Anthropological Perspectives of the Self: Cultural Influences on Identity.". o

Anthropological Perspectives of the Self

Introduction to Anthropology and Culture

• Initial Observation: An old photograph of a Philippine street scene illustrates how daily life, including clothing, modes of transport ($kalesa$ alongside modern cars), and architecture, embodies cultural identity.

  • Examples: A grandmother in a flowy dress suggests a hot daytime environment. $1960s$/$1970s$ fashion elements like bell-bottom jeans indicate historical periods, prompting questions about the culture, music (e.g., ABBA, The Beatles), and general societal norms of those eras.

  • The presence of a $kalesa$ (horse-drawn carriage) mixed with modern cars highlights the integration of traditional and modern elements within Filipino culture.

Defining Anthropology

• Etymology: The term "anthropology" is derived from:

  • $\text{anthropos}$: meaning "human being" or "humankind."

  • $\text{logis}$: meaning "study."

• Definition: Anthropology is fundamentally the study of human beings or humankind, focusing on how individuals react and act based on their beliefs, traditions, and overarching culture.

• Cultural Influence: It explores how culture profoundly affects a person's identity and personality.

  • Examples:

    • Filipino pamahiin (superstitions) such as not sweeping at night to avoid sweeping away good luck.

    • Japanese etiquette of not crossing chopsticks to form an "X" as it is considered a sign of disrespect.

    • Styles of dress or haircuts potentially influenced by popular artists or societal trends (e.g., Marilyn Monroe).

Scope of Anthropology: Past, Present, and Diversity

• Temporal Scope: Anthropology studies humans in both the past (e.g., historical artifacts like the $kalesa$) and the present (e.g., modern cars), often observing the integration of these different temporal aspects in contemporary culture.

• Definition of Culture: Culture encompasses a shared set of traditions, beliefs, a sense of identity, personality attributes, and common practices that a specific group or community adheres to.

  • Distinction from Philosophy: While philosophy provides guidelines for behavior, culture is seen as the "essence" of humanity or humankind within a particular group.

• Dimensions of Culture:

  • Social: Developed through interactions and shared experiences.

  • Learning: Acquired through life experiences and societal transactions.

  • Biological: Can influence biological adaptations (e.g., thicker skin in cold climates, thinner skin in hot climates).

• Cultural Diversity: Anthropology emphasizes the vast diversity of human cultures.

  • Filipino Hospitality: A common practice is offering visitors miryenda (snacks) and food to demonstrate warmth and make them feel welcome.

  • Swedish Culture (Contrast): Visitors typically bring their own food as hosts prepare only enough for their immediate family, which is not considered impolite but a cultural norm.

• Belief Systems: Diverse religious and spiritual beliefs shape cultural practices.

  • Examples: Monotheistic religions (Christianity, Islam), polytheistic systems (Hinduism, Greek, and Norse mythologies). These beliefs dictate practices, doctrines, and behaviors.

• Culturally Based Behaviors and Disorders: Culture also influences behavioral patterns and can be linked to specific mental health disorders.

  • $Amok$ : A concept in Filipino culture describing a dissociative fugue or a trance-like state characterized by a violent rampage, often followed by amnesia. It is recognized as a culturally bound syndrome.

• Dynamic Nature of Culture: Culture is not static but dynamic, evolving across time and space, although changes can be slow and challenging. Later discussions will explore individualistic versus collectivistic cultures and their openness to cultural change.

• Self-Reflection: The core question posed is: "Who are you as influenced by your culture?" This encourages individuals to assess how their personal gravitate to their cultural beliefs and practices.

Filipino Culture through the Lens of Zeus Salazar

• Zeus Salazar: A prominent Filipino psychologist and a key proponent of Filipino psychology (Sikolohiyang Pilipino).

• Core Principle: Salazar advocated for understanding Filipino culture and psychology from the perspective of Filipinos themselves, rather than through foreign or Western-centric frameworks.

  • He famously described Filipino psychology as "the psychology of the Filipinos, made by the Filipinos, for the Filipinos."

  • This approach aims to develop indigenous psychological concepts that accurately reflect Filipino experiences and realities, moving away from the imposition of Western standards.

• Filipino Reality/Culture: According to Salazar, Filipino reality (or culture) is fundamentally rooted in:

  • Society: Developed through social interactions and community dynamics.

  • Learning: Shaped by personal experiences, behavioral patterns, and the acquisition of knowledge within cultural contexts.

  • These two elements collaboratively form the belief systems and thought structures unique to Filipino identity.