The Philippines' current situation has been greatly influenced by the history of colonization. After 333 years of Spanish domination, the nation spent an additional 48 years under American tutelage.

The traditional Filipino landed and educated elite was co-opted by the conquerors during this period into the colonial government centered in Manila, extending the latter's social, economic, and political dominance of Philippine society, a result that is still felt in the present.

The Manila Galleon Trade, which had a lasting impact on the nation, the Policy of Reduccion, or deliberate resettlement, the privatization of land ownership, and other measures were put in place by the Spanish.

The Philippines' natural resources were cultivated to serve the commercial and industrial interests of the new colonizer, the United States, who used the country's economic exploitation to maintain the colonial bureaucracy in Manila during the American dictatorship.

Moreover, the conquerors pounded the idea of "White Rules" into the Filipino people's minds. A great example of it is the term "colonial mentality" which describes the feelings of deficiency that Filipinos developed as a result of contrasting themselves with the harsh white ideals of their colonizers. The colonial mentality has permeated the consciousness of the Filipino people for many generations and continues to have an impact on how they perceive themselves and those around them (again, still happens even today). The colonial mindset is to blame for problems like:

(a) Colorism which Filipinos are impacted by in several ways, including the stigma associated with being Filipino and prejudice. Young Filipinas who want to have children with light skin often express their wish by marrying Western foreigners, overuse of whitening products, etc.

(b) Racism is multifaceted and has manifested itself at different times throughout the history of the people, organizations, and territories that have influenced the country today. For instance, due to suspected Islamic terrorism, some Filipinos have harsh attitudes toward the Moro people. Racism towards ethnic Chinese is also prevalent. Many Filipinos distance themselves from their Filipino history as a result of the colonial mentality, which is a belief in the inferiority of Filipino culture.

(c) And a preference for Western languages and cultures (self-explanatory).

In conclusion, the Philippines have been affected in a significant way by colonial history. The invaders' social, economic, and political hegemony over the nation helped to maintain their authority and sway over Philippine society. The way that Filipinos view themselves and their culture has also been shaped by the colonial mindset. Addressing the nation's current problems and advancing toward a better future requires an understanding of the repercussions of colonization.

Sources:

Ong, S. (2020). 4 Ways Colonialism Affects the Everyday Lives of Filipino Americans. Everyday Feminism. https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/06/colonialism-filipino-americans/

Philippines | History, Map, Flag, Population, Capital, & Facts. (2023, June 11). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines/The-Spanish-period

Von Einsiedel, N. “. (2020). Colonization’s Impact on Manila — Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora. Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora. https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/colonizations-impact-on-manila