I grew up in a superstitious society, conditioned by a mix of religious, supernatural, and ancient beliefs, reinforced by extreme colonialism and white-washing. These manipulative tactics kept the Filipino people ignorant, submissive, and detached from their true potential. Colonial powers sought not only to control the land but also the minds and spirits of the population, using psychological manipulation to subjugate us.
One of the most damaging tactics was psychological warfare, like the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and now is called CIA exploitation of the vampire myth. The Spaniards had already implanted this belief, and the CIA used it later as psychological warfare, creating fear and confusion. This undermined morale and made resistance difficult. The foreign powers employed such tactics to keep Filipinos feeling inferior and terrified, weakening the national spirit.
Another deep wound inflicted by colonization was the widespread sexual exploitation of Filipino women during the Spanish and Japanese occupations. The scars from mass rape and sexual slavery have yet to heal, leaving a painful legacy of silence and trauma.
Additionally, colonialism ingrained the idea that fair skin was superior, perpetuating colorism and deepening self-loathing among Filipinos. The obsession with achieving a “royal” appearance to align with foreign ideals created a fractured identity, especially for those with darker skin. My skin was always mocked because of my brown color.
English, too, became a symbol of status, separating the elite from the poor. For the majority, speaking English was unattainable and marked one as inferior.
The belief that as a girl who is not part of the elite family, speaking English in a particular way meant being “possessed by an American spirit” reflected how deeply foreign influence permeated Filipino culture.
The Philippines’ colonial history has left deep scars, from superstition and fear to violence and colorism. These wounds still affect our identity today. To heal, we must confront this painful legacy and reclaim our true identity, free from the psychological manipulation that has kept us oppressed. Only then can we begin to heal and reclaim our rightful place in the world.
The manipulation and conditioning experienced by Filipinos during colonial rule, particularly through superstitions, psychological warfare, and the reinforcement of inferiority based on race and class, have long-lasting effects. This has led many to internalize the belief that they are lesser, especially as colonial powers elevated their own cultures and ideals as the standard to aspire to.
The imposition of foreign values, including the belief that fair skin and speaking English were symbols of superiority, created a divide that marginalized Filipinos. This made many feel that their own culture, beliefs, and identity were inferior and unintelligent by comparison. These tactics, which were designed to control and undermine the people’s sense of self-worth, created a cycle of self-doubt and low morale, making it harder for Filipinos to see their own value and potential.
The psychological manipulation has deeply affected the collective psyche, leading many to internalize these beliefs about their inadequacy. However, it is crucial to recognize that these beliefs were not a reflection of the true capabilities of Filipinos but the result of centuries of foreign oppression that sought to diminish their confidence and suppress their true potential. Overcoming this mindset requires reclaiming cultural pride, recognizing the strength and resilience of the Filipino people, and confronting the lasting effects of colonialism.
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