General Concepts of Character

General Concepts of Character

• The term "character" comes from the Greek word "charassein," which means an engraving instrument
• Originally, it described a mark on a coin or cut into something
• It evolved to represent a distinctive mark of personality
• Characteristics is the term for the sum total of these marks

Character

• Character is a psychological concept referring to a person's habitual ways of feeling and reacting that distinguishes them
• Personality refers to the social, emotional, and intellectual expressions of character

Character Formation

• Character formation, as defined by Donald in 2006, is the process of developing stable patterns of functioning, thinking, and feeling
• This development happens through interaction of biologically transmitted predispositions with the environment
• Character formation is also known as character building
• Everyone bears some responsibility for their character

Contributing Factors for Character Formation

• Parental influence is the most important factor in personality development, impacting a child's socialization, cultural exposure, and emotional well-being
• Home environment is the foundation of a child's character and personality, with parents serving as the first educators and guides
• A child's character and attitude are developed in the school environment, where they learn to interact with peers and follow rules
• Culture shapes character and values, with different cultures fostering different values that children absorb, influencing their social development
• Western cultures may instill individualism and competitiveness, while Asian, African, and South American cultures may prioritize cooperation

Factors Influencing Filipino Character Formation (Shahani)

• Home environment
• Social environment
• Culture and language
• History
• Educational system
• Religion
• Economic environment
• Political environment
• Mass media
• Leadership and role models

Determining Character of Personality Types

• Openness: Appreciating diverse experiences
• Conscientiousness: Preferring planning over spontaneity
• Extraversion: Being sociable, energetic, and talkative
• Agreeableness: Displaying kindness, sympathy, and helpfulness
• Neuroticism: Tendency to worry or be vulnerable/temperamental

General Types of Characters

• Positive Character/Good Character/Positive Trait
• Negative Character/Negative Trait
• Neutral Character/Neutral Trait

Types of Characters

• Self-realized: Enthusiastic, aware of potentialities and limitations
• Covetous: Jealous and acquisitive
• Superstitious: Relying excessively on superstition, which can lead to problems
• Egoistic/Overbearing/Bossy/Tall-Talker: Believes the world revolves around them and expects constant respect
• Anti-social: Both a sinner and a criminal
• Insincere
• Complacent

6 Pillars of Good Character

• Trustworthiness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring
• Citizenship

The 6 Pillars of Good Character

• Trustworthiness includes:
  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
• Dimensions of honesty consist of:
  • Truthfulness
  • Sincerity
  • Candor
  • Integrity
  • Reliability
• Respect ("Golden Rule"): Treat others as you wish to be treated
  • Qualities of a Respectful Person:
  • Ability to listen
  • Treats others with consideration
  • Accepts individual differences and beliefs
• Responsibility: Being accountable for actions and behaviors
  • Qualities of Responsible Person:
  • Sense of accountability
  • Pursuit of excellence
  • Self-restraint
• Fairness
• Caring
• Citizenship

Additional Character Traits

• Alertness
• Attentiveness
• Availability
• Benevolence
• Boldness
• Cautiousness
• Compassion
• Contentment
• Creativity
• Decisiveness
• Etc.

Filipino Traits and Characteristics

• Learning Objectives:
  • Recognize and compare positive and negative Filipino traits
  • Identify and appreciate Filipino values orientation

Positive Filipino Traits

• Hospitality: Filipinos are known for their heartwarming generosity and friendliness towards foreigners and locals
• Respect: Filipinos, young and old, traditionally respect their elders
  • Po and Opo are used to show respect
  • Pagmamano is a gesture of respect
  • Bowing to employers is a sign of respect in the workplace
• Strong Family Ties and Religious: Filipinos highly value their families and maintain close relationships across generations
• Generosity and Helpfulness: Filipinos share what they have, even when they have little
• Strong Work Ethics: Filipinos are hardworking and willing to work long hours to provide for their families
• Loving and Caring: Filipinos are known for being sweet and loving due to their generosity, hospitality, and religiosity

Negative Filipino Traits

• Mañana Habit: Procrastination, delaying tasks and transactions
• Fatalism: "Bahala na" or "Come What May" attitude
• Crab Mentality: Undermining others to clear the way for personal gain
• Hypocrisy: criticizing others for not meeting societal moral standards
• Ningas-Cogon: Starting strong but lacking the motivation to finish
• Tardiness: "Filipino Time," or not adhering to standard time
• Gossiping: Fondness for talking about others' business
• Blaming: Avoiding blame by pointing fingers at others
• Selfishness: Insensitivity to others' needs and situations
• Disobedience to Simple Rules and Instructions: Inability to follow rules and ordinances
• Attention Taker: Seeking attention, being an "epal" or "kapalmuks"
• Being onion-skinned or too sensitive: Being overly proud and sensitive
• Living Beyond (social climbing): Overspending to maintain an elite lifestyle
• Passivity (lack of leadership): Complaining without taking action for change

Other Negative Traits

• Teenage pregnancy
• Mind their own business
• Bad habits, like smoking, drinking, etc.
• Prostitution
• Broken families
• Bad language
• Prioritizing friends over family

Filipino Character and Personality

• Personalism: Valuing interpersonal relationships as key to success and using amicable settlements to resolve disputes
• Familialism: Family-oriented, concentrating community development programs on the family and prioritizing family interests
• Particularism: Blaming the family for an individual's behavior, based on the idea that the home shapes personality

Filipino Value Orientation

• Approaches that influence work or social relationships based on objects, events, and ideas

Main Obligations Underlying Filipino Value Orientation

• Pakikiramay: Helping without being asked, i.e., unsolicited help
• Pakikisama (Smooth Interpersonal Relations): Getting along regardless of differing views, enhancing camaraderie, trust, confidence, and loyalty
• Bayanihan: Rendering generous, uncompensated help when someone needs it
• Galang (respect): Reverence for the opinions of elders, peers, and those in authority, avoiding verbal clashes or excessive familiarity in public