The Impetus of Delay: A Take on F Sionil Jose’s “Why We Are Shallow”

This person’s article could not have been more spot-on in addressing one of the many social problems that the Philippines is currently experiencing. The article presents several reasons on why the Filipino people are deemed shallow. One of the many reasons that the writer has provided was the lack of humility of the Filipino society. As stated by the writer in the article:” We are shallow because we are mayabang, ego driven, and do not have the humility to understand that we are only human, much too human to mistake knowledge for wisdom.” The author further elaborates that Filipinos are shallow due to the tremendous influence of the Philippine media. The great influence of media is not unique to the Philippines because no matter the place, mass media will always be influential due to its availability and its capability to draw the attention of the common folk.

Going to the issue, the great influence of mass media only aggravates the problem stated in the article. This is because the Philippine media is also shallow, as established by the author. In fact, the author of the article even states that our mainstream media is filled with people who are stupid, arrogant and superficial. He writes: “We can see this yabang in some of our public commentators, particularly on TV — the know-it-alls who think that because they have so much knowledge — available now on the Web at the click of a button — they can answer every question posed to them.” Furthermore, the author argues that the standards of the Philippine entertainment industry have decreased incredibly and that it is shown in the telenovelas available to all in public channels.

This cannot be truer because the writers, directors, producers and all of the people who create these telenovelas may have some loose bolts in their heads when they agreed to do so. These dramas, comedies and sitcoms have no depth, cliché, predictable and, downright repugnant only because it is so cheesy and moronic, making it an effective fad that spreads very quickly. An example would be “Tween Hearts” of GMA or ABS-CBN. I’m not even sure where this is shown since I do not follow public entertainment. It’s sad to think that we have to borrow these alien T.V. shows, which by the way gets higher ratings that those provided locally, in order to attract more viewers. That is no longer being shallow for it falls under inadequacy and incompetence.

The author does not stop in attacking the media. Furthermore in the article, the author also bashes our government officials. I cannot agree with the author more because I truly believe that the voting majority of our country have been brainwashed into thinking that popularity is synonymous to competency. This is again, and I cannot stress this quite enough, due to the horrid public education, no, basic public education that our government provides. These government officials are like toddlers playing with their toys on the high chair. I’m not sure if they are dense, clueless, stupid, incompetent and unsuited for their position, or if they are just extremely clever, but devious at the same time, and keeping the masses illiterate and ignorant is just their scheme in order to ensure their spot in power.

In conclusion, a lot of issues stem out from the primary issue talked in this entry. The bottom line is that if we do not change in the near future, we will continue to be looked down upon not only by foreigners, but also by the our fellow countrymen who have grown sick of hoping on the Philippine society to change. Because the way I see it, the change will only occur if the people actually stand up and say enough is enough, and if the government would cease to swindle the country they are supposedly running.

-Rafael Roberto P. Carmona