Interests include history, politics, philosophy, culture, economics, law and science. I love writing, playing video games and watching movies and anime.
Pragmatic humanist, as the bio says. “Pragmatic” in the sense that truth, for me, is whatever unbiased and unfabricated empirical data says is both effective and appropriate for solving issues according to their contexts and constraints. “Humanist” in the sense that social constructs NEVER reduce the worth of any human being; the only constraint to this is my abhorrence for heinous crime, which makes me support the death penalty. They keep each other in check so I don’t become a dumbass who thinks in black and white terms.
I abhor dogma and malicious propaganda. I will attack both of them relentlessly. That’s why I attack American exceptionalists and Chinese ultranationalists equally.
I am usually open-minded until you are a bigot who dehumanizes people on account of either their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, physical or mental disability, or socioeconomic status. Bonus demerits if you are a Nazi or a Social Darwinist.
Never get on my bad side. There is only one thing you can do for that to occur: making assumptions about who I am without providing any evidence to back up your claim. You can disagree and criticize with me but please do so civilly. If not, I will treat you like shit.
DP is Violet Evergarden from the anime of the same name.
Down to brass tacks:
As a sign of respect (unless you’re told its ok), don’t step inside a house with your shoes on. Politely leave it outside the door.
If you’re offered food casually or asked if you’ve already eaten, don’t take it at face value. In the Philippines, it is more a sign of courtesy than it is an invitation. However, if you’re a guest in a house, accept the offer and eat but don’t forget to leave a little morsel in your plate otherwise, you’ll be branded a glutton.
Never criticize a political leader no matter how strong the urge to do so or asked by your guest or a local. Just say something vague.
If you have local friends and you’re visiting, it would be a welcome treat if you bring with you some small items (‘pasalubong’). Not bringing anything creates the impression that you’re a tightwad.
Not many Filipinos appreciate their heads being touched as a sign of greeting. Shake their hands or nod to acknowledge them.
Don’t take offense when Filipinos call you “Hey, Joe.” To most of us, any Caucasian male/female is American unless you are pointedly asked what your nationality is.
Filipinos are non-confrontational so if you find yourself in situations where you need to assert yourself or correct something, avoid raising your voice or using profanity. We respond better to level-headed and even-handed treatment.
Filipinos are very sensitive and like the Chinese, we have an acute sense of “face” (or saving face). If you can, be diplomatic and never embarrass a local in front of everyone else. Talk to him/her in private if you can. Otherwise, let it go, especially if its small stuff.
We’re big on respect for elders so learn a few terms - use uncle or auntie to people older than you; or lolo (grandpa) or lola (grandma) to the seniors. Calling them merely by their names can be construed as being “fresh.”
A lot of Pinoys are lawbreakers (crossing a street while the stoplight is red, dropping cigarette butts on the streets, throwing candy wrappers or other small thrash items indiscriminately, etc.) but don’t interpret that as a license to imitate the behavior. I once saw a foreigner crossing the middle of Roxas Boulevard while the cars whizzed past. It was totally off-putting.
