The phenomenon of "foreigner pleasing," especially towards white foreigners, is often linked to a deep-rooted colonial mentality and inferiority complex that many Filipinos have inherited from centuries of colonization. This behavior is tied to historical and cultural factors, and while it doesn't apply to all Filipinos, it remains a significant issue in some segments of society. Here’s why this behavior persists:
. Colonial History
The Philippines was colonized by Spain for over 300 years, followed by a period of American occupation. During these times, Filipinos were often taught to see the colonizers (primarily European and American) as superior in terms of culture, race, and way of life. This historical experience deeply ingrained a sense of racial hierarchy, where white people were often placed at the top.
Spanish rule: Introduced the idea of racial and class distinctions. Many Filipinos were made to feel inferior through the "divide and rule" system, where mestizos (those of mixed Spanish and Filipino descent) held more privileges, reinforcing the idea that whiteness was superior.
American rule: The introduction of American education and culture further deepened this belief, as American ideals and Western standards of beauty, success, and intelligence were promoted. Hollywood, for instance, idealized whiteness, which became aspirational for many Filipinos.
. Western Standards of Beauty and Success
Due to this historical background, white skin, Western features, and even foreign goods and services became associated with success, wealth, and progress. This created a societal bias toward lighter skin and Western standards of beauty—which persists today in the form of skin-whitening products and an admiration for foreign culture.
This mindset can lead to a form of "white worship", where white foreigners are often treated with special regard. Filipinos may subconsciously equate whiteness with authority, success, or higher status, even though they may not explicitly acknowledge it.
REAL TALK
Internalized Colonial Mentality
As previously mentioned, colonialism ingrained a sense of racial hierarchy in Filipino society, where foreigners—especially those from the West—were considered superior. This led many Filipinos to seek validation from foreigners, believing that their approval signifies personal or social worth.
Scarcity mindset: People with an inferiority complex might believe that there is a limited amount of approval or favor to go around, causing them to view other Filipinos as competitors. Instead of recognizing collective worth, they feel they must stand out individually to receive acknowledgment from foreigners.
Comparison culture: This mindset encourages a tendency to compare oneself to others, especially in the presence of a foreigner, exacerbating feelings of insecurity. Filipinos might see other Filipinos as rivals for attention, believing that only one can be “good enough” or “preferred” in the eyes of the foreigner.
.Desire for Validation
Because of the internalized belief that whiteness or foreign culture is superior, some Filipinos may feel a need for validation from foreigners. Praises or attention from white foreigners are sometimes seen as more valuable than the same from fellow Filipinos. This can manifest in behaviors that seek to please or cater to foreigners, especially when those foreigners are white.
In workplaces or social interactions, some Filipinos may go out of their way to accommodate or impress foreign visitors or bosses, reflecting a deep-seated desire to gain approval from those perceived as "superior."
. Economic Inequality and Social Mobility
Another factor driving this behavior is the idea that foreigners represent economic opportunity. White foreigners, in particular, are often associated with wealth, privilege, and influence. Filipinos may cater to them in hopes of social or economic advancement. This attitude can be seen in sectors like tourism, business, and even relationships, where foreigners are seen as gateways to a better life abroad or in the Philippines.
Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), for example, work for foreign employers and might have internalized this "foreigner-pleasing" mentality as a survival tactic, seeking to ensure job security, better pay, or more favorable working conditions.
UTAK TALANGKA
Crab Mentality (Utak talangka at Kanya-kanya Syndrome)
This phenomenon is closely related to the Filipino concept of "crab mentality", where individuals try to pull others down to elevate themselves. When someone perceives another Filipino as a threat to gaining favor or attention from a foreigner, they may engage in behaviors aimed at undermining or belittling that person, preventing them from "rising above."
Sabotage or belittlement: Some might gossip, criticize, or subtly discredit other Filipinos in front of foreigners to make themselves appear more appealing or competent.
Divisiveness: This competition can create divisions among Filipinos, weakening solidarity and making it harder for individuals to collectively uplift their own culture and identity. It reinforces the notion that pleasing a foreigner requires individual gain at the expense of others.
. Internalized Racism
This behavior can also stem from internalized racism. Filipinos, having absorbed colonial-era ideas of racial superiority, may believe that their own culture and race are inferior. As a result, they might devalue their own identity, believing that conforming to or pleasing white foreigners will somehow elevate their social standing. This internalization is seen in beauty standards (where light skin is praised) and in attitudes towards local products versus imported ones.
External Validation as Self-Worth
When self-worth is tied to external validation, individuals are more likely to engage in people-pleasing behaviors. In this case, gaining approval from foreigners, rather than fellow Filipinos, becomes the measure of success. As a result, other Filipinos become obstacles to achieving that validation.
Approval-seeking behavior: Filipinos may overcompensate by trying to outdo one another, either by displaying their abilities, talents, or fluency in Western customs, hoping to gain praise from a foreigner, rather than finding affirmation from their own community.
Status seeking: In some cases, Filipinos may feel that being associated with foreigners—especially white foreigners—elevates their social status. In this context, they see others as threats to their chances of being chosen for relationships, friendships, or professional opportunities with foreigners.
. Globalization and Media Influence
Modern globalization and media have also reinforced these perceptions. Western media, especially American entertainment, continues to dominate globally, often portraying white protagonists, lifestyles, and ideals. This constant exposure can reinforce the belief that white culture is "better" or more desirable, leading Filipinos to adopt behavior that aligns with pleasing and accommodating white foreigners.
Overcoming the Inferiority Complex
Addressing this complex requires cultural education and a reaffirmation of Filipino identity. Recognizing the deep roots of colonial mentality can help individuals challenge these beliefs. Embracing and promoting Filipino culture, language, and identity can foster a sense of pride and self-worth, independent of foreign validation. Social movements, education, and a more diverse representation in media also play crucial roles in shifting this mindset.
In short, while "foreigner pleasing" is a byproduct of historical and societal conditioning, awareness of its origins can empower Filipinos to reclaim their own cultural pride and identity.
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