Race and Cultural Diversity in Asia

Asian Population Profile

• Asians are accustomed to being in crowds due to high population density
• Many live in extended families, multiple generations cohabitating
• Asia is the most densely populated continent
• In 2022, Asia's population was 4.715 billion
• Approximately 60% of the world's population resides in Asia
• Projected population for January 30, 2025: 4,823,435,318

Asian Population Profile - Subregions

• Southern Asia: 2,064,056,491
• Eastern Asia: 1,656,115,405
• South-Eastern Asia: 695,149,428
• Western Asia: 309,350,818
• Central Asia: 82,225,865

Asian Population Profile - Filipinos

• Filipinos adapt well to various cultures
• They possess qualities of both the east and west
• Filipinos are considered cosmopolitan
• According to President Carlos P. Romulo and Frank C. Laubach, Filipinos are well-suited to multiple cultural settings

Asian Racial Origins

• All races originated in Asia
• Intermarriage between Asian races is more common compared to other continents
• The brown race is represented by Filipinos and other Malaysians
• The yellow race consists of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, and Mongolian people
• The semitic branch of the white race includes Israelis, Lebanese, Arabs, Iraqis, and Syrians
• The Aryan/Indo-European branch of the white race is found among Iranians, Afghans, Northern Indians, and Pakistanis
• The black race is represented by aborigines in Japan (Ainus), Pacific Islanders (e.g., Aetas), and others

Asian Character Traits

• Orientals have distinct traits compared to Westerners
• Spirituality is highly valued, potentially more important than possessions, family, or personal cleanliness.
• Fatalism, or believing fate dictates one's life, is a common characteristic
• Stoicism, or the ability to endure hardships without giving up, is a valued trait
• Hospitality and the importance of serving guests are paramount
• Families are typically large with multiple generations residing under the same roof.
• A strong sense of continuity connects people to the universe, evident in traditions & practices
• Different views of time, and cyclical view of history and life
• Often reason indirectly, not explicitly

Asian Character Traits - Specific Characteristics

• Spirituality: Asia is the birthplace of major religions. Religiousness extends beyond mere belief.
• Fatalism: Belief that people are bound to fate, limiting human freedoms. Often connected with concepts such as karma.
• Stoicism: The ability to endure hardship and never give up.
• Hospitality: Cultures highly value serving guests, considering them sacred.
• Extended Family Relationships: Important to families. Multiple generations might reside together.
• Sense of Continuity: Belief in the connectedness of humans with the universe.
• Different Views of Time: Cyclical vs. Linear view of time, life, and history
• Skill in Indirect Reasoning: A unique way of solving issues, avoiding conflict, and showing creative solutions

Asian Culture

• Calendars and Time Measurement: Mesopotamians created first calendars; BC, AD, BCE and CE division of time
• Languages and Literature: Asia's origin of first writings, literature and ancient texts (Bible, Torah, Quran, Vedas, Sutras)
• Art and Architecture: Inspired by religion, myths, and royalty. Notable structures include Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, and Borobudur. Often built at the expense of the people.
• Religion: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism are major religions.
• Western Influence on Asian Art: Significant influence from 16th-century European missionaries on Chinese artisans. Filipino painters such as Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo received international recognition.
• Christianity in Asia: Early spread carried by Apostle Paul. Significant growth during colonial era, but later rejected. Increased growth in modern times, particularly in China and India.

Contributions of Asians to the World

• Birthplace of humankind (Homo Sapiens)
• More cradles of civilization
• Birthplace of major religions
• Established first governments, laws, diplomatic protocols
• Inventor of important material inventions, discoveries, and tools (plow, wheel, alphabet, writing, mathematics, medicine, textiles, astronomy, mining, metal tools, jewelry, coins, iron tools, weapons, compass, gunpowder, printing, and paper money.)
• Produced great religions' founders, wise philosophers, gifted men of letters, and powerful monarchs, conquerors, men, and women

Contributions of Asians to the West

• Asian colonies provided raw materials and markets for Western powers, boosting their economies
• Colonies increased Western prestige in global affairs

Contributions of the West to Asia

• Brought industrialization and technological advancements improving the Asian economies
• Reintroduced Christianity in Asian countries
• Modernized Asian culture, politics, and economics
• Introduced ideas of democracy, resulting in reforms like the Philippine revolution

Philippine Contributions to Asia and the World

• Contributions significantly affect the economy through electronics, services, seafarers, ASEAN engagement, vibrant Filipino culture, and outsourcing.
• Philippine BPO industry brings skilled labor to global companies
• Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) contribute significantly through remittances.
• Philippines plays a crucial role in regional collaborations and diplomacy

Additional Notes

• Cultural influences: Filipino culture, music, cuisine, and arts blends indigenous, Spanish, and American influences
• Tourism: Philippines attracts tourists by its beautiful beaches, landscapes, and rich cultural heritage