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Salay Community College
Salay, Misamis Oriental
Member: Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU)
09177092134, salayscas@[Link]
College of Education
GE Elective 1: Philippine Popular culture
1st Semester of A.Y. 2022-2023
Introduction
In this module you are going to summarize the role & impact of popular culture
on the modernization process of the Philippines. In the same manner you will
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also discover how it shapes the life of the common Filipino people and what are
its role and contributions in the modern society.
Rationale
Relate popular culture and modernization in the Philippine context
Intended Learning Outcomes
A. Summarize the role & impact of popular culture on the modernization
process of the Philippines.
B. Associate Popular culture and modernization in the Philippine perspective
Activity
Understanding: Interpreting popular culture in history
The task to understand the impact of Pop Culture in the Philippines.
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Discussion
Pop Culture & Philippine Modernity
Understanding Popular Culture
In the previous module, you defined popular culture by deconstructing its
different perspective and nature. In this module, you will understand Popular
culture in the context of an “ideology”. Moreover, you will also associate these
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ideologies, its importance and role in relation to our history. How it was being
constructed, facilitated and consumed by the Filipino public over the course of
time
Right now, try not to consider Popular culture as an accidental after effect or
just simply some set of rules or guidelines imposed by the elite class towards
the lowly. Many times than not, it is an evolution of ideas produced through a
process of resistance in order to evade, ridicule or simply turn down set of
rules created by the big institutions in the society (ex. Government, Churches,
Schools .etc.). In this unconventional manner, people try to communicate, to
send a message that they do not simply “play by the rules” given to them by
the people in authority. It is actually a culture created out from a” refusal to
be tamed” from the elite notion of good mannered & well-disciplined way of
living. In some instances there are those who are “conformist“ but usually than
not, elite culture does not “fit in” or appeal to the capacity of an ordinary folk
that’s why some elements of pop culture emerges to fill in this gap.
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John Fiske (1989)
[Link]
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In the book of John Fiske (1989) entitled “Understanding Popular Culture”. He
argued that “...Popular culture lies not in the production of
commodities so much as the productive use of these commodities that
matters so much...” He Thoroughly emphasized how crucial pop culture
ideologies simply because it embodies communication & culture both uprooted
& combined together to create a more meaningful interpretation of our daily
existence in a harsh manipulating environment. It is indeed a set of practices,
objects or beliefs which usually embraces the collective or shared meaning of
the people living together in one society. Division of cultures such as high and
low are seen more as a political distinctions or affiliations rather than an
aesthetic one. In other words what we see as trending on the media,
entertainment and leisure, fashion and trends, and linguistic conventions or
expression among other things are not just pure fancy in nature but in real
sense they represented deeper symbol, manifestation or even resistance from
what is conventional or forced mass culture enforced by the powerful elite.
Culture seems to be a constant venue of struggles between those with and
without power. Along this process comes the emergence of popular culture
from a constant interplay of power and resistance. Take into consideration
therefore how popular culture contrary to Mass culture, was created under the
hands of the public as a reaction or resistance to something that was imposed
by the upper few in the society. It is always a culture of conflict and resistance,
involving the struggles of the ordinary people finding personal meaning amidst
strict compliance to social norms & standards. “Resistance to dominant
culture takes various forms that differ in their social visibility, in their
social positioning, and in their activity. All of these manifestations
allows exaggeration, liberation & fun” Fiske (1989).
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In Philippine history, you had witnessed so many struggles against any forms of
social injustices & inequalities brought about by domination, colonization,
political slavery and social controls which stirred up Filipino’s quest for freedom.
The use of propaganda movements against the Spaniards in books, prints,
architectures and paintings are all depictions of resistance or refusal to
acknowledge the lame supremacy of these foreign invaders.
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[Link] [Link]
Colorization- yellow was once a political “FAD” worn during EDSA revolution to
show dissatisfactions towards existing political governance and to showcase a
statement like “Tama na sorbra na” etc. It was not surprising therefore that this
propaganda has inspired so many countries around the world to do the same
using “color” to symbolize silent protest and liberate nations against powerful
dictators & dominant elites.
[Link] [Link]
Radical fashions (long hairs, Jeprox look , tight fitting jeans, etc.) were part of
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Filipino youths on the 70’s showcasing defiance against imposed
religious/institutional standards framing the notion of “dalagang Filipina” in an
unconventional manner while promoting “ maginoo pero medyo bastos”.
FFE [Link] [Link]
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It is wrong to assume that because people are not in a state of class
consciousness, then they must be in a state of false consciousness or radical
immoral world. Filipino youth culture itself is filled with vulgarities in all form of
“repressive” institutional adult standards. Avoiding hegemonic discipline of “rat
race” is always the platform of young pinoy fashions and linguistic expressions
(Jologs, Jejemons, Werpa etc ). Much of these radical behaviours were also
commonly showcased in the form of music and dances.
In summary, Fiske (1989) strongly believed that Pop culture is :
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A. Progressive – it is always there to challenge the status quo, order &
standards imposed by the people in power.
B. Micro-based – reflects everyday statements that reveal a desire for
self-determination and self-expression in the face of social
hierarchies.
C. Social change - is not a direct ideology but always provides an
opportunity for social change and for revolutionary ideologies to
emerge.
D. Reaction/Resistance - it is a reaction that is full of resistance.
Facilitate vulgarities & parodies that doesn’t conform to the
disciplined society that the system encourages.
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Exercise (group activity)
Fashion show of attire and showcasing the popular song/s and dance move
during the period
Interpreting Philippine Popular culture in History
In the following discussion, You were able to understand the role of Pop culture
in relation to the history of the Philippines. In connection to that understanding
is your personal interpretation of the importance of creating a distinct platform
to express freedom and resistance. In this exercise you are going to have your
own personal interpretation of what “Pinoy Pop culture” is over the course of
history. This time you will have your own version of the fashion statements your
forefathers showcased before. Re live the moment by having an interpretative
sing and dance presentation in the class.
Assessment
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Lyrics [Link] [Link] [Link]
A. Choose a song and its dance moved during a chosen period in Philippine
history to relive & reminisced. (70’s,80’s,90’s,2000’s,and 2020’s).
B. Dress up according to those period and interpret the following fashion
statements ( Jeprox (70’s), bagets (80’s ),Jologs(90’s). Jejemons(2000),
and 2020s (present) sing and dance with the song with the group popular
during that specific period.
C. Remember to make use of the available materials at your home only. No
need to buy or spend a penny for this presentation. Just be creative &
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have fun.
D. Just provide a flash drive with a downloaded audio and video.
E. This activity performance is graded with 70 points.
F. Deadline shall be announced during the class.
Reflection
1. What is the role of pop culture in the society?
2. How did pop culture reshape the history of the Filipino people?
3. How do trends and fashion associated to freedom & resistance?
Resources and Additional Resources
Farganis,J.(2008).Readings in social theory.1221 Avenue, New York, USA, The Mc Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Additional resources:
Fiske,J.(1989).Understanding Popular Culture. Boston USA. Retrieved 8 September 2020 @
[Link]