Weak national identity in post-colonial countries

Centuries of foreign domination have produced Filipinos who are confused as to what a Filipino is and what being Filipino means. This is seen, for example, in the heated debate that arises when the question of a national language is brought up (Filipino, English, Spanish ?). It is discerned in the cultural schizophrenia which most Filipinos are afflicted with. It is far more likely that nationalistic aspirations vis-a-vis foreign policy issues will be consistently expressed by those who had collaborated with foreign rulers. Regionalism, the practice of downgrading the characteristics and habits of other groups at the same time as emphasizing one's regional background, is prevalent, encouraged by the geography of the country. Social cohesion of the people is expressed more through religious rites, observation of traditional practices and other cultural forms, rather than in nationalistic undertakings.