The Fabric of Highlanders: Scottish & Igorot

Scottish Highlands

Almost seven thousand miles away from the Cordillera Mountains in the Philippines is another impressive range of mountains known as the Scottish Highlands. It is located north and west of the Highland Boundry Fault, which separates the Scottish highlands from the Scottish lowlands. Being an Igorot highlander, I have always been intrigued with the Gaelic culture of the Scottish Highlanders.

When reading about the differences between Scottish highlanders and lowlanders, I became fascinated knowing that they have many similarities with Igorots in that their language, food, clothing, physical features, religious and spiritual beliefs also set them apart from the lowlanders. The most intriguing of these is their clothing.  Like Igorot clothing, it not only identifies them, but it also envelops their entire culture.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about Scotland is the male garment known as Kilts. The two words,”Kilt” and “Scottish”, seem to go hand-in-hand and are inseparable in my mind. Take the movie, “Braveheart," for example. Even though there are historic inconsistencies with timeline and apparel, the largest being the absence of kilts at the time of Sir William Wallace; the movie would suffer greatly had the men not worn kilts.  I can understand why Mel Gibson bent the timeline so as to depict a Scotland that many non-Scottish people identify with.

I also find it fascinating how their different tartans (colored patterns) eventually became associated with a particular Scottish clan or Scottish family heritage.  This is also true with the clothing of Igorots.  Though we do not have tartan patterns, an Igorot person's heritage can be identified with the patterns and colors of their traditional clothing.

Scottish Tartans

The kilt has been such a great part of the Scottish Highlander's culture for many years.  In fact, it was so great that the British government that ruled Scotland in the mid eighteenth century attempted to bring the Highlander warrior clans under their control by attacking at the very heart of their culture - their clothing.  On August 1, 1746, Britain created The Dress Act, which was part of the Act of Proscription of 1746. It essentially made it illegal to wear the clothing of Highlanders, which included tartans and kilts.

On July 1, 1782, the Act was finally repealed and a proclamation was issued in Gaelic and English that said,

"Listen Men. This is bringing before all the Sons of the Gael, the King and Parliament of Britain have forever abolished the act against the Highland Dress; which came down to the Clans from the beginning of the world to the year 1746. This must bring great joy to every Highland Heart. You are no longer bound down to the unmanly dress of the Lowlander. This is declaring to every Man, young and old, simple and gentle, that they may after this put on and wear the Truis, the Little Kilt, the Coat, and the Striped Hose, as also the Belted Plaid, without fear of the Law of the Realm or the spite of the enemies."

Liam Neeson wearing the Great Kilt of the early 1700s

When I first learned of this discrimination, the first thing that came to mind was how the historic Igorot male attire, the Bahag or Wanes (more commonly known as G-String by westerners) came under attack when Filipino lowlanders used it to portray Igorots as having tails so as to cast a negative impression about Igorots. It may be hard for many to believe, but this silly notion still lives on in this modern and highly advanced society. Sadly, discrimination against our culture continues within the Filipino and non-Filipino cultures.

In 2010, three young Igorot men were discriminated against for wearing their native attire to former President Clinton’s “Embracing Our Common Humanity” forum in the Philippines. Both American and Filipino personnel tried kicking the three men out for wearing their native Wanes. A month later, the U.S. government finally apologized on behalf of President Clinton to Igorots and all Indigenous people.

On a much subtler scale, my Igorot friends and I partook in a large Filipino cultural event in Chicago today.  We led a parade consisting of Filipinos who represented various parts of the Philippines.  After the parade, we had the Igorot children perform dances inside the museum.  It turned out to be a great event, and the turnout from Americans, Filipinos, and other ethnic groups was fantastic.  This is our third year to participate in this event, but for the first time I had some mixed emotions because we were asked not to expose our buttocks for fear that it might offend children and others.

When I first heard of the request, my first reaction was, “But that’s how it is worn – without underwear.  If we are to share our culture, than why must we hide who we are?”  Then I thought of the Scotts and how they are able to easily get away with wearing their kilts without underwear.  "Wow, how lucky they are," I thought.

Today, we had some people wear a wanes for the first time.  My teenage nephew, who is half Igorot, was one of them.  I could see a sense of apprehension or discomfort on their part, but as the event moved forward, they quickly adapted to their new-found feeling of freedom.  I could also sense that there were those who would have preferred to have that "full" sense of freedom that comes without underwear.  Throughout the event, I couldn't help but think about the request to hide our buttocks.

My thoughts eventually led me to a greater sense of appreciation for our native attire.  Underwear or no underwear (preferably no underwear), the act of wearing and/or appreciating our native attire is crucial because once we lose our native attire, it becomes easier to lose who we are, and that is a bigger loss that no underwear can make up.

So, for all you Highlander men out there: wear you Kilts and Wanes with pride.

Igorot children line up for today's parade at Chicago's Navy Pier

Igorot children line up for today's parade at Chicago's Navy Pier

Igorot teenagers also partaking in today's parade

Memorial Day 2011

I am a child of God.  I am an American.  Today, I give thanks to all men, women and children of all ethnic groups who gave their lives so that I am free to share these thoughts with you today.  Join me as I offer thoughts, prayers and salutes to those people.

What Cameron Diaz Can Learn from Ancestral Igorots

Last Thursday, I was on Twitter and came upon a disturbing article titled, "Pastors Respond to Cameron Diaz's Marriage Is Dying Remarks."  In it, she was quoted as having said, "I don't think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't suit our world any longer."  Shortly thereafter, Ablow, a member of FOX News supported her statement by saying, "Marriage is (as it has been for decades now) a source of real suffering for the vast majority of married people."  He contended that the end of marriage is "only a matter of time now" and that "we should be thinking about what might replace it."  

Now, why should this concern me?  It shouldn’t, especially since these two people represent the sad values and culture of Hollywood.  However, I am quite aware of the powerful influences Hollywood has over our culture, and it bothers me to think of all the thousands of people who give credence to these comments.

The article appeared on the Christian Post, and it serves as a wakeup call to the Christian world because of the alarming rise of divorces among Christians, particularly conservative Christians.  It is a good opportunity for Christian leaders to address the problems of marriage today.  I have no doubt that they will be sharing their Christian perspectives to the world. 

As for me, I will share a different perspective that is derived from the mixture of my American, Catholic and Igorot background (with more emphasis on the Igorot).  If somehow I could transport Cameron and Ablow back in to a 19th century Igorot village, they would clearly see that marriage was not a source of suffering or unhappiness.  Rather, they would see that it was a source of happiness and fulfillment because the foundation of marriage for my pagan Bontoc Igorot ancestors were truly based on two distinct things: love and the bearing of children.

Historically, these two facets of marriage have always been eloquently captured during an Igorot ceremony called "Kapiya."  During this ceremony, the elderly man performing the “Kapiya” would say to their pagan god, Lumawig:

 “Thou, Lumawig! now these children desire to unite in marriage. They wish to be blessed with many children. When they possess pigs, may they grow large. When they cultivate their palay, may it have large fruitheads. May their chickens also grow large. When they plant their beans may they spread over the ground, May they dwell quietly together in harmony. May the man’s vitality quicken the seed of the woman.”

If you compare these words of the Kapiya ceremony, you will see how they echo the Latin origins of the words “Matrimony” and “Marriage.”  Matrimony is a word that originates from the Latin: Mater, mother.  This is because the first end of marriage is to make the maid a mother, generating children.  Marriage comes from the Latin: Maritare, “to wed, marry or give in marriage.”  This is the contract and mutual alliance that the couple enters when they swear to support one another and be together to the end of their lives.

I find it amazing that the tribal culture of my Igorot ancestors were able to view such a basis for marriage, which is similar to the Christian basis, long before Christianity made its way into their world.  For more than three centuries, Igorots did not allow the Spaniards to colonize them like the rest of the Filipinos on their island, yet their foundation for marriage can be compared to the Christian "Natural Law of marriage.”

Thanks to my mother’s conversion from paganism to Christian Catholicism; I have come to understand marriage as a Sacrament.  I also learned that it was part of a “Natural Law” before it ever became a Sacrament.  This law was instituted by God when He created Eve and gave her as a companion to Adam.  The reason for her creation was given before Adam bit the apple: “It is not good for a man to be alone; let us make him a help like unto himself” (Gen 2:18).  After Adam committed the original sin, another reason was added: “Increase and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen 1:28).   All the leaders and prophets, as well as the pagans, lived in this state of Natural Law all the way up until the time of Jesus Christ. 

Now back to Cameron and Ablow.  If they had repeated their statements to my Igorot ancestors, I am sure they would have been asked what alternatives “their world” has to offer that their “traditional” ways of marriage.  Can you imagine what my ancestor’s reactions would be upon hearing that they could partake in unlimited sexual partners, bypass the whole bearing of children thing, focus on self rather that others and so forth?  I’ll save you the time of imagining and just tell you that their heads would have probably been severed for such notions. 

What Cameron and Ablow suggest is nothing new.  They just give it a “Hollywood” wrapping that appeal to those who are vulnerable to the temporal lies of society.  History teaches us that when the basis or “Natural Law” of marriage was forgotten, bad things followed for those guilty of such decadence.  Leo XIII described this decadence with eloquent words:

“All nations had more or less forgotten the true notion and origin of marriage, and consequently laws were enacted everywhere with reference to marriage dictated by reasons of State rather than the requirements of nature. … 
“Polygamy, polyandry and divorce were the causes of an extreme relaxation of the nuptial bond. Also a great confusion sprang up over the mutual rights and duties of the spouses, insomuch as a man assumed right of dominion over the wife, allowing him to repudiate her without a just cause; while, at the same time, he was at liberty to give free course to his unbridled passions …. 
“When the licentiousness of a husband thus showed itself, nothing could be more piteous than the wife, whose degradation was so great that she was considered only as a means for the satisfaction of his passion or for giving him offspring. The ignominy reached the point that, without shame, marriageable girls were bought and sold, like so much merchandise, and power was sometimes given to the father and husband to kill the daughter or wife. The offspring of such consortiums were necessarily reckoned either goods of the State or the property of the head of the family” (Arcanum Divinae Sapientiae, n. 7).

Without getting too philosophical about this touchy subject, I think it would suffice to say that the happy outcome of my parent’s marriage is enough for me to want the same, if not better, for my children and their future families.  There is too much hurt, sadness and pain today that are the result of “modern” views of marriage.  Divorce effects everyone in a bad way, including today’s Igorots.  Many good people today, including close friends and family of mine, have to deal with its emotional, physical and spiritual scars.  Hollywood only makes it worse by playing the “spin doctor” roll of portraying broken families and marriages as a pain-free and accepted norm. 

I’m not a marriage expert, but I can’t help but wonder how many less divorces we would have if the simple basis of it remained thriving in our society.  It may seem too simple of a notion to think that the origin of marriage would do such a thing, but let us not confuse the word “simple” for “easy” because the two are very different.   As simple as it may seem, it is probably one of the hardest things to do given society’s pull and influence.  This is why I am convinced that the greatest gift parents can give their children is a happy marriage.  It will far outweigh any material, monetary, physical or educational gifts one can leave their children.  It truly takes a warrior to go against the grain of society to make such a simple thing possible so that greater things can flourish from it . . . And no, I don’t see neither Cameron nor Ablow as such warriors.

American Lenses: Igorot Eyes

I was fortunate to have been born with 20/20 vision.  My five sisters and parents weren’t as fortunate though.  For years, they have relied on corrective eyeglass lenses for adding or subtracting from their cornea’s focusing power, thereby creating the clear images of their daily lives.  Although I never physically relied on eyeglasses, I wore a pair of invisible lenses for which to see the world through.

My very first pair of lenses were Igorot made; forged from the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines.  I only had those for four or five years, and I hardly remember wearing them.  For almost my entire life, the glasses I wore were American made.  I once tried a pair of Japanese lenses, but preferred the American made ones that I have been so accustomed to wearing.

If you have been following my latest blogs, you will definitely see how these lenses influence my writing.  Some of my fellow Igorots or Filipinos may have been scratching their heads wondering why I draw my inspiration from people like Ashley Judd, Bethany Hamilton, Tim Tebow and U2.  Well, that’s just who I am I guess. 

Most of my life has been spent on the flat plains of the Midwest and Southern areas of America.  The magic and splendor of the Cordillera Mountains were for the most part – absent.  I’ve always consider myself as American as most normal Americans.  I went to predominantly white schools all my life, dated white girls, love rock and roll, love football and basketball, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and would die for this country I call home. 

I may see the world through the lenses of America, but my eyes are pure Igorot.  Lenses only project images for the eye to see.  When our cerebral eyes connect with our hearts, we are able to “see” clearly; and therefore, we are able to discern good from bad. 

I recently added a page on my website that associates my upcoming book, “Igorotdo: The Warrior Within” with well known movies, books and personalities.  Does the book seek to be a cheap imitation of any of these things?  Of course not.  I use these examples because they contain so many values, characteristics and similarities to the Igorot culture that my eyes and heart intend on sharing with the world. 

My Igorot culture has been able to withstand over 300 years of Spanish colonization, but somehow more and more Igorots are allowing themselves to become morally and spiritually colonized by the Western self centeredness that brings out the worse in all of us.  Take divorce for example.  Just because it is an accepted norm in American society, it doesn't have to be nor should it be as accepted by Igorots.  

I would like to say that my Catholic upbringing is the only thing that keeps me focused on my marriage and family, but there is much more to it than that.  I draw from something my father once mentioned about my Igorot heritage.  I learned that before there were ever Christian missionaries, we Igorots took monogamy seriously.

Were there ever Igorots who were unfaithful to their spouses? Of course.  If there weren't, we would be the only perfect people in the world, and I know this is definitely not the case.  However, the overwhelming majority of my ancestors entered marriage with a good purpose.  They did not enter it blindly or selfishly as many do today.  Also, we believed so strongly in the sanctity of marriage that the punishment for being unfaithful makes today's court precedings seem like a slap in the hand (something I will cover in a separate blog).

So, go ahead and wear whatever style, color or type of lense, but remember to see with your eyes, and in doing so, draw from that which is good in your ancestry.  

ASHLEY JUDD: Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are?

In my senior year of high school, I began hearing about the importance of “living the present moment” by spiritual mentors in my life and by leaders of that time.  One of my most influential leaders once said, “The past no longer exists; the future is not yet here. Just as someone travelling by train does not walk up and down the carriage to get to the destination sooner, but stays put, so we should stay in the present. The train of time moves on its own. We can only love God in the present moment given us, by saying our ‘yes’, a strong, total, and active ‘yes’, to His will."

This was later echoed through a more practical and zen-like perspective by the Japanese mentors of my early and somewhat recent adult life.  Whether the lesson about living the present moment came in the form of words, chanoyu, martial arts, zazen, gardening or sushi preparations; I always seemed to, and continue to struggle with any notion that the past plays little or no role in who we are today.  It is much easier to accept any of such notions if our past is made up of nothing but bad or evil things, but what about the good things of our past?  More importantly: the great and inspiring things?  

While I agree whole heartedly that the present is more important than the past or future, I can’t discount the importance of our past because it has a direct affect on the quality of our present being.  My novel, “Igorotdō: The Warrior Within,” demonstrates this by pointing out how the past can be filled with life changing discoveries that can help us become better people.  Fortunately, there are many others who also believe that we can gain positive things from knowing our past and the past of those before us.  I recently discovered a television series that promotes the importance of ancestry and learning about our past.

The television show, “Who Do You Think You Are,” is an NBC series that I highly recommend.  Many of the actors and actresses who are profiled have many great stories and lessons to share with its audience.  I will be blogging about the ones that inspire me the most so please stay tuned for future blogs.  Meanwhile, here’s one profile that I really like:

ASHLEY JUDD

Emmy- and Golden-Globe nominated actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd is an eighth-generation Kentuckian on her mother's side.  Her more recent involvements as an activist for different human rights organizations has triggered a curiosity in her that had her wondering how many other people in her family also agitated for reform, and fought for the poor, exploited or disempowered.  Her curiosity led her to New England where she discovered many new things about her family that emigrated from Sicily, Italy.

The biggest discovery was that of her 3^rd great grandfather, who served in the Union army during America’s Civil War.  Only a teenager at the time; he was twice a prisoner of war who endured heroic battlefield experiences.  Ashley was so taken by how psychologically strong and resilient he was that she called it a “life changing experience.”

To learn more about her discoveries, please visit the NBC site of “Who Do You Think You Are” to watch the full episode or watch it below.

IGOROT REFLECTIONS

After watching the episode, I first thought of how lucky she is to have discovered all the records she needed to make her discoveries.  This is not something most, if not all, Igorots have the luxury of possessing.  Since our ancestry has been passed down by oral tradition, it is unlikely we are able to trace back our family roots as far back as most people are able to do here in America.  Although  there has been a recent movement towards documenting the Igorot culture, so much about the ancestors of long ago has been lost forever.

Mel Gibson as William Wallace
in the movie "Braveheart"

Also, her 3^rd great grandfather’s story had me thinking about the strength and resilience of my own Igorot ancestry.  It reminds me of the importance of sharing my ancestry to the world so that Igorots can also join the likes of the 13th century William Wallace and his Scottish highlanders, whose stories of bravery and resilience continue to inspire people throughout the world.  One can definitely read how my Igorot ancestors embody these two traits in my upcoming novel, “Igorotdō: The Warrior Within.” 

SOUL SURFER Review

This morning, I had the opportunity to take my kids to watch a pre-screening of the soon to-be-released movie, “Soul Surfer,” starring Anna Sophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood. While waiting in line, I tweeted and posted on Facebook where I was and what movie I was waiting to see. The post ended with “stay tuned for a review.”

What I had in mind then was a simple posting saying something short, but after watching the movie, I had too much in my mind to fit in a tweet or post. I was so impressed with the movie that I decided to blog about it. So, here’s why I strongly recommend it:

It's a true story
Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.  Nothing beats a true story except for things inspired by a true story.


It’s something for the whole family
Today, we live in an age where it’s almost frowned upon to air shows and movies featuring happy families with both parents. Gone are the days of “Leave it to Beaver”, “Little House on the Prairie” and “Prince of Bellaire.” The family unit has changed so dramatically that it almost seems offensive to portray the American family as something it should be . . . a loving relationship between husband, wife and children.

I’m not one who believes in such a thing as a perfect family, but I strongly believe that families need to be there for each other at all times. I know the damage that results from broken up families; the destructive patterns that get passed down from generation to generation, and the dark things that no child should keep in their closets. I don’t need to tell anyone how saddening it could be for all involved, including society in general. Yet, these are the things that sell in Hollywood and continue to be fostered through television, movies and music.

Well, for those like me who have been waiting for something from mainstream USA to promote healthy family relationships; you will find this movie a breath of fresh air. The movie does a wonderful job portraying certain family dynamics that are so missing and needed in today’s world. Now if you’re the type who despises happy endings, positive and encouraging things; this movie may be hard to swallow.

Though politically incorrect for some, it takes a stand for good teachings
One thing that goes hand in hand with the frowning of traditional family structure is the mention of God and Jesus. Many deny the fact that there is an all out war going on between Hollywood and Christianity, but if you stop and observe all the shows being broadcasted, you will clearly see the absence of moral teachings. In fact, you will see aggressive attacks on Christian beliefs by companies you trust your kids to, like Disney. It baffles me how Disney allows and fosters shows like the recently announced pilot called, “Good Christian Bitches.” A show like that not only misrepresents the Christian community, but it is also very insulting for all women.

I love how “Soul Surfer” has a cast of well known actors and actresses such as Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood and AnnaSophia Robb starring in this movie that clearly has a Christian message. As I watched the movie, I thought, “This is like the Tim Tebow of movies.” Like Tim Tebow, who uses his professional football career as a platform to spread his Christian beliefs; this movie also shares its inspiring and moral messages to the mainstream audience. It takes a stand, and it does it in a way that is very accepting to those who would otherwise avoid it if it were called “Jesus Surfing” or similar.

The ethnic subtleties within
Being an Igorot whose ancestors were not Christian, but pagans who believed in the spirit world; I couldn’t help but notice the Hawaiian music used in certain parts of the movie. I’m sure for cinematic reasons; the music was needed, especially since the entire setting took place in Hawaii. However, maybe the producers carefully selected music like “Sunrise @ Maui Beach” to connect the audience to certain spiritual moments.

 If so, it sure worked for me because there is something about the native music of tribal people, like the ancient Hawaiians, that speaks to the non-peripheral ears of the heart.
Although Igorots have resisted the Spanish colonization for more than three centuries and still maintain their culture, many have converted to Christianity. For the most part, Igorots who now live in America and abroad no longer practice our ancient beliefs or worship our ancient gods. This is probably true with the native Hawaiians; though I’m sure there are still those who do.

The movie has many good messages. The strongest among them happens to be Christian; yet music from the non-Christian culture of Hawaii only amplifies these messages. Subtle, but true.
As more and more Igorots become modernized and westernized, the need for spirituality tends to decrease over time. Maybe if more people realize the importance of having a spiritual side in their lives, they might be more open to the teachings and lessons of God. I think much can be learned from our pagan ancestors.

It is purpose-filled
Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” My parents and past mentors took it a step further though. They taught me to believe that unless these three harmonic elements are not applied towards other people, one will still be unhappy and unfulfilled deep within the recesses of his or her soul.

The movie throws out several biblical scriptures, but the one that really caught my attention was Jeremiah 29:11, which the movie quotes, “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

This movie speaks volumes about having the kind of true purpose in life that will make people happy. It speaks of something that is rarely, if not ever, taught in the formal educational systems of our world. Instead, I hear only about the importance of having good grades and GPA’s so that we could find the happiness and prosperity that Hollywood and society sells. It’s no wonder that countless of people go through life unbalanced and unhappy.

Our purpose in life is perhaps the most asked question in the history of mankind. This movie does an excellent job addressing this question. I also attempt to address this in my upcoming book, “Igorotdō: The Warrior Within.” Hopefully, it also inspires people in their search of purpose.

Admiring Japan's 'No Looting' Culture

Photo by REUTERS/Asahi Shimbun

Yesterday’s news that Japan’s nuclear crisis appears to be spinning out of control only adds to the myriad of concerns I have for Japan and its people. The thought of more than 10,000 people dead, which is more than eight times the death toll of Hurricane Katrina, is stifling enough. I can’t imagine the devastation that could result if the nuclear crisis escalates.

Two years ago when the landslides and typhoons hit the Philippines, similar feelings of concern ran through me as they do today. This time it’s much different. This time, the people being affected are not Filipinos, but they are from a country I deeply respect.

I was at the gym the other day exercising while watching three television screens displaying horrific images of the disaster. There were thirty other people on treadmills looking at the eight screens above, but only a handful, including myself, chose to watch the news of the devastation in Japan. Sadly, the others were more interested in watching sports highlights and Hollywood shows about Justin Beiber and Charlie Sheen. The sight stung more than the sweat that kept entering my eyes.

“How can I help?” I asked myself. Part of me wanted to leave to volunteer in search and rescue missions, as was being at the time. Part of me wished I had extra money to send to victims. Part of me wanted to organize a fundraiser like before. Part of me wished my book could be published this month so I can donate a percentage to victims, and so on.

After reality and my priorities were just about to rule everything out and leave me feeling helpless, the sight of a lady closing her eyes and bowing in prayer-like fashion reminded of the power of prayer. She reminded me that despite one’s limitations, one should pray. For some reason, I still felt that prayer without action, especially when one has the ability to act, is an empty prayer. Then I was quickly reminded of my love for writing and decided to shed more light on a particular aspect of the Japanese culture that inspires me.

Victims gathered around fireplace

As I write this, I am very much aware of all media surrounding the disaster that touts how Americans and other nations are flooding Japan with support and aid, and I admire this fact. It is a strong testament to the good that still exists within the human race, and is also evidence that unity is still possible. For me though, there is something more admirable and inspiring happening amidst all this disaster than the help coming from the outside of Japan.

Japanese forming orderly line for kerosene

Despite all the chaos and tragedy going on in the earthquake torn regions of Japan, there are no reports of mass looting or unlawfulness. This phenomenon is a stark contrast to what has happened in the wake of other catastrophes, such as in New Orleans, Manila, Haiti and Chile. I still remember all the horrible reports of theft, murder, rape and so forth that took place during the disaster of Hurricane Katrina.

For some reason, crime has always been associated with natural disasters, but how can such a tragedy of this magnitude result in much different behavior from those within its grasp? The answer has much to do with culture. Today’s Japanese has both good and bad ingrained in their culture. Since the end of WWII, they have chosen never to repeat the unspeakable of their past, and the result of their decisions thus far reflects on the culture that flowers in the dark soil of their tragedy today.

During my last visit to Kyoto, Japan in 1997, I recall an analogy told to me once by an American who married a Japanese woman and has been living there for fourteen years. He said something to the degree that the Japanese are like the passengers of ship embarked on a long voyage around the world, and Americans are like people on a ferry boat going from one side to another. The Japanese passengers are well aware of the long duration and seek to become as humanitarian as possible amongst each other. They seek not to make enemies or cause trouble, but to maintain an orderly sense of unity. Americans on the other hand, know their boat ride is short and that they will probably not see the other passengers again. Rather than having the same outlook as the Japanese, they tend to have a “looking out for myself” or “take, take, take and prosper” attitude. When I first heard this, I didn’t know enough about the Japanese to give my opinion on his analogy, which I’ve heard several times more since then. Today, I would have to agree with him in a very general sense, though I believe there are many more good Americans than there are bad.

Patiently waiting in line for relief supplies

Every culture stands to learn a valuable lesson from the examples taking place right now within the Japanese people who are directly involved in this devastation. It would be great if their sense of unity and affinity for each other were exemplified by every ethnic majority and minority. Strangely enough, when I think of them, I think about my Igorot culture and how we share that sense of unity, despite our war-filled history between tribes. It makes me more appreciative of my roots and ancestry, and yes, I dare say that our cultural bond is something all Filipinos and other cultures can also admire.