The ugly American, no longer!

In my youth, I relished the thought that I was part of the "in" crowd. Marching across the then 3rd Philippine Constabulary Zone, now the Regional Headquarters of the Philippine National Police, shouting slogans in front of the United States Information Service at the old SSS building, speaking before a motley group of student leaders near the gates of the United States embassy in Manila were among the things the "in" crowd was doing which I shared. While the demonstrations were aimed at the government headed by the late Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos, then the tenant in Malacañang, we never failed to denounce the United States of America, for policies, which, we claimed, were imperialistic. Before you make any conclusion, believe me that I was only motivated by what I thought was nationalism.

As a benefit of hindsight, I could say that our efforts were but a continuation of a massive worldwide propaganda to discredit the Americans. Unfortunately, The Ugly American, a book in the late 50's, out of which a movie was produced, seemed to further the claim on the boorish character of the Americans. True, the plot of the book was taken out of context as to project the undesirable nature of Americans, in general, but, to me, such a projection was the product of a devious political propaganda.

I recall those exuberant days of my youth when video footages of the massed actions of the radical left protesting the visit of President Barack Obama flashed on my tv screen. Their number was not more than our group when we assembled decades ago. In fact, they were less numerous but their shouts sounded disturbingly similar - American imperialism.

From among the demonstrators the other day, someone was more specific than we were, in our time. He said that the Americans are out to: (a) regain the military bases in our country from which they were ousted two decades ago; and (b) control our economy. In his words, that's American military and economic imperialism. He then proceeded to explain as briefly as the tv field man gave him that passing moment. I like to believe that I understood much from the little he expressed in so compressed a time.

If what the activist said on television were true, my actual observation tells me of a far more fearful specter. Historically speaking, there were such American military installations as the Clark Air Force Base and the Subic Bay Naval Base, where, until 1992, the Star Spangled banner flew. But, our Supreme Court in Reagan vs Commissioner, declared that these are parts of Philippine territory. Pres. Obama, also made it clear that the intentions of USA are not those mouthed by the activist.

On the other hand, China, made more audacious designs which are imperialistic in texture. In a map it drew for unknown purposes, it placed areas traditionally known as composing the Philippine territory inside dotted lines indicating the extent of its vast territory. According to this map, the Spratley group of islands now belongs to China.

Chinese actions, apparently based on such claims, of bullying away Philippine vessels on way to supply Filipinos who are stationed in some of these islands is a classic reversion to the ancient imperialistic arrogance of might is right. I seethed with anger upon seeing Chinese maritime ships blocking the path of Filipino vessels within waters that are unmistakably Philippine territory. Only thru sheer savvy of the Filipino sailors had pushed them beyond the barricade.

I think that activist who was shown on television must have gone to the malls. In his shopping spree there, he must have noticed that products Made in China are so dominant that those made in the Philippines are either missing from the shelves or pushed to unmarketable corners. If we speak of an imperialist power as a dominant economic producer as to annihilate its competitors, then what we see on the shelves of our malls is a true indicator of what country has assumed the proportion of being imperialist.

Having said that, if I were to relive my life, I would be on the streets demonstrating against an imperial power but this time, it is not the ugly American to receive my undue tirade.

***

Email: [email protected]