Why do most Filipinos believe in conspiracy theories?

 

By: Dayang C Marikit

I would say that a sizable amount of Filipinos do believe in conspiracy theories, but definitely not "most"… generally speaking "Philippine society" as a whole would consider you to be a "weirdo" for believing in such things, you would probably even get "bashed".

Filipinos don't have the same type of distrust, animosity and paranoia against "The Establishment", like that of what we see in the USA and other Western nations.

• In fact, in the USA a lot of people think that the pandemic is just a "hoax", which causes them to not exercise "proper caution", which then spreads the virus even more.
• Meanwhile, in the Philippines the vast majority of the population do believe in the news reports and generally follow government guidelines to slow the spread on the virus. No one here protests against the tight restrictions and no one here protests against the compulsory wearing of masks, etc etc etc.

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Now, to answer your question, generally speaking people may believe in conspiracy theories either to feel like they are still in "control" of the situation, (this is generally the case in the USA)… or if they aren't well educated, in other words "gullible", (this is generally the case in a lot of developing countries, including the Philippines).

• The main difference is that Americans who believe in conspiracy theories tend to make elaborate stories to justify why they believe in the conspiracy, but Filipinos who believe in conspiracy theories often don't have an elaborate reason as to why they believe in them… they probably just saw it on Facebook and automatically believe what they saw.

Don't get me wrong, when it comes down to it, I don't think that one is "better" than the other… but I find that those who create elaborate stories to justify their beliefs to be much more "annoying" than those who are just "gullible".

INNER STRUGGLES

 My column in Mindanao Daily News and BusinessWeek Mindanao

OPINION

By KLAUS DORING

 September 4, 2021

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Let's not fool ourselves: The pandemic has completely turned our entire lives upside down. Private, social and in  business. Inner struggles for many of us are the bitter result. An inner struggle reflects an unresolved emotional conflict, an inner knot that has been cystic and that must be clarified in order to have peace and well-being. What is the result of an internal struggle? Frustration, frequent changes in mood and psychological fatigue (it is tiring to load with a frequent question) and anger. But it is also a stimulus to deepen the knowledge of oneself.

 

In essence, an internal fight shows an internal opposition, an opposition of contrary forces that steal the inner tranquility, serenity and peace. Therefore, in a situation like this it is very important to hear those sentiments to put ideas in order.

 

A person may also experience an inner struggle when there is an internal debate between duty and the crave order. How many times, you want to give up? Ask yourself?  Similarly, it is also possible to experience this internal struggle into an existential crisis.

 

There are personal disagreements in the daily routine, as shown by the difficulties of coexistence: partner discussions, differences in criteria with friends, anger of family... . However, it is important to point out that the relationship that a person has with others, part of the bond that has with itself beyond individuality. Every human being establishes a constant relationship with their own identity. In this way, a process of self-knowledge is established. The inner world of a human being is very complex, marked by duality and constant struggles. In other words, a person can feel an inner struggle between reason and heart.

 

Inner conflicts typically begin with statements such as "I am sick of, I always or I am so tired of" and it is not unusual for them to be accompanied by some jaw clenching, an occasional rant or stomp of the foot.  Everyone has a unique problem of their own, an issue that follows them throughout life and never goes away. You discover it early and go on to struggle with it for the rest of your life, almost until it eventually becomes an old enemy that you lose the will to fight or hate anymore.

 

There are environments that are especially suitable to reflect calmly on oneself. For example, take a stroll through a green area and walk. Or, I talk with family members. They are experiencing the same struggles - young and old. Or, I  pray and talk to God. 

 

Fortunately analysis is not the only way to resolve inner conflicts. Life itself still remains a very effective therapist. Allow me to quote  F. Scott Fitzgerald:  "I hope you live a life you're proud of, and, if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start over!"

Yes, hopefully the struggle we're in today is developing the strength we need for tomorrow. Stay safe and healthy everyone.