NELSON A. PAGUYO, 31 August 2009

The only rule I can think of is that one must give only one answer and then
explain how that can be operationalized. How do we unite the Filipino
people? Where can we unite? Who will unite us? What shall we unite
on?RULES:1. No name-calling2. No insulting words3. No curses4. Stick to the
topic5. English or Pilipino, or combination accepted6. Dialect accepted if
translated into Pilipino for better understanding7. Provide historical
background if possible8. Be as thorough as possible in explaining the
point/s9. One or two people may share the same idea

EmmaI am game.

Let’s
start.Question: How can we UNITE THE FILIPINOS: Answer: UNDERSTAND THE
FILIPINO MINDSET. To UNITE is defined as: is to join, combine, or
incorporate so as to form a single whole or unit; to cause to adhere; to
cause to be in a state of mutual sympathy, or to have a common opinion or
attitude; to have or exhibit in union or combination; and to act in concert
or agreement.

For any number of individuals to unite and act as one each must
have a clear understanding what is in the mind or what the other person in
thinking; to be able to relate with the decision making of the other person.

This entails the abandoning of ones usual way of thinking (think outside the
box), open–mindedness, flexibility and patience to avoid rising the
emotional aspect of the discussion. The root causes of the differences in
opinions and attitudes, and the possible implications or results of such
differences must be openly, honestly and thoroughly debated amicably.It is
the entrenched positions and or attitudes individuals have [taken] that
prevent us in uniting.

How these positions/attitudes or how we act were
formed or arrived at were based on our common mentality as a people –
colonial mentality, crab mentality, me first mentality, show off/keeping
with the Jones [materialism] , boastful, rigidity and hardheadedness, etc. –
must be looked at from their historical origin/perspective, present
practices and future implications of such Filipino mindset.

Only when we understand our Filipino Mindset shall we be able to focus on our
commonalities, and accept and be comfortable with our differences. Only then
can we all unite as a people with common goals and dreams to attain.