In a larger context, the Philippines could be seen as a container and its people as the crabs. The crab mentality is debilitating. Progress is impeded. Reforms are met with resistance. Saviors are crucified. Intelligence is silenced. Change agents are ridiculed. Negativity reigns. Self-serving behaviors abound. Everybody knows that crabs in a container are bound to meet their doom in a boiling pot of water. If the prevalence and persistence of crab mentality in the Philippines is not mitigated, Filipinos are bound to meet their miserable fate sooner than later. Some may say that they are already in a simmering pot. So, what do we do with a problem like crab mentality? Awareness is needed. Filipinos need to be aware that the Philippines as a nation has not reached its potential and we, individually and collectively, are part of the problem. The dream of a prosperous country can only happen if individuals do something positive towards achieving the goal or band together with like-minded people to make a difference. We can be part of the solution instead of confounding the problem. To get out of the bucket, think outside the bucket. As in the crabs in the bucket analogy, instead of pulling down those who are trying to change the status quo, assist them. Push them over the edge to their freedom and dreams. Talk less. Listen more. Join the call for progressive reforms. Support honest and decent public officials. Refuse to pay bribes. Do not ask for favors. Report wrongdoings. Praise those who deserve it. If you can afford it, send a deserving youth to college. Pay it forward. Practice random acts of kindness. Refrain from gossips and destructive criticisms. Be resourceful and self-reliant. Be proactive. Be a problem solver. Be a role model. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD.” -joeam-
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:16:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015