Filipino Cultural Conflict

[JakeF]

Hello allnurses.com

I am a graduating Registered Nursing student. I just wanted to share a experience with all of you. I am a Filipino, born and raised in the United States. During my clinical experience in the hospitals, I have noticed a cultural conflict between PI and USA cultures. Example, I understand that in the Filipino culture it's respectful to follow the older Filipino. However, I just want to say that older Filipino CNAs have a problem being delegated from a younger Filipino RN. There is a cultural conflict in that the older Filipino CNA thinking since they are older... they can "delegate" the younger Filipino. Unfortunately, there is a different scope of practice between a RN vs. CNA. Also, it is pretty sad that Filipino RNs from the PI give Filipino graduates from the USA a hard time. I told my class and my instructor about this cultural conflict. I don't want to stoop low to that level of retaliation and give hell to Filipino RNs and older Filipino CNAs from the PI. Filipino believe in KARMA... so why not? It is the CRAB MENTALITY...

[rn/writer, RN]

How would you suggesting resolving such a conflict?

[JakeF]

I'm not sure there will be a smooth way to resolve the conflict. I've discussed methods to use more effective communication techniques. Yet, I doubt it will help much... it's the culture.

[caliotter3]

A Filipino nursing supervisor told me about the crab culture. He said that is why you don't always see one Filipino helping another as one would expect. The best thing I could say to you is to be sure to conduct yourself the way you want so that you are satisfied with your own behavior at the end of the day. By treating everyone with care and respect, you should have no problems.

[rn/writer, RN]

For those who are not familiar with the "crab mentality," here is a link that gives an explanation:

What is the Crab Mentality?

This is an interesting concept, and it isn't limited to Filipino culture.

[SAHMStudent]

I've never heard of the CRAB mentality..can you explain this to me? There are a lot of Filipino's in my area and so far, all the Filipino RN's I've followed have been great. Or would this not be something I'd be aware of or experience (I'm white); I am interested to understand this. Does this only happen to you because you are Filipino, or is this attitude applicable because of age, regardless of race?

[SAHMStudent]

okay...thanks for the link. I *thought* might have been it, but didn't want to insult anyone by inferring they were like crabs!

[rn/writer, RN]

I've never heard of the CRAB mentality..can you explain this to me? There are a lot of Filipino's in my area and so far, all the Filipino RN's I've followed have been great. Or would this not be something I'd be aware of or experience (I'm white); I am interested to understand this. Does this only happen to you because you are Filipino, or is this attitude applicable because of age, regardless of race?

See the link in the post above yours.

Basically, it's the idea that crabs in a bucket will keep pulling each other back down rather than see one of their number escape to freedom (or a better life). In similar fashion, some folks will sabotage a friend or family member or co-worker who appears to be getting ahead to keep them "in the bucket" with the rest of the gang.

People outside the group (the "bucket") might not recognize or be aware of this kind of behavior as it isn't directed at them.

As I said in the previous post, this kind of thinking exists in many groups and cultures. It's primarily rooted in jealousy that someone else is getting what you want combined with a fear of being left behind. That's not strictly Filipino--it's simply the dark side of human nature--but it may be a particular problem in the Filipino culture because there is such an emphasis on family and togetherness and group loyalty. Crab mentality is a twisted expectation of that loyalty.