Filipino Culture

The Philippines has had a long and tumultuous past, marked with colonialism and the endless search for true identity. Because the country spent so many years under colonial rule, the Filipinos were often left feeling like helpless victims. In fact, it is believed that one of the main reasons it seemed so easy for Spain to colonize the Philippines was because the Filipino people were awfully kind, forgiving, and subservient. It is because of this past that, until today, there remains a class hierarchy, as well as a struggle between the rich and the poor. As such, it is no surprise that among the many unique traits in Filipino culture is that of the “api” mentality, or, in English, the “victim” mentality.

What is the api mentality in Filipino culture

The api mentality in Filipino culture is rooted in a strong sense of paranoia, or the undeniable feeling of inferiority. Perhaps it is only logical to blame the country’s past for this Filipino weakness, as it is still found in the psyche of many Filipinos today. You might often hear the phrase “Parang ina-api ako,” which, in English, means, “I feel as though I’m being looked down upon,” or “I feel like I’m being treated like an insignificant person.” What this really means is that the api mentality makes Filipinos believe that they are being maltreated in whatever situation may be at hand, when in truth, it is merely their paranoia that is causing this belief. Another situation in which the api mentality may occur is when Filipinos grant the “pity” vote to other Filipinos. This means that there is a strong sense of empathy and sympathy for others, and that the person who is more of a “victim” is granted the favored vote, simply because he or she is suffering more.

Api mentality in Pinoy pop culture

Among the favorite pastimes of many Filipinos is watching television and engaging in the local shows that appear on it. Filipinos also enjoy reading Pinoy novels, which, in truth, share similar traits to those of the television series’. Within both the television series and the novel, one can find that the api mentality is a common theme that occurs, as it stirs much emotion, sympathy, and even attachment to certain characters who suffer as the victims of whatever the circumstance may be. In the teleserye, for instance, a common theme in a love story is the relationship between a wealthy character and a poor character. As their relationship grows, the poor character begins to feel as though he or she is being looked down upon by the family of the wealthy character.

The api mentality is certainly a trait of the Filipino people that many may view as a weakness. However, it is also of essence to recognize that the Filipino people take kindly to victims because it is an accompanying trait of the Filipino to be sensitive and sympathetic toward others’ circumstances.

Related questions:

1. What are the disadvantages of the api mentality to Filipinos?
2. Does api mentality hinder our growth?
3. Why are Filipino people too sensitive?