A
PROSTITUTE NATION
While I recently browsed my Facebook
timeline, I came across a lengthy post by an anonymous writer. It was a casual
narrative of a woman who confessed that she was carrying on her existence by
means of prostitution. She spoke of her physical attributes; the advantage this
gave her in consistently gaining clients; and the consequences she suffered
from her immoral actions.
This individual used desperation as a means
of gaining fortitude and indifference toward criticisms of others. She
attributed their condemnation to their envy; because they did not have the same
benefits which allowed her to improve her lifestyle. Whoring was her means to
support herself and the bastards which ensued from her illicit affairs. In the
long run, like an addictive drug, she could no longer avert from her shameless
method of surviving; even if misgivings and regret bothered her soul.
She explicitly mentioned one of her patrons
who, unlike the rest, she could not forget or discard. This person was a
contradiction, in her opinion. He got his way with her; degraded her honor;
but adeptly charmed her with his apologies and compensations. That was why she
found it impossible to part with him.
Some of her children attempted to get rid
of this client and regain the dignity of their mother. However, their mediocre
stature and the obstinacy of their parent prevented any success. These were those
who were loyal to her. The others went their separate ways, selfishly living
their lives in other countries; occasionally displaying scorn and contempt
toward each other.
The account was casually entertaining for
the kind of people who amuse themselves with pathetic romantics. It was so, for
me; until I came to the part where she concluded her dissertation by
introducing herself as ‘Pilipinas’.
It was a metaphorical narration.
The Philippines is known as the ‘Pearl of the
Orient’. This insinuates its beauty and splendor which, analogical to the
story, attracts colonizers to enter its shores and defile it according to their
selfish ambitions. Other than the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese who “took turns”
on the country; there are other foreign components which currently spawn
unpatriotic issues.
Other than the literal Japanese, Chinese or
Indian half-breeds by women dubbed as GRO’s (guest relation officers); business
and social structures are infiltrated by foreign influences. This, however, is
an unavoidable reality, to the dismay of patriotic individuals.
Why?
Because as much as they disagree with it, they
have to accept the truth that their country is weak, feeble and helpless;
unless their ‘motherland opens up’ to the affluent races around her and
tolerate the consequential 'transfiguration' they bring with them. Due to
desperation, the Filipino people, generally speaking, have to forcefully open
their minds and hearts to foreign investments and influences; and exist as
practical opportunists. They have to bite their tongue and live with this
national identity in order to survive; and disregard the judgmental opinions
of other countries which think themselves more noble and honorable.
Similar individuals discarded the Spaniards
but their descendants still cook the entrees; adopt the fashionable wardrobes
and boast that theirs is the only Christian nation in Asia. The only difference
concerning the Americans and Japanese is the fact that Juan dela Cruz refused
Protestantism or Buddhism as its national religion. But the internet
technology, basketball, tempura, and Christianity are perpetually ‘en vogue’,
among other multi-cultural predominance; which efface the meaning of
‘Filipino’. Even if the American bases were dismembered from Philippine territory;
Asian drug cartels have been accosted and deported, etc; this nation’s identity
is still obviously tainted with foreign hegemony; ESPECIALLY by that of the
Americans.
There are noticeably hypocritical attitudes
which the Filipinos practice with regard to the multi-racist colonizers from
the west. On June 12, better known as Independence Day; patriotic factions
emphatically raise their fists and wave anti-American slogans; sing the praises
of their heroic icons who fought against the colonizers; and then, later on,
are focused on their television sets, cheering for Stephen Curry or Lebron
James.
That woman presumable developed an extreme
infatuation for a unique old man in a top hat and striped pants that a
perpetual intercourse continues between them. And it seems immaterial to her
whether he is her uncle or big brother. As long as he does not mind that she
has affairs with others, and the benefits are perceptible; overlooking the
losses is not too arduous a task.
I
write this dissertation, however, not to condemn or judge the Filipino people;
as I am a citizen of the Philippines and have presented my statements in the
English language. This, instead, shows the cleverness and practicality of this
nation. It is one that does not allow itself to succumb to the impossible;
always finds a way-be it decent or unconscionable-to move on; even at the
expense of its dignity.
If the Philippines is deemed parasitic,
opportunistic, or devoid of a distinctive identity, the world only has to look
in the darkest corners of their respective societies; and learn to commend the means by which prostitutes evince the essence of fortitude and determination.
They disregard the age, appearances, or masochist demeanor of their customers
in order to keep themselves, and their families, alive.
Some countries are meant to dominate.
Others are meant to be dominated. And there are a few clever enough to make others
think they are dominant.
It’s more fun WITH the Philippines!
