to damage the reputation or credibility of an individual. This tactic is often used in politics, media, and personal disputes to undermine a person's influence or power by spreading false information, exaggerating faults, or highlighting mistakes.

Narcissistic individuals, for example, may engage in character assassination to maintain their self-image and superiority, often viewing others as threats to their own status. This can sometimes be misleading since these persons usually only feign good self-image when in fact majority sees them otherwise.

We then can ask: Is there some sort of psychological defect among these people?

This act can indeed be linked to certain psychological traits or defects in individuals who engage in such behavior. People who resort to character assassination often exhibit characteristics associated with narcissistic personality disorder, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy (Jones, Paulhus, 2014).

Sometimes, they may believe they are victorious, unaware that their mental and psychological health is steadily deteriorating.

Individuals who frequently engage in character assassination may face significant social, professional, and psychological consequences. Research suggests that such behavior can lead to social isolation, damaged relationships, and loss of trust and credibility.

Studies also indicate that while these individuals may achieve short-term gains through their manipulative tactics, the long-term effects are largely negative, ultimately undermining their personal and professional well-being (O'Boyle et al., 2012; Hare, 1999).

We remain steadfast in the face of their attacks. In the end, losing sanity is far worse than being the subject of gossip.

 

 

Sloth and Addiction

 

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Poloho…yay nahimo na trabaho!

Recently, discussions have focused on young individuals aspiring to become "working students," yet who exhibit a sense of entitlement by primarily staying at home and sleeping extensively.

Recent studies suggest that the pervasive use of technology has contributed significantly to a rise in laziness among young individuals. According to research conducted by Twenge and Campbell (2018), the increased screen time associated with smartphones, social media, and gaming has led to decreased physical activity and face-to-face social interactions among adolescents.

Furthermore, a study by Przybylski and Weinstein (2017) found that excessive digital media consumption is correlated with poor sleep patterns and reduced academic performance, reinforcing sedentary behavior.

However, this phenomenon is not confined to young individuals; it is also prevalent among adults who are addicted to online activities, spending a significant portion of their time hunched over their smartphones.

According to a study by Andrews, Ellis, Shaw, and Piwek (2015), adults check their phones approximately 85 times per day on average, with many reporting feelings of anxiety when separated from their devices. Additionally, research by Lepp, Barkley, and Karpinski (2015) suggests that excessive smartphone use is linked to decreased physical activity and poorer sleep quality among adults.

These findings are corroborated by a report from the Pew Research Center (2019), which indicates that a significant proportion of adults admit to spending too much time on their phones, often at the expense of face-to-face interactions and productive activities.

The pervasive use of smartphones among adults not only disrupts their daily routines but also contributes to a broader pattern of technology addiction and its associated negative consequences.

When individuals become addicted to technology, they often exhibit compulsive behaviors, experience a decline in productivity, and suffer from increased anxiety.

Ultimately, like money and substances, it is crucial to remember that technology should be a tool we control, rather than allowing it to control us.