Lecture Notes: Filipino Pre-colonial and Colonial History

Introduction

• Main Focus: Understanding pre-colonial Philippines and its impact on Filipino identity, both in the Philippines and among Filipino-Americans.
• Concept: The cultural identity crisis faced by Filipinos due to colonial history, particularly the Spanish and American influences.

Maharlika and National Identity

• Rodrigo Duterte's Proposal: Suggested renaming the Philippines to "Maharlika," a concept he associated with serenity and peace.
• Ferdinand Marcos' Perspective: Also wanted to change the name to Maharlika, associating the term with the pre-colonial nobility or warrior class.
• Irony and Fabrication: Both Duterte and Marcos used fabricated historical notions to promote nationalistic ideas.

Pre-colonial Society

• Complex Societies: Pre-colonial communities were not nomadic but had structured hierarchies and roles.
• Cultural and Linguistic Complexity: Diverse languages and beliefs existed.
• Unique Gender Views: Different from Western norms; gender roles were more equal.

Cultural Misconceptions

• Authenticity Myth: Misbelief that pre-colonial Philippines had no culture, exacerbated by colonial narratives.
• Cultural Influences: The Philippines was a hub for trade and cultural exchange long before Spanish colonization.

Language and Script

• Abacada and Pre-colonial Scripts: Filipino alphabet developed much later; pre-colonial scripts included Kawi and Baybayin.

Social Structure

• Barangay System: Organized communities with Datus or Rajas having political and spiritual authority.
• Class System: Included Maharlika (warrior class) and Alipin (slaves) with social mobility unlike rigid caste systems.

Gender Roles

• Women's Rights: More equal societal roles in pre-colonial times, e.g., property ownership, divorce rights.

Economic and Trade

• Trade Networks: Pre-colonial societies thrived on trade with Asia and the Middle East.

Colonial Impact

• Spanish Influence: Drastically changed culture, language, and societal structures.
• Colonial Narratives: Used to justify colonization and suppress pre-existing culture.

Modern Reflections

• Current Filipino Identity: Complicated by colonial history and ongoing struggles with national identity.

Conclusion

• Culture as Dynamic: Emphasizes that culture is constantly evolving and influenced by interaction.
• Searching for Identity: Encourages exploration of pre-colonial history to better understand current identity.

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