The Influence of Culture

The influence of culture is preeminent in both the social and moral formation of an individual in his domicile, it follows then that it also serves as bedrock for the disposition of a family. Different country, different culture, as it is said,  if so, then, with a particular culture, sprouts a particular family. I have grasped that what makes someone of a locality is not the color of his skin nor his ability to speak the language, rather, it is how one expresses the mannerisms and knowledge of his culture through his actions.

Deeply rooted in its culture and tradition, the Filipino family prides itself from its undisputable manners to its extensive family, and everything in between. From a young age, I have been taught to show respect by putting the back of an elderly’s hand against my forehead, and in particular, to interpolate the words “po” and “opo” when talking to elders. Christmas, New Year’s, birthdays, and family gatherings alike, are a sure way of calling together relatives; starting with the immediate family, to the cousins, second cousins, grandparents, godparents, and their families as well.

The commendable affection of the children to their parents likewise determines the Filipino family. Albeit finishing their studies, Filipino children all the same leave their homes on their own volition. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Only when compulsory does leaving home happens, but usually, at least one child, depending on his disposition and monetary capacity, stay even after marriage to accommodate their aging parents. Undoubtedly and among all else, the latter is a tradition that I’ll conform to. I admittedly have thought of these things and do ponder them still, it moreover makes me appreciate my parents and the care that they have given and continue to give me. I plan to be the one to tend to my parents, if not for the reimbursement of their love and the goodness of their heart, but even merely for it being politesse and to provide for them an easier and more pleasant living.

Putting the Filipino family in a light that is solely reputable is misguiding. Though the admiration of one’s breeding should be well-disposed, turning a blind eye to what is adverse would display much lack of intelligence, maturity, and respect to the custom. Such as when it comes to the topic of dating or marriage, a spouseless individual in his or her late twenties more often than not receives teasing or worse, pestering, from relatives during family gatherings; a peculiar habitude I happen to observe repeatedly. Furthermore, Filipinos happen to agree on an idea that is called “Filipino Time”. The unbecoming tardiness that people should avoid and that shows disregard for the time of others, is accepted probably due to the fact it is difficult if possible at all to be changed. The people made it a norm, and acknowledged it as passable when it should be anything but.