Jose Carillo's English Forum
Saying Your Piece => Your Thoughts Exactly => Topic started by: renzphotography on August 16, 2009, 05:56:20 PM
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One of my gripes as far as the youth is concerned has to do with their lack of utter respect. However, I realized that it is one thing if they do it intentionally and it is another if they do it unwittingly. I think it is more a case of the latter. Somehow the youth offend my sensibilities without them knowing so or wanting so.
Without going as far as criticizing the reduced importance of liberal arts subjects in grade schools and highschools, perhaps we could advocate proper communication etiquette. You see Germans, Spaniards, and even the Japanese would correct us for expressions in their language by saying although I understand you the formal way to say that is ..
Perhaps we should teach the youth the difference between formal and informal communication without telling them to kowtow to seniors in society. This way the youth would know how to communicate to people they hardly know and people they know closely; or how to communicate with seniors as against their contemporaries and their juniors.
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I think communication etiquette, particularly among young Filipinos, is an advocacy truly worth pursuing. I myself feel that it has become imperceptible or altogether nonexistent today, or is it simply because I’ve become too sensitive to the seeming breeziness—shall we call it brashness?—among the young not only in their actions but more so in their language? Is it possible that their apparent breeziness is culture-induced or media-induced insensitivity or just plain imprecision or laxity in language? I feel the problem in my gut but I really don’t have a clear idea, and I’m glad that you have raised this matter for discussion.
Perhaps it would help crystallize the problem if you and other Forum members can cite specific instances of this apparent “utter lack of respect” among today’s youth. I just want to be sure that we are tuning in to the correct wavelength regarding this subject, so I look forward keenly to getting feedback from the Forum members at large.
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Joe,
My knowledge of Tagalog is miniscule, so I am hardly in a position to reply to your request. However, as a frequent traveller in jeepneys, I can report on my experience with the passenger/driver interface (to use another hideous example of modern English).
It seems to me that most passengers use "Para" when they want the jeepney to stop. The remaining minority use "Para po". This minority is almost entirely female - mature ladies and girls from the better schools predominating.
I conclude (hopefully accurately) from this that, among jeepney travellers at least, the manners divide is not between the young and their elders but between male and female.
(Mind you, given the baldness of the tyres (correct spelling!) on most jeepneys, I'm not sure the drivers deserve much respect!)
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Allow me to share some odd experiences of late.
On several occasions I have found myself huddled in an elevator with people who work in a call center. Needless to say I over heard their conversations.
At one instance two pretty seemingly college educated girls had a conversation in Tagalog. Girl A asked where girl B was earlier because they were looking for her. Then girl B casually replied "tumatae kasi ako eh" (I was shitting).
I was shocked to hear that of course because I suppose it was enough to suggest that one is in the toilet--but did she have to be so candid about it.
It was just an example of how many people (without referring to a specific age bracket) find virtue in tactlessness to the point of vulgarity and callousness. I don't know if they take entertainment celebrities like Osang or Annabelle Rama as models of fine virtues but I wonder how the sensibilities of people have changed so drastically and what role media has played.
In another instance, I asked a co-worker in his late 20's about why he utters such vulgar words so casually even if he was not feeling spiteful. He said "bakit pag sinabi kong 'shit' ok lang pero pag sinabi kong tae pangit?" I told him both words are not good to say.
I was wondering if he was under the impression that by being real (as against being hypocritical) he should speak his mind whenever and whichever way he pleases to. Of course, people in the press would fight for the freedom of speech but what about keeping in line with good taste?
That friend of mine even argued why a nude photo is vulgar if printed in a black and white tabloid paper but tasteful when printed in the glossy magazines of FHM, Maxim, etc.
While I see his point about double standards in society I maintain that people should know what is beautiful and what isn't and strive to attain the former whenever and wherever possible.
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As one of my favorite language slogans says, "A society is generally as lax as its language." Who's to blame for this execrable state of affairs and what can we do about it? Any ideas from the other Forum members?
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I don't know about your country, but the declining standard of English in Australia can squarely be blamed upon our educators, so-called. The teaching of grammar is almost non-existent, the leftish trendies in our education departments expecting that the students will "pick it up" as they go along. Similarly, there was a strong move a few years ago to downplay the importance of spelling, the theory being that, if the students were permitted to write phonetically, they could concentrate all the better on their written creativity. Again, they would "pick up" correct spelling in time. Yeah, right!
My daughter received only the most rudimentary instruction in English grammar, reflecting the sad fact that the vast majority of Australian teachers have only a passing acquaintance with it. Indeed, it wasn't until she began French (in late primary school) that my daughter became aware of terms like "noun", "verb" and "adjective". (The French teacher wasn't too thrilled, either!)
Inevitably, this is leading us downhill, with grammar-challenged journalists providing a tailwind by quoting grammar-challenged politicians and sportsmen. We could be forgiven for thinking that “positive” and “negative” are the only two adjectives in existence, and that sentences should begin with “Yes, no….”, “Yes, but….” or “Look…”. And, of course, all sentences should be liberally sprinkled with “like”.
Mind you, we have some fine journalists, writers who know the difference between “lay” and “lie”, between “preventive” and “preventative”, between “aluminum” and “aluminium”, between “infer” and “imply” and between “presume” and “assume”. May they, like, prosper!
I have a sneaking suspicion that the downfall of English grammar in formal education has given rise to the plethora of grammar sites on the internet. Nothing inherently wrong with that, but oh! - all that conflicting information! Who (or whom?) to believe?
Which highlights the lack of a definitive standard. Bring back H.W. Fowler, I say!
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I agree with Max Sims 100 percent that for those who want to really improve their English, H. W. Fowler is the definitive standard and the best starting point.
This is why the Forum brought back H. W. Fowler's The King's English to the fore four months ago. We made it part of the Forum's "Some Gems of the English Language" (http://josecarilloforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8.0) collection, which you can check out by simply clicking that link. If you want to go direct to H. W. Fowler's The King's English (http://www.bartleby.com/116/), just click that second link and you can start studying the book's classic prescriptions for English usage right now.
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Max Sims may have provided the explanation that I have been looking for. You see I have worked extensively with the British and I was shocked with my observations. While the British deride Americans for being less educated I must point out that it is the other way around. I could expound on many points of comparison but that would mean digressing from this forum so allow me to focus on the language aspect.
Many Americans commit spelling errors simply because many didn't finish their schooling. The British on the other hand may have finished their schooling but because of the way they tend to spell words the way they sound phonetically (on top of the many regional accents in the UK) you can just imagine the eyebrow raising errors they make--and their grammar is actually worse than the Americans.
Americans are more direct in their language than the British thus the sentence construction of Americans is simpler and more straight forward thus reducing the likelihood of a grammatical error. Whereas the British have a convoluted sense of grammar owing to the hodgepodge of Shakespearean English and street punk language. Or, as Max Sims has pointed out, perhaps there was no rigid grammar education to begin with.
The funny thing is if you point out their misgivings you better be ready for a fight against British pride for the British will assert that the language you are trying to speak originated from their isles.
One marked observation is on how the older generation of Americans speak better English than the younger generation. On the other hand, the British speak convoluted English regardless of generation.
An American educator and editor friend provided the explanation for this. He said that in the past the study of English in American schools was rigid. However, during the 50's (or was it the 60's ) educators noticed how the minorities (those who had a different primary language) were having a difficult time learning English. As providing a special curriculum for the minorities would undermine equality in American education policy makers decided to teach English throughout the states with the minorities in mind.
As a result English was taught in American schools as if it were a second language. Thus, English proficiency among minorities caught up while the English of native speakers deteriorated. This explains why the English of Americans deteriorated after every generation.
And yet, even at today's level of American English I will still pick them anytime against the British.
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It seems to me that most passengers use "Para" when they want the jeepney to stop. The remaining minority use "Para po". This minority is almost entirely female - mature ladies and girls from the better schools predominating.
True. Although for me, at least, I only get to shout "Para!" when I'm sitting pretty far from the driver. I get to say "Para po" or "Sa tabi na lang po" when I'm either sitting beside or behind the driver.
And I'm only 22. (23 this September! ;D)
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I confess that I have never read "The King's English"; my bible has been "Modern English Usage",and a 1964 version at that. I see that it has been rewritten, so I feel obliged to buy a copy.
I looked at some of "The King's English" via your link, and it seemed to be of ancient vintage. Is there an updated version?
IN TKE, Fowler takes a gentle swipe at some Americanisms, one of which is "back of" (meaning "behind"). That phrase is now "in back of", which grates on most non-American (nonamerican?) speakers of English. They would never use it. But - they use "in front of" regularly, and without a qualm! It seems that our American cousins are often ahead of the game.
Its vintage apart, there is only one problem (and it's a big one) with "Modern English Usage" and that is its imposing scope. It's not your basic primer, like "The Elements of Style". The latter devotes one paragraph to "Shall & Will"; MEU gives three and a half pages to 'Shall" and a tad more than a page to "will"!
I read somewhere that W. Somerset Maugham (himself no mean hand at grammar), upon reading "Modern English Usage", said, "I was afraid to put pen to paper!"
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H. W. Fowler's The King's English, which tends to be very severe and exacting in most everything about English usage, is most useful when used today simply as a benchmark for good English usage, and for measuring how the language has evolved over the years since its publication. Some of its prescriptions certainly would strike present-day writers as old-fashioned or outdated, even excessively draconian, but we have to admire Fowler for his heroic attempt to stem the tide of bad English usage during his time particularly in the British press and in literary circles. Yes, I think W. Somerset Maugham had every reason to be afraid of putting pen to paper after reading Fowler, but I do think Maugham's novels like Of Human Bondage and The End of the Affair might not have become such pleasurable, grammar-error-free reading if he (or his editors) had not heeded Fowler's prescriptions.
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I dare say, the prime source of the deterioration in language formality (or respect for that matter) among many Filipinos could be traced to the television media.
It is common to see shows with scenes that feature kids who talk back to elders in a manner deemed less formal (and/or disrespectful). The circumstances portrayed in the scenes are no better as in many cases kids brazenly relate to senior members of society in a taunting tone – almost shouting.
In any case, I could imagine two reasons why the dialogs and the scenes were written and shot in these fashion:
(1) Dialogs were written to create an impact. Script writers exist in a competitive world where almost everything has been written about. So in order to sell their manuscripts they have to come up with dialogs that would "leap out of the pages" just as how a script writing book that I have read instructs its readers; and,
(2) Poor sound recording. Perhaps the microphones are not very sensitive or perhaps the director sees the need to ask the actors/actresses to speak up in order to be audible – maybe the directors think the actors are in an old fashioned theater stage with no sound system.
Perhaps the stickiest indictment against the television media is linked with the phenomenon called "reality TV". The only thing worse than badly written scripts is no scripts at all. In reality television shows contestants are put through challenging circumstances and when they get stressed invectives fly very easily.
What's more, reality television has blurred the line between tasteful and not tasteful; between private and public space; between the face you show in public and the face you wear in private, not to mention the things you say.
Suddenly, people started thinking it is cool to be like these contestants in real life. People now have a vague notion of what thoughts, words, or behaviors are best kept private; that anyway is ok as long as you are being "real"; where talking loudly is the normal way to speak; and where blabbermouth is boon and reticence is bane.
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I saw a recent article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer online version that may have the same theme as this forum. You may want to check it out.
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090906-223869/Etiquette-bible-more-accessible-to-Filipinos
"Etiquette bible more accessible to Filipinos" by Elka Krystle R. Requinta of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
Unfortunately I have not accessed the full contents of the material being featured. The article starts this way..
"These days, people would talk loudly on their mobile phones or take non-urgent calls even during meetings. Hardly anyone RSVPs to an invitation – let alone know what the acronym stands for. And rude questions or comments to fellow colleagues at work now seem as ordinary as saying “Hi” to your boss."
I hope it is not confined to workplace etiquette. In any case I feel optimistic about it.
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Some insights on the shaping of the social values of children are offered by Science News in its September 12, 2009 feature story entitled “Morality Play.” The author, Bruce Bower, suggests that those social values may be shaped not so much by cultural values but by universal concerns.
Read Bruce Bower’s “Morality Play” in Science News now! (http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/46747/title/Morality_Play)
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Thanks for posting the article on "Morality Play" dear moderator. It is highly relevant considering the anti-spanking (or corporal punishment) bill that is ready for ratification.
If we consider the theme of the article then bring to view language etiquette then I think the question that is begging to be asked is how different is the method of reinforcing (or sanctioning) good (bad) behavior then and now?
I could remember how rigid our teachers were in school as far as disciplining students. There were occasions when a wooden stick was used to smack unruly kids. We were pinched and thrown board erasers at. Some were penalized by squatting at a corner with book on the head for the duration of the class.
Our teachers back then were genuine terrorists and child abusers by today's standards. Then during the late 80's up until the mid-90's there were heightened awareness campaigns on child rights with the "Bantay Bata" hot line as the most iconic of these.
I learned from friends who send kids to school that the stern discipline that marked the education system of the past was gone. However, the lenient environment gave rise to lax and poorly disciplined kids.
So I asked my friends where we strike the balance. Was the old system worthwhile considering today's deterioration of standards? Do kids know how lucky they are?
In the US, spanking is quite acceptable. School systems would even hire security personnel armed with tasers (handy devices that deliver electric shocks) to discipline unruly (and sometimes armed) school kids.
As far as English language education is concerned I know that there used to be schools that penalized kids for not speaking in English. I am not sure if this is still the case though.
In call centers, many executives noticed the need to reinforce the English language proficiency of new recruits that they imposed "English Only Policies" in office premises in order to drive the use of English in ordinary conversations. In fact, the initial part of call center training would always be an English language crash course.
So now I ask people, where do we stand?
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OMG! I never ever said "Para po". It has always been just Paaaaaa----ra (in a sweet voice), or sometimes, "Dyan lang po sa tabi". The culture that immediately surrounds you is what affects your behaviour or what you do. You get "scorn" if you acted so differently. Sometimes, the expectation of the person you are speaking with counts as well. Young "Bagets" drivers do not want to be seen as a lot older than passengers. They get offended being treated as belonging to another age bracket. I myself would feel offended if a friend or neighbor just within my age would call me "Ate", or say "Opo or Po" to me. Appropriateness extends to choosing a language based on the speakers, status, language, interests, etc. not only occasion, topic or upbringing (a lot more ?)
These days, acting childish is "cute". To others, sounding rude is like having a good sense of humor. The problem is, some people just do not care about people evesdropping or surrounding, and are often tactless, even if they are aware of the norms of etiquette. You even get ridiculed if you appear a stark contrast to the new group you are joining in. In societies like where I am now, "blending in" is the key to a better social life...or you live alone....... Just don't judge me by my friends' norms. :-\
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As far as English language education is concerned I know that there used to be schools that penalized kids for not speaking in English. I am not sure if this is still the case though.
In call centers, many executives noticed the need to reinforce the English language proficiency of new recruits that then impose "English Only Policies" in office premises in order to drive the use of English in ordinary conversations. In fact, the initial part of call center training would always be an English language crash course.
So now I ask people, where do we stand?
I hear that some high schools today do have an “Speak English Only” policy inside the campus, but I don’t know precisely which schools and what penalty system is imposed on violators. If any Forum member knows a particular school that currently imposes such a policy, please share the information with us.
Many years ago, when I was still a primary school pupil, I had a direct personal experience with such a policy. I recounted that experience in an essay I wrote in 2004 that I posted in this Forum last May 30. To read it, simply click the link below.
Read “English in a Used Jar” now! (http://josecarilloforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=69.0)
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Almost every school has a "Speak English only" policy. The policies just differ in their enforcement. Private schools are more strict when it comes to the use of English. When I was teaching in a Chinese private school in Manila, the policy was "Speak Chinese and English Only". The Filipino teacher woud often complain, but the administration kept pointing out the advantage of producing English-Chinese proficient students. The Catholic-run Filipino school was not that serious in forcing students to keep speaking English outside the classroom, but the students, out of peer pressure (middle-income families) would code-switch or mix English-Tagalog codes in their social conversations.
Not only private schools now but also public schools in the provinces, like in my hometown in Pangasinan, have now enforced "Speak English and Tagalog Only" policy. That's because the local language is Ilocano.
I grew up in classrooms with teachers who aimed to provide more English-speaking environment for their students, when that valuable experience was insufficient outside the school. In the province elementary school, the monitors collected 10 cents for each sentence spoken in Ilocano. Then in a high school in Pasay, English teachers made each and everyone of us to act as "spy", to record secretly the Tagalog words uttered by our classmates, and we report later the long lists of speakers-utterances on an unsigned paper. Just my own experience...These policies can't be applied in Japan yet.
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Actually saying "po" or "opo" in the context of social behavior inside a jeepney (or any public transportation for that matter) is just one aspect in the language (or etiquette) paradigm shift that we have observed and are trying to sort out.
On the surface we see these shifts in behavior over generations. However, more than just saying oh-before-we-used-to-do-things-this-way-but-now-people-do-it-in-another-way, in this forum, I think we should be more interested in pinpointing the root causes of the shift for better understanding and hopefully from there we would know how to move forward.
Interestingly, our dear moderator has shown us through the narration of his personal experience how a system of punishment (I see no direct reward in the jar rule although the indirect benefits are aplenty) has benefited him and his schoolmates many summers ago. The examples offered by Madgirl09 like spying among peers and how modern behavior was shaped by the emotional need to belong to the group are also worth taking note of.
Lately, I came across a few articles that might help us understand what we are dealing with as far as the process of learning moral behaviors is concerned. In the link below readers will find a crash course in moral development from noted psychologists such as Piaget, Kohlberg, Turiel and Gilligan.
http://tigger.uic.edu/~lnucci/MoralEd/overview.html
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I'm sure people who monitor the American music industry are aware of the scandal onstage during the recent Video Music Award. Just after the Best Female Video award was handed to Taylor Swift a male artist called Kayne West rudely walked onto stage, grabbed the microphone (depriving Swift of her moment of glory) and announced his disagreement with the awarding decision and hailed a music video of another female artist who was in the audience.
I researched on similar incidents in the past but mostly these were confined to incoherent impromptu speeches, insensitive remarks resulting in backstage fights, or at worse onstage antics. Kayne West's behavior is definitely objectionable but could this be a manifestation of what Madgirl09 had described as the being-rude-is-cool attitude in one of her posts in this forum?
Who could be the most influential figure that promoted this attitude? James Dean during the 60's personified the 'rebel without a cause' look but I don't suppose people at that time behaved badly.
During the 80's everyone's favorite bad boy was no other than John Patrick McEnroe, the American Grand Slam tennis player who was known for arguing with judges, wrecking tennis rackets on court, and basically behaving like a brat. Well, I haven't seen anyone wreck a tennis racket or complain to judges the way he did so I don't think his brand of angst had a following.
Rock stars are known for exuding rebellious attitudes and looks but they sure behave well during awarding ceremonies.
Why is this happening and who is to blame?
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As contact with Westerners grow (especially in business) many Filipinos experience working in business environments that are so-called "first-name-basis". This simply means dropping titles and using the first name instead of the last when referring to other people including seniors.
This usually goes along with the "open door" policy where the organization encourages employees to approach managers and other officers to discuss work-related matters in a more friendly and conducive atmosphere. This is promoted in the belief that open discussion will foster a healthy and more productive work environment.
The problem with having a "first-name-basis" environment is that to most Asian cultures this is quite disrespectful. It is an Asian tradition to revere elders and the "first-name-basis" attacks this tradition to the core.
In fact, here is an article that highlights the theme:
http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2009/07/east-vs-west-getting-used-to-being-on-a-first-name-basis-with-my-boss/
Coupled with the "open door" policy I wonder if these are the precursors of behaviors described by some as "being too familiar"--that is when recently acquainted people behave as if they are close friends already. Or, are these the roots of the behavior where people eavesdrop and butt in other people's conversations?
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Herewith the first two pars from an internet advertisement extolling the virtues of a well-known teaching institution:
THE MANILA TIMES LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (TMTLI) is a language school that will equip student with American English skills and proficiency. Language Modules offered are the best and finest in the global market.
THE MANILA TIMES LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (TMTLI) is a language school that will equip student with American English skills and proficiency. Language Modules offered are the best and finest in the global market.
I suppose repetition is a valid form of teaching, but "best and finest"....?
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Another gem from the same organisation:
The Manila Times Language Institute, Inc. thru its sister company elearning System Phils. signs a contract with Center for Allied Paramedical Studies, Inc of Bacolod, Davao & Cebu provinces of respectively for Rx online NCLEX-RN SUCESS and ECLP for contact center training launch. eLSP Managing Director Michael M. Ang poses with CAPSI President Juan Jake Marques.
Sheesh!
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I suppose repetition is a valid form of teaching, but "best and finest"....?
A compounded modifier like “best and finest” may be anathema to journalism, but it’s actually commonplace in advertising where a certain degree of exaggeration for emphasis is allowed or even expected. Remember the title of the late David Halberstam’s fine book about the Vietnam War, The Best and the Brightest? We couldn’t really be too sure that the young American foreign policy makers who had engineered America's involvement in that war were “the best and the brightest,” but why bother to argue against such a subjective and general claim? I think we can appreciate the use of “best and finest” in that advertising pitch in the same light.
At any rate, we need to keep in mind that the adjectives “best” and “finest” are actually measures of different attributes or properties. “Best,” the superlative for “good,” is obviously meant here to denote the attribute the property of “offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction”; on the other hand, “finest” here means very precise and accurate—a distinct attribute that the advertiser obviously feels describes the institute’s language instruction. I therefore think that we really couldn’t dispute an advertising claim like “best and finest” unless we can produce an adequate set of facts indicating the contrary.
As to your comment about the caption in that advertising placement, the statement is indeed garbled--a very common problem with captions, I must say. Let's hope that the people at the institute will notice it and make the much-needed rewrite.
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The writer is the starting point in any literary craft or endeavor there is. He brings with him the style and conventions of prose and/or poetry and with the help of a muse he then adds his intellect, dreams, and perhaps even his pain in order to create a literary piece worthy of remembrance. Such is true for the printed form of literary work notwithstanding the influence of the editor and the publisher.
However, there is one creative field where the writer's creativity remains very critical and yet he does not take center stage, the performing arts.
Script writers are charged with the responsibility of developing the narrative backbone of movies. However, once the manuscript is approved for production the film director takes the helm and gains creative control over anything and everything in the film set.
But what happens when there is a shortage of good writers? Based on my observation movies and television shows (and even music) resort to the following to attract audiences:
(1) Special effects and graphic violence
Many movies (and even television shows) make up in special effects and flashy action scenes what is lacking in the film narrative. While there is a genre called "action movies" where the story is told mainly through action scenes rather than dialog one could only compare the action movies of today compared to the action movies in the 50's and 60's. Viewers could still see the depth in the story telling through the limited dialog and the progression of action scenes. Today, flashy scenes seem to be everything.
In music, we get inundated with techno wizardry and over bearing musical arrangement to cover up for the lack of good lyrics. There is also the preponderance of violence in today's rap music.
(2) Sex
There is a big difference between a movie with a romantic twist and a movie with too much focus on the physical act of sex in the story line. One way to distinguish the two is by measuring how much time is spent on sex scenes than anything else. Another way is by asking one's self will the story line hold if the sex scenes were dropped? If the answer is no then we have a poorly written movie.
While romance was a topic in many songs in the past, there were no direct reference to the sexual act itself and private body parts. Nowadays, it is quite common to hear songs with very adulterated lyrics.
(3) Toilet humor and goo
Directors know that for a film to be popular viewers must be able to relate with the characters or the scenes. They also know that to draw a response one must add scenes that will solicit instant reactions--hence the icky and gooey scenes. Unfortunately, many cartoon shows capitalize on the amount of goo in order to attract kiddie audiences.
I was appalled to hear how many Filipino rap music nowadays use words that should not be uttered in public. Disgusting to say the least.
(4) Rip offs
When all else fails then just copy or re-hash a successful work in the past. While this is common in the movie industry this practice has reached biblical proportions in the music industry with so many songs partially or fully copied from old hits.
A young girl once argued that we should welcome this because at least younger people will be exposed to good works of art even if these were not performed by the original artists, and I agree with her. However, this simply underpins how much creativity and originality has suffered.
Unfortunately, writers in the performing arts are still regarded as secondary in importance. We could only be reminded by the importance of writers with the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America (East and West) strike over short changing allegations on residual income from DVD and animation royalties.
In the Philippines, would-be television scriptwriters are discouraged by rumors of plagiarism by television station in-house writers.
As for musicians, I would rather see more hit remakes than the unsavory alternatives I have outlined above.
In the end, the masses get nothing less than a bombardment of tasteless and second rate entertainment. No wonder, more and more people are having callous, violent, and adulterated sensibilities and dispositions.
Are all these tell-tale signs of how much we have retrogressed as far as communication arts education? If so, what could be done about it?
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There was a time when literature as popularized by comics or animated series was regarded as a low form of art not worthy of serious study or edification as a fine form of literary expression such as poetry, short fiction, novels, scripts, etc.
It could be viewed as a way for the so-called literary or intellectual elites to set themselves apart from the so-so artists. Some argue that these "low" art forms have not reached that critical level of refinement in order to develop classics or stellar samples of the art form on which other works could be measured upon.
To my mind, animation and comics are simply mediums of expression, much like comparing oil to water color painting, or colored to black and white photographs. What matters is how much the artist has mastered the medium and how developed his artwork is.
Since the 60's we see movies and television series based on American cartoon and animation characters. It began with Batman and Robin, Superman, and The Incredible Hulk. Then in the 90's it was followed by Spiderman, Garfield, Dennis the Menace, and now we even have movies based on Japanese animation series like Dragon Ball-Z, Final Fantasy etc. Lately, I have read that even Astroboy will be turned into a movie. So what is next Voltes 5, Naruto?
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/223908/asias-astro-boy-set-take-hollywood.
In the Philippines we had comic series like Darna, Captain Barbell, Zuma, etc. which were eventually turned into movies. Part of the criticism against Carlo J. Caparas before he became a National Artist was the fact that he had been a cartoonist whose works were eventually featured in movies. A case of people from high art circles not wanting to mix with so-called low art people if you ask me.
What this tells me is simply this, writers evolve and even if their initial method of introducing their narratives came in the form of comics or animation, with enough proof of success in their narrative or story formulas eventually their works will be acknowledged with the matching movie offers and perhaps even regarded as high art.
Not to say that having these works turned into movies is a seal of quality but who knows? Maybe the next Oscar winner for Best Picture will be a movie based on an animated series. It came close with Heath Ledger's post humous award for his participation in a Batman sequel.
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I think one grossly overlooked factor in education is reinforcement at home. It is generally believed that a home environment conducive to education shall promote optimum learning among children.
The underlying psychological explanation for this lies in the "positive reinforcement" element that is crucial in mental conditioning. This goes beyond the carrot-and-stick approach and includes removing distractions to education among others.
One active way parents could participate is through teaching by showing examples because parents (and perhaps other adults in the community) are the living examples children acquire behaviors from.
So what does this PTA talk have to do with teaching English? Based on observation, the most effective way kids could learn English is when they see their parents communicate properly in the language. When I say properly, I mean cut the baby talk and speak the language properly before kids.
I know of many cases where kids of educated but impoverished government employees have acquired quite an enviable grasp of the English language and this came to being only through the strict use of English in the household by all members, except the nanny. Perhaps this could be viewed as an extension of the speak-English-only policy, which is promoted in some schools.
This also explains how some Filipinos who were born and raised abroad could surprise us with their grasp of the Filipino language simply because they spoke Filipino with their parents.
While I have seen this in varying levels and styles I think the best way to promote English at home is to speak complete sentences and pronounce the words properly. Again, drop the baby talk or the use of the language in the typical Filipino lullaby intonation.
My father was a member of a varsity oration team. I remember him speak to us in English with all the conviction and the matching hand gestures to prove his points. He was very good at extemporaneous speeches and he could readily explain through lucid examples his ideas that were far too advanced for us when we were growing up.
I think this is the best solution to the how-to-learn-English question without putting the burden on school teachers. This way, parents could play a more proactive role in promoting the language.
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A learned tongue is hard to come by, as one friend pointed out. While public speaking today is greatly reduced as far as formality is concerned one cannot help but wonder at how well people in the past were able to compose and explain their thoughts in a convincing manner.
I am awed each time I watch the speeches of Gen. MacArthur, Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and perhaps even the speeches of Pres. Marcos (some of which lasted for more than an hour without reading any cue cards) in Youtube. I just wonder where they got their choice of words and eloquence.
While we ordinary mortals could only dream of having the skills to communicate in these superlative degrees we could do something that might help us get close--learn proper word pronunciation and sentence intonation.
While there is such a thing as Filipinism in expressions, the same exists as far as word pronunciation and sentence intonation. The combination of regional accents plus improper English language education got many educated Filipinos speaking like how many of our law makers in congress, awful sounding though grammatically correct.
While the website of Merriam and Webster dictionary http://www.m-w.com contains audio recordings for each word in order to guide us with the proper pronunciation, I have yet to see a free online material that would help us fix our sentence intonations.
How I wish that one day I could listen to government officials speak English in a neutral accent or hear local celebrities speak English without the ahhhs and ummmhhhsss, and fillers such as "like", "you know" and other words that they think would sound cute in a sentence.
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As people gain a grasp on the rudiments of the English language, to my mind, it is only natural to read classic literature next. As in any art form, once a student learns the rudiments of technical execution and style, it only follows for the student to study and emulate the works of the masters so that someday his works too will show the trimmings of a master.
I always believed in studying how an art form has evolved starting from the classics, to the modern, and then the post modern age.
Clearly, the works of classic American writers are enough to show us what vivid description and superb choice of words mean. Yet, if these are not enough then readers are always free to study the works of British masters. In fact, the Filipinos of older generations who spoke English so eloquently have read many works of American and British writers.
One problem I see nowadays is that people skip the classics and jump right into the modern and post-modern works.
I was once presented a piece of poetry by a Palanca award winner. Though the woman has distinguished herself for winning an award from that foundation for her poetry, the piece she presented to me was purely rubbish. Of course, I didn't want to offend her so then I asked how many times she edited the work. It was never edited to my surprise for it was the first draft. Furthermore, she has no plans of editing it either. She explained that she emulated James Joyce's "stream of consciousness" style of writing.
I studied a bit of poetry writing myself and I have encountered the free verse and stream of consciousness style before but without imposing any form of structure there is still good writing and bad writing.
What I didn't like about the piece she showed me was not bad grammar, nor the lack of structure, nor the lack of substance, it was merely the sloppiness of the sentences that were written at the spurt of the moment without any hint of conciseness and focus, characteristics commonly found in classic writing.
As for common people like us, we could read the online classic novels compiled by our dear moderator in this forum and see just how well written these are. Let us start with Moby Dick.
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If people speak their minds, and if people speak in foul terms, then, could it be said that these people have unrefined sensibilities?
This simple line of reasoning may have more to it. For instance, what determines a refined sensibility, is it education or could it be something else?
I ask myself these because in many cases I have observed people who are well educated and yet foul minded (and foul mouthed) and yet there are those who are seemingly less educated (or uneducated) but show more gentility.
While the old fashioned notion of chivalry is dead and far from ressurected I think it takes more than following ideals of gentility blindly to make a person refined.
Two contrasting images prominently comes to mind, the first is that of an educated person who yells at his subordinates and brazenly throws his weight around wherever he goes thinking he is above the law and could get away with everything. This is the type who speaks with a loud voice unnecessarily and thinks most people are below him and behaves in a boorish manner before those he considers to be low.
The second image is that of an illiterate man who always smiles and courteously greets anyone he speaks with. One who is careful with his words and quite aware of the feelings of the people around him.
These are extreme images for sure but perhaps many would conlcude that the first example suggests a rich and powerful person and the second example pertains to a poor old man from the province who is quite unaware of how things are in the big city. From my observation, in fact the two examples do not fit exclusively into any economic status. A boorish man might be rich or poor just as much as a gentleman.
So what sets them apart? After much though, I believe it is in the possession of two beliefs, that of humanism and aestheticism.
Humanism is the belief that people should strive for dignity and personal improvement, while Aestheticism is the belief that people should pursue what is beautiful and harmonious.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aestheticism
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism
Once these two beliefs are inculcated in the value system of individuals, I honestly believe that people will in turn become more refined and this higher state of being will be manifested in every manner of speech and behavior transcending economic status and education levels.
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The English language can be expressed in two manners, written and spoken. While much has been discussed about proper grammar in this forum I have decided to focus on improving spoken English.
While the use of spoken English is not as formal as it used to be it is definitely growing in importance and one need only look at the predominantly voice-based (call centers) business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the country to see why.
Normally, call center agents are charged with the responsibility of providing customer service, soliciting sales, or even collecting to/from American consumers. Having been exposed to different types of speaking modes I could easily say that persuasive speech is commonly used for sales and collection. However, empathetic speech is more appropriate in customer service.
While each call center program/company is complemented with in-house training programs aimed at enhancing the appropriate speaking tone among its employees, it is important to note that the general public may still be able to enhance its speaking abilities without becoming part of a call center company.
The art of public speaking has always been the preferred training module for ages. While many sectors in the society are doing its bit of support in developing the English proficiency of average Filipinos, I think little has been done to promote this ancient art.
A quick browse in the internet would bring us to hundreds of articles on the elements of public speaking. A survey would lead one to conclude that the most common elements of public speaking are audience awareness, material preparation, and speech delivery (I have attached below a link to one such short article).
http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/five-elements-of-public-speaking-452076.html
However, if you have the inclination for a more detailed material, I would like to recommend this great online resource on public speaking. While I still believe that having a mentor is the best way to learn this art, I hope reading this resource entitled Elements of Public Speaking by Harry Garfield Houghton would help everyone in this quest for proper language education.
http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=0p-MxuTTWzQC&dq=elements+of+public+speaking&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=Y-5dCNf9oE&sig=krc2MZhx_bmBdD2mtOx5WxMH7Ik&hl=tl&ei=S3n1SrWyOY_gswPE490d&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBEQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
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The Chinese sage Lao Tzu promoted a maxim that is quite appropriate to our discussion and that is to know is to say. He believed that for a man to be considered truly wise and knowledgeable that man must be able to communicate and express his ideas before the people around him.
This brings us to an important topic called essay, which was originally derived from a French word that means "to explain".
To my mind, essay is a means of communication using a framework that consists of organization, examples, analogies, relationships, and other elements to help illustrate one's ideas.
I remember having formal and informal theme writing exercises in grade school. Back then, the school system saw the need to create an environment where students could practice expressing their thoughts and experiences.
I remember the time when the school principal played a Cultural Revolution style trick on sixth graders and asked us to write what we thought of the school and of the principal. I never thought the principal would read it so I wrote my heart away. Lo and behold, I was summoned to the principal's office the next day and after a tirade I was asked to bring my father as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, I learned from friends that today's grade school and high school curriculum do not include theme writing exercises anymore. So now, I wonder how kids could learn how to write effectively.
Then, it occurred to me that there is a more effective and ancient solution to this problem, keeping diaries/journals. This is perhaps the most fun and effective way to entice kids to write because kids will be writing about something that they know so well--their activities during the day.
Of course, we want to save trees and limit the use of paper, so the diaries to be kept must be electronic. Why not write and save daily emails/blogs/text files on what occurred during the day. Perhaps parents could require their kids to email daily "accomplishment reports" so they could keep a log on their kid's activities.
To those who are interested in developing their essay writing skills I have attached below a wonderful online resource that could help everyone improve.
http://www.essay-guide.net/types_of_essay.php
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Hi, Renz,
Is it true that formal theme writing is no longer required in our schools? I think, it was just 13 years ago when I was still drowning with piles of compositions to correct. Those were the times when my high school compositions were beginning to be longer than usual; research papers and term papers began to make school life a heavy burden even to parents. Lots of parents would come to the principal's office complaining why I require them to write term papers when they were not in college yet. I insisted that the fourth year level at least, submit a 'thesis-type" paper, of course, ...being "mad teacher", and nice teacher. Considering the fact that college teachers blame all students' weaknesses on high school teachers' inefficiencies (why don't they teach, not just test?), we in high school had to give at least a little of what the students would be doing in college. Anyway, after a few years, one parent came back to us and treated the faculty with a banquet for his son's winning an award in college thesis writing :D. Golly, why do students achieve more than their teachers :-\. Of course, Renz, there were some other writing tasks the students were required to hand in. We had weekly book reports, right? You won't believe me. Where I am studying now, there's a teacher (in this American Univ. ) who requires students to hand in a term paper each week, APA style, choosing from 4 topics to write about. I think, this is too much. Who could hand in a well-researched paper in one week? (Of course, in reality, we write ours in just one sitting, right? ...Oh come on :D ) Good, I don't teach full time in any university, or else, I'd require poor students the same tasks too ??? I need to pass on this anger Grrrr. >:(.....just kidding ;D Generally, teachers are masochists. They keep asking students create impossible projects that would come back as headaches in the end.
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Hi Madgirl09,
I double checked and I think for the majority of public and private schools in the country written composition, be it in English or Filipino, has taken a backseat.
The general observation that I have gathered among parents is that many liberal arts subjects like social studies, history, English and Filipino language, etc. were simplified or compressed to give way to more math and science subjects in the belief that this way we could catch up with our more industrialized neighbors.
However, while we lament on the deteriorating liberal arts curriculum, you will be shocked to see 5th graders doing sophomore high school math and science.
I was also surprised to learn that economics is part of the senior high school curriculum.
Curiously, the government is believed to have improved the English language curriculum to support the call center industry. How this is manifested or carried out remains a mystery to me.
How I wish someone from the school system could update us in this forum.
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When college teachers rant about the inadequate communication abilities of their students I think they should blame the college's admission office more than anyone else. After all, the admission office determines who is qualified to enroll in the college program and not the high school teachers. ;)
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As for the weekly term paper, I think it is taxing if you have a full load but it is doable nevertheless. I say this only because of the presence of the Internet and digital libraries.
Of course, during our time the Internet was virtually non-existent and most high school libraries do not have a full complement of books. A library would have a set of encyclopedia as its crowning glory, even more if it was the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Otherwise, students could face a stiff challenge of conducting research in the National Library because getting a recommendation letter from the school librarian was tough enough, not to mention the difficulty of getting there if you live far away.
Good old days, huh? :D
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Thesis for high school seniors? You are so wicked! ;D
We actually came up with a thesis paper when I was in high school but this was required only from first section seniors (honors class). The paper followed a simple liberal arts thesis framework/methodology. Looking back it was no more than a long term paper but it was the experience that mattered because it helped us go through the more difficult research projects in college.
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Hi Madgirl09,
Here are some questions that I have been wanting to ask a teacher:
1. Is it true that for some teachers creating the reputation that they are strict and flunks students with no compunction is deliberate so that they could prop up their prestige?
2. Could the above be true because these teachers are after better remuneration or is it because they get pleasure from it?
When you reply please identify your own personal view as against your observation of your peers.
Thanks ::)
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That scene inside the lift, Renz, when you overheard those two young women talking candidly
about their personal habits is indeed something that many people don't consider anymore private
or taboo. The two high-profile people who started "true confessions" and made our personal lives
cheap would be Jerry Springer and Oprah Winfrey. The very reason that people talk off-the-cuff
about anything within hearing distance of others is now, or has now been considered "cool". This
is indeed sad. I myself wouldn't want to be talking about my lavatory habits in public and not think of
what others would or might think. In this age of instant technology, our private lives have become
too open and too vulgar in the worst of times. I've recently joined the FB community after a two-
year "guerilla resistance", only to find out how useful and informative this instant media is. Meeting
so many highly-educated, sensible, practical people who can impress ??? ???us with a smart repartee to enjoy
and reply to is also what I now look forward to. However, there are also many instances where trivial
and silly conversation----I wouldn't consider it discussion---also takes place--and this is where text
message spelling really gets me. ::) ;D :-\
But, back to "true confessions". I just wish this nonsense stops and keep some of their private mysteries
intact and secret. I am for honesty and truthfullness, but there are things that do not need to be divulged
just because confessing nowadays has become the norm.--especiallly when it comes to personal home-habits.
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Well Hill, I understand how you feel. Sometimes I wonder if people still know the meaning of the word "discreet".
In any case, I hope forums like this will help people get back to their senses.
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Our students are greatly influenced by modern technology and so many other factors.They’ve become impatient because everything can happen in a flash. They don’t even want to use longer words while writing (observe their messages on cellphones and Facebook, etc.)because they want to do everything fast.Inside the classroom, most students wouldn’t respond to a teacher’s question immediately, unless there is one who’s really focused on the lesson.
How can they learn the difference between formal and informal language if the focus of our education is in Math and Science?We don’t have to analyze words through these subjects.The focus is on the solution of a problem and of an experiment.They wouldn’t know how to explain if they lack the words to use to form the ideas.But our curriculum changes,in accordance with the changing times(DepEd huh!).We teachers only follow what is being ordered for us to do.Forget about the quality,let’s finish what should be done on time.
Well, like I’ve said,there are so many factors that affect the way how our youth speaks.It begins at home, then in their community, which includes the church,school,market,etcetera. Nowadays, both parents have to work,so who would teach the children at home?It can be the grandparents,relatives or the yayas.But will they be as concerned as far as the parents are?It’s hard to know if learning is really reinforced at home.
Within the community, do we know who their friends are?They talk to different people everyday,you’ll be surprised to hear words not spoken at home.And the teachers?Do they also explain the lesson using the formal way of communication?Some do,others don’t.When I substituted in a public school,some teachers talk just like the students.Imagine talking to fifty or more students multiplied to six sections!Teachers are the ones who adapt youth’s language.What a pity!
However, when I was in a Catholic school, teachers are more conscious of their speech and behavior.Of course, we’re afraid to hear complaints from parents, these will be demerits on our part.And there were more activities or seminars to update teachers of whatever is needed.
All of us should do our part so that formal language can be promoted to the youth and to those who don’t know how to use it.
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What baffles me is how some Asian societies like those found in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong could produce highly literate students despite more alternatives to entertainment, advancement in consumer electronics, and other distractions to education.
Could we be missing something here? Perhaps Madgirl09 could give us an idea on the life of a normal student in Japan. What is the focus of the curriculum? How does an ordinary student spend his day? How do they cope with stress?
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renz, i will type a very long answer tonight. promise. i also am preparing for another long chatter in your other query about "teachers". i love to talk about these issues, but i can barely stand from my seat now due to the tons of books around me. how can i shake my madhead to yield golden ideas? after my classes at the grad. tonight, we'll discuss. 11 pm. japan time ;D ;D ;D.
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Hi Madgirl09, I shall look forward to your golden ideas as you generate these one head shake at a time ;D
For those of you who are not aware of it, Madgirl09 is a former high school teacher who is now happily living with her husband in Japan.
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After watching the sequel of blockbuster hit Twilight entitled New Moon, I was glad to see that Bella Swan, the main female protagonist, maintained an online diary to keep track of her thoughts each day.
I hope kids pick up this habit so they could develop their writing and composition skills.
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Hi Renz,
It turned out, the "golden ideas" were just chunks of mud my jeans gathered as I raced against "salary men" who were in a hurry to go home after 14 hours of "slave labor" late last night. The streets at Minatoku, Tokyo, where the embassies are, just couldn't look so attractive during freezing temperatures worsened by drizzles of rain. Like a wet kitten, I just "purred" in one corner of the train station, waiting for the express train to arrive to take me home. During these moments, youd always wish for the warmth of the sunburnt Philippines, the true land of the rising sun, where the sun always rises...
Today, I will share you PART I (chapter 1) of my long and winding whining and ranting....
You asked for my personal observation?
In general, it is not true that Japan creates better students, better than the Philippines. If we are to study 30 Japanese high school students, and 30 Filipino HS students of equal economic status and similar parental educational background, you'd be surprised to find out that Filipino students would achieve more. ;) . Let me give you some points of focus for a more guided discussion:
If these 60 high school students would go to college, and then graduate from their four-year university course, what are we likely to find out?
1. Filipino students would have better mastery of their majors and fields of study than the Japanese.
Despite the 12-year previous schooling (elem to high), Japanese students would yield poorer skills in
many of the aspects of their study. This is because, the university system here follows something
like the "mass promotion" in our public elementary education in the Philippines, allowing students to pass regardless of the degree of their educational achievement. Passing the high school and college entrance exam seems to be the most difficult tasks in their entire lstudent lives, not passing every course in high school or college. So you see how each school disregards their usual curriculum for a more exam-passing syllabus. Once you pass the entrance exam and you got into the Uni. system, that's already a sure ticket to getting a degree...you just pay your tuition ;D. (It makes me mad seeing girls and boys in the college nearby, conscious only of fashion >:(, without anyone holding a book, notebook or anything...when in the Philippines, students read their books even in jeepneys. :) )
Filipinos get tougher requirements; they have to pass every subject, every quiz or test, so studying every day is important; if they fail the licensure exams, there is no guarantee to getting employed.
2. Filipino students are happier in their entire student lives than their Japanese counterparts.
Don't you know that there are about 980 suicide cases just among elementary and high students in Japan last year? Yearly, there are about 32,000 cases of suicides from children to seniors in Japan. (Do not envy life here. How do you measure success in life? ) What are the possible causes of these situations?
Apart from this bushido spirit of sacrifice and self-lessness affecting their contemporary lives, the absence of religion and strong faith just makes many think that life is useless if they are not happy or successful. Two out of ten individuals here have no religion, no God to fear or love....nothing to serve as inspiration. Though their mothers stay at home fulltime after marrying, their fathers come home late, burnt out of their daily jobs as "slaves" of the company that values "organization and work" better than family. No one complains (shoganai-can't do anything anyway) and everyone is trained to be patient and enduring (gaman).
There is lesser bullying in the Philippines, as we are more socially-inclined. The "grouping" system in Japan, and the idea that everyone must conform to the wants of the majority, make many young people bullied by groups, or feel depressed. To the Japanese, it is a taboo to talk about your personal feelings.
SO WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF THIS JAPANESE BOOM AND MATERIAL SUCCESS THAT MANY COUNTRIES ENVY?
1. Japan controls the mind of their people through this bushido spirit towards uniformity, moving into just one direction, manned and supervised by the senior expert minority. The young, unskilled, and inexperienced, will eventually adopt the expertise of the seniors out of decades of training. But as they get trained, they are ever obedient, and working to the strict command of their "masters" (senpai).
The Philippines has lots of bright individuals moving in various, opposing directions making the flow of progress stagnant and static. Just imagine how we row our boat. And, although the Philippines creates highly-skilled individuals and rare experts, the country is happier to just send them abroad to find their own luck, research opportunities, and dig their own gold mines, live and help enrich their new homes. For the Philippines, it is more convenient to just open the gate, than think of ways to produce wealth for its people, or providing a green pasture for their citizens' abilities to thrive and yield economic effects for the country in return. It is a hopeless case freeing ourselves out of this colonial mentality- that we can not stand alone, that our own products and people are inefficient against others >:(. Our government policy makers must adjust their principles to the current needs , and study the examples adopted by Korea, Singapore and China in making progress possible in just a short period of time.
2. Young people here just play "electronic games" and have less communication with their parents at home, but they are pampered with lunch rations in school providing them enough energy and nutrition to stand their lessons everyday, and play numerous sports throughout the week. No wonder they have pools of Olympians, while the Filipinos, able bodied and bigger, have no one to send except boxers. Japanese athletes are always Olympic contenders, but no one from the Philippines except in this "violent boxing sport" and so, theres Manny Pacquiao. Sports and sports products here contribute so much income for the economy.
Probably, if the 40 million young people in Japan, and the 60 million young people in the Philippines would have equal economic status, have same nutrients digested every day, and our Philippine government re-educates itself and open its eyes to reality, we'd far surpass all other G8 countries :D. No?
Japan is now sliding from number 2 to number 3 in economy, while China is getting towards the second slot. Japan's population is aging, and young people do not marry due to the worsening economic conditions, and lesser government support. Hopefully, with the new ruling party, family subsidies would encourage young people to start their own families, increase the population , and would produce more workers to stabilize pension and security system, and earn taxes to maintain the high standard of living.
NOW BACK TO YOUR ORIGINAL QUESTION...ARE STUDENTS HERE ANY BETTER?
1. The Japanese learn ideas though their mother tongue, but our Filipino youth, from childhood, suffer from numerous language barriers just to understand the foreign concepts.Japanese high schoolers' degree of understanding of any science or mathematical subject matter may be higher than that of any Filipino's comprehension at HS level due to English language barrier/difficulty. But the momentum is suddenly cut; Japanese high schoolers' energies and the school curriculum concentrations are then diverted into cramming for college entrance exams. These young people don't get productive until they are absorbed into companies and begin to be law-abiding, obedient, never complaining manpower even if many of them die of work exhaustion. Japans scientific and technological secrets lie in this principle. They have experts and hi-tech companies pampered by the government, so they could design world-class products funded by billions of their country's wealth. The Philippines never invests in its peoples scientific abilities and research. This results to the Filipinos' total reliance on other countries to provide coveted science and technology that runs modern life.
2. The Japanese youth enjoy the same forms of entertainment other adolescents of the world experience. The dominant and affecting factors lie in the way the surrounding society reacts to their welfare and situation, and the way their government supports their upbringing.
If we think the Filipino youth's education is not comparable to our neighbor nations' status because of the results of their second language proficiency, our analysis is flawed. Measuring their intellectual ability constitutes employment of various instruments, not just English competence. If we think that our youth has not achieved as much, basing our judgement on the current economy of the Philippines, and of the average family income, our assumptions are short-sighted. Somewhere between the start of the educational process...towards the end of work/economic results, are the policies and contributions of the government, work environments, society, religion, family....It is HOW we utilize our people's energy and potentials that affect much of our current state.
Well, I think I have chatted a lot longer today than usual.....Gtg....Time permits, I'll share more personal thoughts tomorrow. Apologies for my disorganized thoughts. Being "madgirl" is always an excuse for not writing well :P :P :P
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oops, sorry. glaring mistakes....and my (' ) button sometimes doesn't work (or my fingers frozen?) :-[ ... patience...(gaman) ;D
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Whoaaa!!! :o ;D I was knocked off my seat with your commentary Madgirl09. You have actually championed the Filipino youth against the Japanese. I must admit that I was expecting quite the opposite but your revelation is quite an eye opener.
I know a Filipino journalist who has been based in Japan for over a decade. One time, he told me about how the older Japanese generations are disappointed with the way the younger Japanese are turning out to be.
He said, many Japanese youth reject the idea of having corporate careers that will only lead them to working themselves to death. They would rather have fun, bum around, or just have a trivial job as long as it is not too stressful.
I thought this is more of an exception than a rule but with your essay I suppose this social phenomenon is more prevalent than I thought.
Please, I want some more ;)
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By the way, thanks for your post Vinzvonvan. After reading your essay and Madgirl09's I suppose there is much hope for the Filipino youth and our education system despite the vast room for improvement.
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Bravo, madgirl! You've pretty much summed up what I knew about the Japanese education system. You also pointed out some stuff that I wasn't clear on...
+1 for that. :)
I also like that you inserted some tidbits on Japanese concepts. As for 'Senpai', isn't 'senior' a better transliteration? I mean, it's not like they worship their Senpai...or do they? :o
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Hi Silver Cross,
If I am not mistaken I believe you mentioned that you are based in China. Perhaps you may want to share your insights on the attitudes of school kids and the general state of education in the East Asian countries that you have been to.
Thanks.
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Hi Silver Cross,
Any senior could be called boss or immediate superior, but the "senpai" could be just your "senior trainor", person assigned to train you, therefore your "master"; the understudy or trainee somewhat feels indebted to this trainor because of his "transfer of expertise" to his understudy. You're right. They somewhat "worship" their mentor (who could even slap them when they make mistakes, hehehe ;D).
There is a big problem here in Japan about the seniors' mentoring of the younger generation. Old people want, as much as possible, to transfer their ability or skills to their children but young people have other interests and direction now. I think, knowledge , if they are good, should be handed to the young, but if no longer applicable and bad (like exploitation of workers) be discontinued or buried :'(. Japan has to change, but that would not be possible until the nation is governed by better generations.
Renz, just post your questions or topics so I'd have leads for my next sharing. Thanks for enjoying reading my observation. ;D
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Hi Silver Cross,
If I am not mistaken I believe you mentioned that you are based in China. Perhaps you may want to share your insights on the attitudes of school kids and the general state of education in the East Asian countries that you have been to.
Thanks.
I don't think I ever said that. ???
I'm just a regular Filipino living in the good ol' Philippines. :D
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Renzphotography must have meant Reagan, who as of his last post was based in China as an exchange student. We have not heard from him for quite sometime now.
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Hi Madgirl and Renz,
Just finished reading your Q&A and a good dose of the comparison between the Japanese and Filipino students. I also think that the Japanese think and work collectively, unlike the Filipinos who are more individualistic and independent-minded. With the Japanese, they seem to get "lost" when left to their own devices such as the lack of rigidity and and a strict working environment. I believe that if you put one Japanese and one Filipino in a tight corner for two days and give them something to prove how creative he is, the Filipino would come out the more creative. Just my 1€€. :o ;D
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Hi Hill,
Thank you for your observation. After recently viewing the movie Ninja Assassin I was reminded of how rigid discipline is (or used to be) in Japan, depending on whether we take the observation of Madirl09 into account or not.
The question that rings to mind is this: is there a positive (or a negative) correlation between discipline and conformity to group or social norms? Is the reward and punishment system that is well reinforced when imposing discipline the same force that keeps people from straying off the group/social norm?
This sounds like a sociology thesis but think about it. In the past, when Filipinos were more disciplined and conservative were we also less individualistic and more collectivist? On the other hand, now that the Japanese youth are more rebellious and liberal does this mean they are less collectivist and more individualist? Or perhaps, discipline is not directly correlated to conformist/non-conformist tendencies?
Perhaps the answer to these questions could then be linked to Maxsim's narration of the Australian method of teaching English--that is, less rigid rules (on grammar and language education) could drive more people to become creative (or at least this is how the Australian government sees it).
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Is that what I said? I don't think so!
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Not exactly in those words Maxsims but my basis is your post on August 25 when you explained the way Australian kids are taught spelling.
In any case, have you observed any attempt to "soften" education standards in order to promote creativity or perhaps another venerable ideal?
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I always believed that discipline is important; but so is creativity. So, how do we strike a balance as far as education is concerned?
After days of scouring the internet for an answer finally I have this to say. Discipline and creativity are actually off shoots of conformity and individualism.
There is actually plenty of material online on the topic. What is clear about conformity is that it exists when there is an implicit or explicit "social contract" as the French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau would put it. In this social contract, people who conform with the accepted behavioral norms are bound to gain rewards or a reciprocal benefit from the "system" whether it be promoted by a government, an organization, a religion, or simply a collection of people who share the same belief.
Individualism, on the other hand, is a more self aware belief that addresses the innate uniqueness of the human being. It acknowledges unique needs, aspirations, desires, and others.
Taken to extremes, an extreme individualist would be an anarchist who mindlessly rejects any form of social order and the institutions that promote these. An extreme conformist on the other hand, would be a fanatic who listens to no reason and follows the dictates of the organization that promotes the social contract. These two extreme types are no better than the other.
What struck me is that individualism and conformity could actually co-exist within the belief system of a human being. You see it is human nature to resist discipline or standards of conformity when forced from external sources. However, if a person exercises his free will and then chooses to accept a set of beliefs then the discipline comes from within that person as an act of individual choice.
Therefore, the most disciplined people are free thinking individuals who believe that they are serving their best interest by conforming to a set of norms or beliefs. Creativity and discipline can co-exist after all, just look at the people in advertising agencies who are creative and yet very keen on details and deadlines.
In short, the most effective way to discipline kids is not to enforce harsh external discipline but to convince them that performing certain behaviors will help them become better persons.
Looking back, the best way I was disciplined was when my dad told me how some people turned out to be losers not because they lacked money but because they didn't value education when their parents sent them to school. I knew I had to get my act together because I didn't want to be like them and so the force of discipline came from within.
Perhaps the reason behind the surge in individualism among younger Japanese can be traced in the shattered social contract of a lifetime of fulfilling employment, where people work to death for dwindling benefits and unbearable stress.
In contrast, Filipinos value education because we know it is the key to a better work or life, if not in the country then abroad.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Wow! I learned a lot, renz. There were some things you mentioned, I fully agree with, their importance I was not really aware of till you discussed about them: creativity and discipline. Indeed, they are present in every individual, no matter in what degree. There is just one more important thing I would like you to include especially when analyzing the psyche of the Japanese. Religion! This may not be easily seen working now, but during WW II, it became a driving tool to move the people into one direction without so much question. The results of WW II made these people lose trust and belief in this religion and the leaders who took advantage of its power on the citizenry. Unconsciously, the spirit connected to this belief still controls the behavioral patterns of the Japanese (IMHO).
Hmm...Talking about WW II..You just motivated me to keep researching about WW II, Renz. I'd better stop here before you find out what aspects of WW II I have been researching about ;D ;D ;D.
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Hi Madirl09,
Thanks, I will see what I can do about religiosity and the modern Japanese. According to my Japan-based journalist friend the Japanese are advanced in the study of philosophy to the point that the society is basically atheist.
He said the Japanese perform religious festivities only to attract tourists or to preserve their identity, otherwise they do not practice religion at all.
Unfortunately, the lack of spiritual belief leave the Japanese with little alternative perspective in troubled times so they easily fall into depression and then commit suicide.
But who knows, I could be wrong. In any case, happy holidays to you and your family :D
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Happy New Year to all!
This year is quite notable to me because of two major events that could deeply impact the lives of Filipinos: the coming elections and the pending bill to set expiration dates to marriage contracts.
Aside from the obvious, what I find interesting in these two events is that these involve social contracts--the topic of my post last December 11.
French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau described "social contract" as any social system that promises some form of benefit to those who subscribe to it and some form of penalty or disciplinary measure to those who violate its rules.
A social contract could mean anything from a marriage contract; the pact among thieves; rules of sport; the contract that defines the responsibilities of a government to its people and vice versa; or, as simple as who gets to bring out the trash on which day of the week.
So, be it a contract that binds a man and a woman in marriage, or the promise of a better future if elected to a government position, the question that comes to mind right now is how do we encourage people to enter a social contract.
This may sound absurd, but if we really think about it there is a common ground to all this--a repetitive process--the mastery of which could help us turn our kids into self-motivated learners and perhaps even convince the people around us to become self-disciplined good citizens.
While politicians use persuasive speaking to get a vote, and suitors use their romantic appeal to get the girl of their dreams these are but a few pieces found in the tool box called "salesmanship".
In saying this, I will try to share with you in the next few posts what I know about the art of selling and perhaps this could help us enrich our lives.
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Perhaps we should all be aware that most purchasing decisions are emotional.
Although we go to supermarkets and try to be as financially prudent in our decisions as possible we cannot deny the fact that we prefer (in many cases) branded items even if there are cheaper alternatives because "we feel better" using these products. We simply consider the emotional appeal of the product/brand when we make purchase decisions.
The same goes when we decide on accepting a social contract. The emotion involved in selecting a suitor is obvious but what about the emotions involved when we decide to join an organization, when we select a candidate in an election, or when we buy a plane ticket and expect to land in the destination safely?
Any sales pitch by a salesman, persuasive speech by a politician, or whisper by a suitor revolves around an emotion and we should familiarize ourselves with a handful of these:
(1) Love
This involves the things we could do to make our loved ones happy.
(2) Prestige
We feel good whenever we are treated exceptionally and to pay a premium is justified.
(3) Fear of Loss
When people are made aware of the deep sense of loss as they are presented the possibility that the things they value could go away/could be taken away.
(4) Greed
When people realize that they stand to gain more than what they could normally derive for the same amount of resources, like money or time.
(5) Guilt
The feeling of guilt is terrible so anything that could remove this feeling could drive people to action.
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Mass media advertisements are inundated with messages that revolve around these emotions, consider these:
After work you bring home fast food and find your kids jumping and screaming happy;
A man gives his sweetheart a diamond ring and then she loves him even more;
A man is so ordinary but once he sprayed on a perfume suddenly beautiful girls find him interesting;
A boy does not have confidence to approach his crush until he started using a toothpaste that whitened his teeth and gave him good breath;
A girl was largely ignored due to her dark skin but after taking a skin whitening product suddenly boys fall head over heels for her;
Men who drink this brand of alcohol look cool and are approached by hot girls in a bar scene;
and, people turn their heads at the man who stepped out of a luxury car/ girls find a man attractive after seeing him drive a shiny new car.
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In political campaigns, it is common to see politicians portray themselves in scenes where they embraced kids and elderly people, or as they handed-out relief goods during disasters.
Obviously, these are emotional appeals that say the politician loves the poor and lends a helping hand to tragedy victims. Other common themes revolve around job generation, better health care, and food on every table.
In any case, try to see which of the five emotions these messages are revolving on and maybe this way we could wade through the superficiality of the message and focus more on things that truly matter such as the intrinsic benefits of a product, or the stand on certain issues by the politician, or the track record of the product/politician.
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Now, if the act of accepting social contracts is driven by emotions, and if we imagine emotions as buttons, then how would we know which button to push?
Experienced sales people possess one vital skill, the ability to size-up a prospective client. This simply means perceiving the personality of the prospect. This is critical because the sales presentation will depend on the sales person's perception of the prospect.
A sales person has many tricks in his tool box that could help him size-up a prospect like survey forms, reading body language, small talk, humor, and others. However, the one tool that I am going to discuss here is familiarity of personality types.
Psychologists refer to this as the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). While Psychologists study this framework for categorizing personalities in its true form, sales people are made aware of this framework in a watered-down version designed for laymen.
The watered down version indicates that there are four major personality types:
Dominant Driver
These people are highly opinionated and very demonstrative of their feelings. They think highly of themselves and they like giving orders. They like to be in control and they like making decisions. Usually impatient and demanding, they do not like their ideas to be challenged and they will vigorously argue with anyone who does. They tend to be brash and unmindful if they hurt the feelings of the people around them. They get furious just as easily as they forgive and forget quarrels. They are quick to speak their mind and they act on impulse even if they tend to regret their actions later. They value family relationships.
Researcher
These people are the detail oriented type and they like to see proof to believe. They do not believe things very easily and they will question and study the source of the information carefully. They are very cautious, they delay or take time as far as decision making, and they do not like to be rushed. These people value recognition for their hard work and they will take any form of reprimand seriously and personally. They are not very sociable and they often keep few friends. These people are not demonstrative of their feelings very much and they find people who are emotional as unstable.
Sociable
These are the people who like to be lavished with attention. They like being the center of the conversation or even the party. They love talking about themselves and what they have experienced. They are fond of playing with ideas and are quite creative although they tend to be short on details. They are poor at work that is repetitive and requires much attention and they prefer tasks that are exciting or creative in nature. These people like trying out new things and are driven by being the first and the best in anything they fancy. Needless to say, they enjoy mingling with a lot of people.
Caring
These people are very nurturing. They tend to find happiness and fulfillment in helping others. They could easily give grieving people a shoulder to cry on. They like pleasant surprises. They easily get disappointed and are quite timid. They would also be the last to try something new. They prefer things that are tried and tested and they would rather work with things that they are familiar with. They are willing to sacrifice if it means helping others. They also want emotional reassurance.
Considering the description above we could already think of certain occupations that would best fit people with these personalities. However, to make things more interesting there are the cross-over personalities.
These cross-over personalities are mixtures of these four major ones. Although we could all be any of these personalities at one point or the other it is understood that it is possible to have personalities that are, say, predominantly sociable but partly caring; predominantly dominant driver and partly researcher; and so on.
This is why the MBTI framework is consisted of 16 personalities in all. The link below will provide a more clinical description of the 16 personalities:
http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html
Next, we will discuss how the personality type relate to the emotional drives.
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As we have discussed the emotions that motivate our decisions and the framework that identified personality types, we now move on and see how these two can be integrated in order to help us apply these in practical ways.
It would make sense to push the right emotional button when dealing with people of a certain personality type. This way, the success rate of convincing the target individual to respond favorably increases.
While a salesman may throw every trick in the book to close a sale, his sales presentation may very well be delivered to suit a particular personality by wrapping the presentation with the appropriate emotional lures.
Pitching to a Dominant Driver Type
When dealing with dominant drivers we should be mindful that these people think highly of themselves, they want to be in control, and they value family relations. Thus, an astute salesman would pitch on prestige and love.
To achieve this, the salesman may show how the product he is offering could reinforce the dominant driver's elite image. He would use catch phrases like "reserved for the privileged few" or drop big names and say "oh, the CEO bought the same model from me.." But hard selling to a dominant driver may backfire because these people want to be in control and they do not want others to decide for them. Knowing this, the clever salesman may very well show his product line up and say "these are the common models but over there are the high-end models" and let the dominant driver pick his choice.
When all things fail the salesman would always know how to spin to the other weakness of the dominant driver--family relations. The salesman could very well inquire about the kids, the in-laws and then convince the dominant driver to buy a present for them and say "they will love you for it.."
Also, due to the inherent impatience of dominant drivers anything that will save time and make them perform more efficiently--and have more time for family--will be appealing.
Pitching to a Researcher Type
Keep in mind that researchers are cautious, calculating, very meticulous, and they take personal failure and criticisms seriously. Thus, a good salesman would pitch on guilt and fear of loss.
Researchers do not like other people to decide for them as well so it is better to give them brochures and data sheets to analyze and compare. The salesman might very well show graphs and literature that show trends and then let the researcher decide that the product is essential considering the external conditions.
The worse fear a researcher may have is to make the wrong decision or to underestimate a problem and be blamed for the outcome. A shrewd salesman would then play this up and sell the product on its safety features. He would push points like "it may cost more but at least it is safer and more durable.." Some salesmen would even draw catastrophic scenarios and then show how the product could save the researcher from all those. However, dealing with researchers require patience because these people take time to decide unlike dominant drivers who are confident in decision making.
Pitching to a Sociable Type
Sociables are stylish people known to crave attention, to desire to be the first in whatever they fancy, and to hate complicated operations and boring routines. A focus on the love of self, beauty, and less frills will prove to be very useful.
Crafty salesmen may very well capitalize on these traits by showing a product that will make sociables "the talk of the town.." Salesmen may very well offer their most stylish and hip products that will help the sociable stand out with a designer's sense.
Also, products that are simple to use and convenient would appeal greatly to these people.
Pitching to a Caring Person Type
The caring type is described as reserved, timid, selfless, and love-oriented people who prefer tried and tested ways. Salesmen may pitch by showing how cute and simple a product is. Salesmen could also show how their loved ones would love them more if they would give away the product as presents; or how her husband would love her more if she uses the product; or how the girl of his dreams will love him for doing this or that.
Another way to make a pitch with caring people is to focus on "the tried and tested way". As caring people are reluctant to try new things they would rather go for reliable products and time-tested approaches. They simply would not want to experiment and expose their loved ones to risks.
Pitching on popular endorsements could also work for caring people. Anything endorsed (or simply used) by their favorite celebrity will surely be patronized by caring people.
Pitching with Greed and Fear of Loss
Greed and fear of loss usually work with any of the personality types as long as these are coupled with another emotion, for example greed plus prestige, fear of loss and love, fear of loss and guilt, etc.
Usually, greed is used in promotions that show people could get more for paying less like "buy one, take one", "three for the price of one", "buy four take one free", discount promos, etc. However, all this will depend on whether the product appeals to the personality in the first place.
Fear of loss is normally used in promotions that involve a sense of limited time or some short lived precondition so people will have the sense of urgency to buy the items while they can. These are evident in phrases like "limited offers", "good while supply lasts", "one day sale", "first one hundred customers will get..", etc.
Dealing with Crossovers
As mentioned in the preceding post there are crossover personalities like part dominant driver and part researcher, part caring and part sociable, etc. When dealing with crossovers a salesman may very well make a sales pitch based on the two personality types involved and then observe which part the customer responds better to in order to know where to focus on.
Group Presentation
If you think dealing with crossover personalities is complicated they try presenting to a group of people. While salesmen would advise keeping things short-simple-and-sweet, presentations usually try to appeal to various personality types simultaneously.
If a salesman is aware that the people who are attending will be from the marketing and finance departments, the salesman might very well customize the presentation for sociables and research personality types. If people from IT and engineering are attending then the salesman might as well present for dominant drivers and research personality types.
However, if a salesman or even a politician is presenting/speaking before of a mass audience then you could just imagine how they try to appeal to all personality types simultaneously.
Next, we will discuss some hurdles commonly faced by salesmen and how to properly deal with these.
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Before anything else allow me to greet everyone a belated Valentines Day and a happy Chinese New Year.
In previous posts, we have tackled the emotions that influence decisions, the various personality types, and how clever people match the personality type with the right emotional approach to make convincing easier.
At this point, we shall begin to discuss the Five reasons why people do not buy:
(1) No Money
(2) No Need
(3) No Help
(4) No Hurry
(5) No Trust
Let us keep in mind that while these principles were developed for use by salesmen these are just as applicable to other endeavors that require convincing people.
Now, before I go into details allow me to show at which point these objections normally occur. To do this, first I have to acquaint you with the sales process. In a normal sales environment the following are considered as the common stages in the sales process:
(1) Prospecting
(2) Appointment Setting
(3) Sales Presentation
(4) Trial Closing
(5) Objection Handling
(6) Closing The Sale
Note: There could be more trial closings depending on the number of objections made.
(1) Prospecting
At this stage the salesman goes through directories, his collection of calling cards, referrals from friends, and just about any possible way he can come up with a short list of high potential prospective customers. The rationale behind this is while many salesmen would agree to casting-the-net-wide or give presentations indiscriminately to just about anyone at arm's length, the wise salesman knows that he could only conduct so many presentations in any given day. Therefore, he might as well optimize the use of his time and exert his effort with select people who are more likely to buy.
Here is where demographics come in. A salesman knows his product and the target market which is defined by age, sex, marital status, disposable income, occupation type, lifestyle, etc. So, even if a salesman is merely standing by a booth in a mall you can bet that he is looking out for someone who fits the demographic profile judging by the looks before he considers making a sales pitch. This way he can save time and energy as well as increase the probability of making a sale.
(2) Appointment Setting
In some line of business individualized presentations are essential. Therefore, after the salesman has come up with a short list of prospects he would then contact them and try to "sell" the idea that the prospect needs to see the presentation. However, the salesman has to do this without giving enough information to allow the prospect to make a rejection over the phone. This is very tricky but a highly experienced salesman would know when and when not to insist on the face-to-face presentation, or when to close the sale over the phone.
And then there are the gatekeepers. The gatekeepers are the people other than the decision makers who may stonewall salesmen from speaking with the prospect/decision maker. These include the spouse, phone operator, and even the personal secretary depending on the situation. Overcoming these gatekeepers is just as important as making the actual presentation when selling to large companies or organizations.
(3) Sales Presentation
This is the part where the salesman presents the product in a manner that he thinks would appeal to the prospect considering all the personality and "need" assessment he had conducted earlier. It is here where the salesman also discusses the benefits and advantages of the product. Usually, this is done under the guideline KISS (keep it short and simple) in an environment with the least distractions in order to keep the prospect focused on the selling activity.
(4) Trial Closing
This is where the salesman tries to test and see if the prospect is interested in buying the product. Normally, the salesman would ask the prospect what color he prefers, how many pieces he wants, what are the features he liked about the product, and so on. These questions are actually attempts to mentally condition the prospect to buy the product by slowly inducing the him to make decisions normally associated to the process of buying until the he loses all resistance and makes the purchase.
(5) Objection Handling
It is normal for prospects to have additional questions and sometimes outright objections to the product or sales presentation. Under these circumstances a salesman's duty is to address the points raised. It could be as simple as highlighting a feature of the product that was missed during the presentation, but sometimes it could me more serious.
Here a salesman may selectively conduct another presentation designed directly to address the points raised. If all else fails, a salesman may even dangle some freebies or bundle a special offer just to seal the deal--who knows what additional deal sweeteners he may have under his disposal.
(6) Closing The Sale
By the time the salesman reaches this point the prospect would have been fully convinced about purchasing the product. The last thing the salesman wants to do is to fumble with unexpected lapses and spoil the sales attempt, otherwise, this stage should be smooth sailing.
Now, keep in mind that depending on factors like the product/service being offered, the sales organization, the sales culture, the trade practices, and others, all these steps may vary. Furthermore, there are cases where some steps might not be necessary at all (like stages one and two), or perhaps the processing of the transaction is more brisk with less need for detailed discussions on some parts.
Going back to the five reasons why people don't buy, be aware that these reasons could occur at any point in the sales process--except stage one unless the salesman hears voices in his head. However, these five reasons occur more frequently on stage three and four; and occur least likely on the final stage.
Next, we will discuss the nature of the "five reasons why people do not buy" and see how mastering the countermeasures could sometimes bring more benefits than the sales presentation itself.
<watch out for the continuation ;)>
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As the national election date draws closer allow me to discuss the Five reasons why people don't buy in the following order:
(1) No Trust
(2) No Need
(3) No Help
(4) No Hurry
(5) No Money
(1) No Trust
This is perhaps the biggest hurdle to anyone who is trying to sell something critical, life changing, very expensive, or very radical on a personal level.
Trust wouldn't be a big issue if it were a matter of purchasing a ballpoint pen, a plastic bracelet, or any unessential item below PHP 20.00 at today's prevailing exchange rate. The obvious explanation here is anybody could spare the small amount and losing these items an hour after purchase wouldn't matter much to anyone especially if the items are easily available.
Also, trust wouldn't be a big issue if we were transacting through a machine. We would assume that machines are impartial and reliable; in contrast, humans are prone to bias and could deliver goods and services in varying degrees of reliability and consistency.
As decision makers, people are more cautious if the purchase involves things that will directly affect what they value. People generally exert caution (regardless of personality type) if the decision involves a great amount of money, if it risks one's life/career/source of income, if it could alter one's relationship with his loved ones, if this involves affecting one's status in society, or if it involves the possibility of reducing liability or accountability.
If we think about it the situations above are traceable to the five emotions that drive our decisions (e.g. love, fear of loss, prestige, greed and guilt) as discussed in previous posts.
At this point, we examine how companies and other entities develop trust and how this helps in their endeavors through time.
In old societies, the importance of dealing with people and institutions that could be relied upon is as critical as losing money to thieves and not having any chance of getting it back. Even in today's society where there are laws designed to protect consumers, I don't suppose people would hire lawyers and attend several court hearings to bring to justice the vendor/manufacturer of, say, one defective piece of ball point pen worth PHP 12.00.
It is simply ridiculous, and the time and money spent for the legal proceedings would not justify the amount that could possibly be recovered from the supplier or manufacturer unless the amount of the transaction is in the thousands of pesos for a large volume purchase order.
This is why people are afraid of losing money unnecessarily through unscrupulous traders and/or manufacturers. The trust and reliability that characterize a trader/service provider/manufacturer give peace of mind and convenience to the consumer and saves him from the hassles of dealing with product defects and inconsistent service.
This is why a good name is worth more than a ton of gold, as the saying goes. In Latin countries, the title of "Don" was given to individuals who are known for being straight forward and honest in their dealings with others. Unfortunately, the title was abused and liberally used to the point that even the heads of organized crime were given this title.
In most western countries, there were people who took this matter to a point where the names of the founders themselves were used as the company/trade name. This is very common among financial institutions (JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns, Dun and Bradstreet, Barings, etc.) and companies in the fashion/cosmetics industry (Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, JCPenny , Sara Lee, etc.)
In fact, this phenomenon is the subject of much study and members of the business academe refer to it as Brand Management. You would be surprised to see trade books on the topic if you visit the nearest bookstore chain in your area.
Brand Management is the study of how organizations could develop and sustain a strong brand. The benefits of a strong brand are the following:
(1) A strong brand helps in promoting the organization's current and future product/service offerings;
(2) It could help the organization attract the best and brightest talents in the market/industry;
(3) It provides a sense of stability and continuity among employees;
(4) It provides leverage when dealing with creditors;
(5) It provides leverage when dealing with suppliers and other business partners;
(6) And, it provides some degree of political influence.
Without lecturing on brand management allow me to focus on just one advantage to having a strong brand and that's how a strong brand helps in promoting the organization's current and future product and/or service offerings.
Whenever we buy a pound of common table salt in a thin plastic bag at the nearest wet market perhaps the only thing we would consider is the price. Now, if we run a restaurant or a food manufacturing firm and the business consumes the same common table salt in large quantities regularly then aside from price we would add other dimensions in evaluating the supplier. We would ask ourselves if the supplier is reliable. Could he consistently meet our regular requirements? Perhaps the ability to deliver the goods for free would also be considered.
The point here is this, if the product is so generic and undifferentiated then we could shift from one supplier to another if low price is the only factor to consider. However, as the need becomes more complex we begin to consider additional factors before we select the supplier and make the purchase.
In the example above, the product is just common table salt. The complexity began when the required volume became large and the demand became regular. Now, what if we evaluate a more complicated product like a car or a desktop computer, what would we consider as relevant factors?
When we evaluate a product we normally consider things beyond the obvious benefits of the product itself. Depending on how well the buyer is aware of his needs he will normally scrutinize the product based on his requirements. Now, assuming that we are standing before a store shelf with several products that meet out requirements with prices that are comparable, how do we decide which one to purchase?
Here is where brand management comes to fore. We refer to the premise that we have raised many posts ago and that's purchase decisions (as well as other major decisions) are driven by human emotions. This time around, allow me to stress that brand management was developed to help organizations capitalize on this.
Brands are strengthened through a solid track record of success and reliability that takes years to develop. In the past, word of mouth and/or actual positive experience with the product or service slowly does the job of raising "brand equity" or the intangible value of the brand. However, in the past few decades a more deliberate approach was taken by companies in order to create a higher level of brand awareness.
Organizations have achieved this along with the concerted efforts of advertising agencies, PR firms, and media practitioners. Normally, brands are associated with images of community service, sensitivity to minorities, commitment to quality, and even dedication to the environment. Associating with popular sports and competitions is also a good way to promote goodwill to the brand.
To my mind, however, the best way to promote a brand is to remind people of how good times were shared with the product through the years. Nothing beats a strong emotional attachment to a brand as far as brand management is concerned. Among Philippine companies we could easily identify the likes of San Miguel Corporation, ABS-CBN, PLDT, etc. as companies that have achieved strong brand equity using the techniques mentioned above.
A company with a strong brand will enjoy the residual benefit of having a strong mental recall each time a consumer is in need of a product or service to satisfy his needs. In fact, even if the consumer does not need a product yet he could be induced to try something new simply because the product carries the trusted brand that has never failed to deliver satisfaction in the past. That is how important a strong brand is.
I have just shown how trust is essential in decision making in today's modern world and how brands could be associated to good emotions to make these trusted. However, we must remember that although these principles were developed for business these are the very same elements at work in Philippine politics.
Beware of Political Brands
Being the emotional people that we are, Filipinos should know better than to trust political candidates on the basis of their family name.
In other countries, political branding is synonymous to the political party. In the US it is either Republican or Democrat. In the UK it could be a choice between Labor, Conservatives, Sinn Fein, etc. In the Philippines, however, considering the ease at which politicians jump from one political party to another the platform of the party becomes irrelevant.
It all boils down to the personalities behind the campaign, much like in the movie industry where the presence of a superstar could spell success in the box office. Unfortunately, many Filipinos think that good governance runs in the blood line so a scion of a political clan will be just as good as some of his relatives. Therefore, in this country the political family name is to local politics what strong brands are in the corporate world.
In the coming elections, we should think beyond the emotion that we have attached to the "political brand" and look at the track record of the candidate instead, and perhaps we could elect better public servants this way.
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How do we develop trust?
After the discussion above the question that is begging to be asked is how do we develop trust to help us in our endeavors?
The key concept behind the techniques on how to develop trust will revolve around "association". As the target individual meets us for the first time we need to associate ourselves with things that will draw that feeling of trust.
Indeed, the first impression lasts, as the saying goes, but what do we associate with in order to create that lasting impression that speaks to audiences that we are trust worthy? Here are some techniques on how to develop trust:
(a) Act the part
(b) Sell the brand
(c) Plain Folks
(d) Bank on the reputation of the person who referred you
(e) Develop a solid track record over time
(a) Act the part
The way we look and present ourselves is critical. On top of the normal personal hygiene we have to look like someone trust worthy. What this "trust worthy look" should be may depend on the over all approach and we will discuss this further in the subsequent techniques on developing trust.
The important part here is to look like someone the target audience can relate to..someone the target could associate with his personal concept of what a trust worthy person should look like. This may sound stereotypical but this is how the human mind works and visual cues (the image we project) could either raise or drop mental barriers. The last thing you want to do is associate with a negative image inadvertently.
(b) Sell the brand
If we were engaged in selling goods/services we could easily focus on the brand. If the brand is well known then half of the work involved in selling is already done.
But what if the company or the brand is new or not known in the market. Here sales people would normally work on raising the level of awareness on the brand. He could identify popular products that are under the brand. He could identify successful products/projects of the company/brand in other parts of the world. Others would even explain how the company evolved and highlight its successful ventures.
Here the salesman is banking on associating the product/brand/company with success. Nothing sells like success and the inherent desire of people (the prestige driven type) to take part in that success. Indeed, "the winner takes it all".
(c) Plain Folks
Allow me to reintroduce a style originally used for oration, "plain folks". This is a style that illustrates to the target audience that the speaker is just like them. This is a powerful message because people generally think that they do not get goods and services in the desired manner because the brand/company/seller does not understand them. With plain folks the communicator tells the audience subliminally that "yes, I used to be like you, and yes, I understand you". This way, association is greatly developed on a personal level because the target audience realizes that he and the speaker are alike.
Salesmen use this a lot and topics such as which place they were from, where they studied, which parts of the world they have been to, which social group they belong to, which company they worked for, or even something as superficial as where were they / what were they doing when a major event occurred, could actually do the job of connecting through plain folks.
I remember how many sales agents from newly established multinational outfits in the country used plain folks to attract people. They even stressed how the founders of the company used to be ordinary people themselves until (through some stroke of genius or hard work) they were able to become successful. This way the target audience could visualize themselves as no different from the founders and learn to associate with the brand.
More importantly, we should all be aware that this is the most commonly used technique used by politicians on the campaign trail. When we hear lines like I used to be poor; I used to sleep on the streets; my family didn't have enough money for food as I grew up; and so on, we should remember that these are merely emotional appeals. Even if there is truth in the statement of the speaker we should be aware that using plain folks is just a diversion. It merely takes the target audience's attention away from the more important issues.
Personally, I would be skeptical about listening to a person who puts too much emphasis on plain folks. To my mind, these people simply lack the substance to be elected in a public office.
(d) Bank on the reputation of the person who referred you
This is actually similar to "selling the brand" because a salesperson relies on the reputation of another entity.
Under the circumstances, the salesperson depends on the pre-established positive relationship between the person who referred him and the target individual. As in "selling the brand" if this works out then half the job of selling is already done.
This is the reason behind brand endorsements by celebrities. This is also the reason why some inexperienced candidates get elected simply because they were endorsed by a popular senior politician.
This is very potent because a personal level of trust (even in the case of celebrities and fans) is immediately established unlike in "selling the brand" where the trust is between a consumer and an inanimate business entity. So potent that some people abuse this by "name dropping". Of course, in "name dropping" a scheming person could simply drop the name of an influential person and get things done his way.
(e) Develop a solid track record over time
The most potent but also the most time consuming (and potentially the most difficult) approach is to establish a solid track record over the years.
This entails consistency in the delivery of goods/services to the consumer and establishing a long-term relationship that could take years to develop. However, this is also the most reliable way to establish trust. In fact, achieving trust this way would almost automatically lead to brand loyalty.
This explains how the demand remained high for some higher-priced quality products despite countless low-priced competitors. The manufacturer/supplier could simply justify the high price with the consistent quality of its products/services. In fact, many consumers try cheaper alternatives only to go back to the old trusted brand ever more loyal due to the failures of the cheaper alternatives.
The association made here is this, you pay more but you get the satisfaction and not the headaches. After all, what price would we pay to avoid headaches due to product/service failure?
Arguably, this is the reason why people do not venture with untested alternatives despite the obvious benefits. Ironically, perhaps this is also the reason why some people tolerate corrupt candidates and not try other untested candidates. The corrupt candidate may cost the society much but his consistency and predictability is perhaps perceived by people as a good trade off rather than try an untested candidate.
To my mind, if it is broken then fix it.
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(2) No Need
There is a saying among salesmen that you know you are good at the trade if you could sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo man.
The paradox highlighted here is why would an Eskimo need a refrigerator when he is surrounded by ice almost all year round? We could simply imagine the level of selling skills a salesman must have to pull off this feat. This saying also points out the difficulty or perhaps virtual impossibility of selling an item that is not needed.
As we move on and discuss the reasons why people do not buy we now tackle one major stumbling block faced by salesmen, the lack of demand. Or simply put, when customers do not see the need for the product being peddled.
Except for compulsive buyers, people normally give thought to their purchases especially if the transaction entails a large sum of money. If we factor in the economic difficulties of our time then it makes sense to spend not only on items that we need but also to prioritize the purchase of items that are deemed as necessities and forgo those that are less vital.
But what if you are selling something that is seemingly of less importance, or worse, useless and unwanted by your target market?
And yet, seasoned salesmen know that if they push the right buttons they could still manage to sell their wares. The crucial needs that must be served are not the ones on the surface. Salesmen know that there are two types of need, the "stated need" and the "unstated need".
The stated need refers to the overt need as expressed by the customer such as the case when he goes to a counter and asks for an item. However, the unstated need is the real motive that drives the behavior; it is not expressed and people are seldom aware of it. This is sometimes referred to as the "human desire" that transcends satisfying simple need. In fact, unstated needs correspond to the emotions that drive purchase decisions like love, prestige, fear of loss, greed, and guilt as discussed in previous posts. Allow me to illustrate this:
Ex. 1 Love
Stated need
I want to buy a tube of toothpaste
Unstated need
I want to have confidence to face the girl of my dreams
Ex. 2 Love
Stated need
I want to buy a car
Unstated need
I want to impress my friends and especially the girl of my dreams
Ex. 3 Prestige
Stated need
I want to get a platinum credit card
Unstated need
I want to be treated very special and I want access to special privileges
Ex. 4 Guilt
Stated need
I want to buy a gift for my in-laws
Unstated need
I don't want my wife to think I'm being bitter by not extending the gesture
Ex. 5 Fear of Loss
Stated need
I want to get health insurance
Unstated need
I don't want to have big medical bills should I get sick unexpectedly
However, we must keep in mind that the target customer is never consciously aware of his unstated need. Therefore, it is up to the salesman to recognize it, bring it to the surface, and show how his product can satisfy it.
Surprisingly, it is also possible for salesman to suggest an idea, confuse the priorities, and eventually convince the target customer to buy the product based on the suggested need. Short of branding some salesmen as hypnotists, I have met some who were very good at making suggestions that they have virtually spoon fed the target customers with their rationale who were eventually induced to purchase.
Understanding and anticipating the need for a product or service (and the satisfaction thereof) could make or break a trader. Among economists and businessmen the general public's need for a product is called "demand".
Attempts to appeal to the unstated need is systematically used by advertising campaigns especially when the product/service caters to the mass market. The use of mass media (radio, television, print) to attract buyers is simply the preferred method used by advertisers to develop and drive the demand for products and we only need to watch the television for a few minutes before we get inundated by such advertising material.
The Law of Supply and Demand
If we think about it, whenever there is talk of price increase we often hear traders explain how the "law of supply and demand" has influenced the price increase. However, do we truly understand this powerful economic model? Allow me to explain this in simple terms for everyone. The key elements of this economic model are price, demand quantity, and supply quantity. Next, we have to understand the dynamics that takes place as these factors influence each other. For a clearer illustration, let us put this principle in the context of a commodity, tomatoes.
Let us assume that there are 100 kilos of tomatoes priced at P20 per kilo and the demand for the produce is at 100 kilos as well. This implies that the market demand (the combined need of various individuals/households) for tomatoes is equal to the supply available and buyers are willing to pay P20 per kilo and nothing more. From this point on, let us keep in mind that any change among the three factors could upset the balance (equilibrium) and affect the other factors.
The common explanation that goes with the law of supply and demand is that prices will go up if the demand is high but prices will go down if the demand is low. Moreover, prices go up if supply levels are low and prices go down if supply levels are high.
Allow me to explain this further using the case of the tomatoes. Should the demand for tomatoes rise to 120 kilos and the supply remains constant at 100 kilos then the shrewd trader will maximize his profit by selling at a higher price, say P25 per kilo. People will pay the extra amount because there is a supply shortfall of 20 kilos and they have no choice.
Perhaps some people will decide not to buy anymore but there will still be enough buyers who could afford the price increase and buy the produce until all the 100 kilos is depleted. However, if the trader raises the price too much, say to P30 per kilo, then the number of buyers who could afford the commodity will decrease further therefore some tomato will be left unsold. To sell the remaining tomatoes the trader might decide to reduce the prices to a more acceptable level or suffer supply spoilage.
Similarly, if the available supply decreases to 80 kilos and the demand remains constant at 100 kilos then there could still be price increase because there is still a supply shortfall of 20 kilos.
Conversely, if the the demand is constant at 100 kilos but supply increases to 120 kilos then there will be a price decrease in order to induce buyers to buy more than what they normally consume or else the trader may suffer food spoilage due to over supply.
Similarly, if the demand decreases to 80 kilos and supply is constant at 100 kilos then there will still be price drops, a case of over supply.
Therefore, we can say that from the point of view of supply a shortfall will lead to price increases but a surplus will lead to price decreases. However, from the point of view of demand a shortfall will lead to price decreases but excess demand will lead to price increases.
Imperfect Market Information
The harsh reality concerning the Law of Supply and Demand lies in the availability and quality of the market information available to the trader and consumer alike.
Unfortunately, there is no way for a trader to objectively know the demand situation for the trading day or even the days to come. It is simply impossible to conduct surveys on consumer preferences on a daily basis. Instead, businessmen rely on historical data to forecast the demand, but this is in no way precise.
One age old practice lies in observing and anticipating the seasonality of demand based on preset social/calendar events like school opening, summer vacation, and holidays. In fact, many will tell us that the demand for products and services follow a reoccurring pattern where demand starts to rise around July coinciding with school opening and then peaks in December during the Christmas season only to gradually decline from January throughout the doldrum summer months.
On the supply side, traders closely monitor suppliers and news on the supply situation allows him to decide whether to increase or decrease the prices accordingly. This is critical to fresh produce traders especially since adverse weather conditions could affect the harvest or the cargo from reaching the main distribution centers/market places thereby reducing the supply available for retail.
Meanwhile, some traders also consider the seasonality factor. We all know that some fruits are abundant in summer while some are abundant during the autumn months. And yet there are those that are available all year round.
Hoarding and Price Manipulation
Now, what if the supply-side information is not accurate? One form of imperfect information is when supply information is distorted to suit the interest of unscrupulous people. Imagined or rumors of a poor harvest could trigger price increase despite large supply quantities available in warehouses. If a trader hoards the supply until everyone else is out of stock and then waits for the prices to skyrocket before unloading the goods then for sure we know that the trader is up to no good.
If a group of suppliers agree among themselves to set the price then we have here another source of imperfect information, the cartel. The cartel can manipulate the prices and consumers have no choice but to accept it. This is because for cartels to work, the combined supply capacity of its members has to be quite significant in order to keep non-cartel members from providing an alternative supply source.
Of course, the worse form of price manipulation comes from none other than the monopolist. A monopolistic player in the industry can come up with feeble excuses to raise the prices and no one can lift a finger about it unless the country has an anti-trust law like in the US.
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And then there are statistics!
In great disgust, one American politician quipped that there are lies, there are bigger lies, and then there are statistics.
To my mind, nothing is more deliberate and insulting than to use math or science to justify lies. It is simply a blatant exploitation of people's lack of knowledge (ignorance) in a certain field of study. While there are professionals who can be consulted for alternative opinions on certain scientific and mathematical questions the one peculiar problem inherent to statistics lies in the way it is implemented.
I am trained in statistics and I thought big ticket survey outfits were very scientific and methodical in implementing statistical studies. However, I was rudely awakened when upon close scrutiny through an interview with experts from one of these outfits years ago I realized that the entire rule book for conducting proper statistical surveys was simply thrown out of the window.
The major flaws lie in defining the scope and the actual data gathering. It is important to properly define the scopes and limitations of any statistical survey just as in any scientific and mathematical endeavor. Since statistics is the math that describes a population based on random surveys on samples then it makes sense to take samples/respondents within the appropriate scope of the study.
Let us put this in proper context. Suppose we conduct a survey that aims to describe a group called "Five-block-village" (the population of which is separated by five blocks) then it makes sense to take samples/respondents from all five blocks.
If all samples are taken from just one block, say Alpha block, then the results must be called the survey results on Alpha block and not on "Five-block-village". This is because the results were drawn exclusively from just one block.
In fact, if the "Five-block-village" has a population of 1000 and if the target respondent size is 100 then it makes sense to get 20 respondents from each block.
Now, if there is a total of 100 people in block Alpha, 50 in Bravo, 400 in Charlie, 200 in Delta, and 250 in Echo, then the best way to distribute the number of target respondents is to follow the proportion of the distribution of the population. Therefore, it makes sense to take 10 respondents from block Alpha, 5 from Bravo, 40 from Charlie, 20 from Delta and 25 from Echo.
In television rating surveys, pollster firms install an expensive device on televisions that monitors the television stations viewed on which time slot. I know for a fact that these devices are installed in upscale and middle class households but very reluctantly (if ever) on poor households for safety reasons. So, how do these polling firms survey and describe the behavior of poor viewers? You guessed it, they use their magic wands!
Another problem here is that most of the machines are installed in Metro Manila households. So, do we conclude that Metro Manilans have the same viewing preferences as those in other parts of the country?
Now, what if I tell you that the same survey firms are behind the presidential candidate ratings. And what if I tell you that the same sampling flaws are conducted when describing the nation's presidential preferences--that is, when the respondents are mostly from the upper segments of Metro Manila society.
However, not all surveys are flawed. The one survey that I admire for accuracy and depth is the one prepared by the National Statistics Office on the population every five to ten years. It is a painstaking process where statisticians walk from house to house to gather data. It takes one whole year to prepare and the project is so costly that it is conducted several years in between.
So, whenever we see another presidential survey report perhaps we should pause and think twice. If the survey company can update the results almost daily then there has got to be something wrong.
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In great disgust, one American politician quipped that there are lies, there are bigger lies, and then there are statistics.
The "American politician" was, in fact, Winston Churchill, and his quip referred to "lies, damned lies, and statistics".
Ahhh, Renz, have you contemplated setting up your own website instead of parasitically using Joe's?
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Let me referee these two conflicting claims on the quotable quote on statistics as a dismal enterprise.
Here’s what’s on record in the directory of Mark Twain’s maxims, quotations, and various opinions: (http://www.twainquotes.com/Statistics.html)
“Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”—Mark Twain’s Own Autobiography: The Chapters from the North American Review
I then would venture to say that although the grim, dismissive idea about statistics wasn’t originally said by Mark Twain (1835-1910), he did popularize it in the United States way before Britain’s Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was old enough to be qualified for high public office.
Read a deeper historical background of "Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics" (http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/maths/histstat/lies.htm)
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You are quite right - 'twas Disraeli.
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Look who is talking.
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My dear Renz,
I merely argue (sometimes heatedly) with Joe; I do not give his other readers second-hand lessons in Psychology 101.