Civilized

I had a conversation with my sister Rei a few months ago about the notion of being civilized.

Unpopular opinion: "The notion of being civilized is subjective."

A little history, the Philippines was under the Spanish rule for 333 years. Most if not all notions about being "civilized" was highly influenced by the Spanish priests and officials who stayed here in the Philippines. The old rich families in the Philippines can trace their roots up until the Spanish occupation.

During the Spanish regime, the Filipinos who supported and mingled with the Spaniards considered themselves more civilized and looked down at their fellow Filipinos. At present, those who have achieved better education, those in high positions and those who had the opportunity to live outside the country consider themselves more civilized than their fellow countrymen. 

Personally, I think you were blessed to have the opportunities mentioned above, but that does not mean your are immediately more civilized.

Civilized is defined in Google as "at an advanced stage of social and cultural development" or being "polite and well-mannered."

Being socially aware that culture is different in every country/continent, and consciously adapting to it, and respecting the difference in every culture, I believe is what a civilized person is.

Comparing and belittling different cultures just because they are different from one's own culture is petty, disrespectful and uncivilized.

Even different tribes here in the Philippines have rules that they follow and respect but sometimes they are the ones called uncivilized and barbaric just because their culture is different from the westernized culture.

There are those who might disagree with us and we respect that. We are not forcing our views on other people. We simply want to share.

We are open to what others might think about civilized, what we don't like are people forcing their views on us and arrogantly announce to the world that they are more civilized. (#-_-)