Crazy Wild Ideas: Out-of-the-Box Solutions for Fixing the Philippines

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About Crazy Wild Ideas: Out-of-the-Box Solutions For

Nations need appropriate symbols to teach and pass on national culture and influence the behavior of the nation’s members. Symbols do not “belong” to any single culture and can be borrowed or even manufactured to suit particular purposes. And, apparently trivial changes (such as in the choice and definition of cultural symbols) can result in far-reaching real consequences.The author of this book is also “Out-of-the-Box” - not a technocrat or a public figure, not a sociologist, and not conventionally an expert in the many fields in which the book dabbles - history, linguistics, psychology, symbology, public administration, sports, anthropology, and urban planning, to mention a few.What Mr. Gonzalez does bring to the table is extensive, almost-unmatched experience in living and traveling around the world. A probinsiyano, he grew up in Manila. A Filipino, he has lived half his life abroad. This has given him unique insight into the Filipino character in the context of other cultures on five continents, and the role real-life Filipinos play in the global community as well as at home. The author also has an unusual knack for both seeing the obvious and stating it convincingly, in simple and often humorous terms. Though he discusses Filipino weaknesses and mistakes in blunt language, thoughtful readers will not fail to appreciate his underlying affection and admiration for fellow-Filipinos, faults and all.