Is giving back a toxic Filipino trait? Dani Barretto clarifies her statement after receiving a backlash.
Content creator and social media influencer, Dani Barretto explains her side of this Filipino trait that sparked debate among online users.
“Toxic Filipino culture: utang na loob sa magulang.” – Is this true or not? This was a topic Dani Barretto discussed in her podcast which sparked debate among her listeners and followers. Is giving back to parents a toxic trait? Must it be voluntary or obligatory?
In the Philippines, people are used to children paying back to their parents for raising them and for the sacrifices they did to give them the best life that they could offer. Out of love and out of appreciation, this is done as parents are not getting any younger. When old age comes, it becomes the children’s responsibility to provide for the parents who are no longer strong enough to do work to provide for themselves.
There is definitely nothing wrong with this to some people but for Barretto, this is a toxic trait. In her podcast, she discussed that this trait becomes toxic only if the people uses this against the other.
“Hindi ka puwedeng magkaroon ng utang na loob sa isang bagay na dapat nilang gawin para sa’yo. …kasi there are some people who use that against people, parang, ‘Pinaaral kita, pinaganito kita, ganyan-gayan… so, dapat ito yung binibigay mo sa akin.’” she said.
Many people objected as various circumstances command what a child should do and its different for everyone. Not all people have the same situation as hers. Some even think that she can only say this because her parents are too well off to even ask for help from her. On the other hand, some agreed and saw her point in this topic.
After receiving the backlash, Dani explained herself further regarding this topic that ignited a debate online. She clarified that what she said is just her own opinion and that nobody is forced to believe her or agree with her.
“Ang opinyon ko po is that giving back should be voluntary, not obligatory. Yun lang po ang opinyon ko, hindi ko po sinabing mag-agree kayo o dapat yun yung sundan niyo,” she explained. She, however, remained firm in her opinion and that this trait becomes toxic when parents require their children and oblige them to provide for them.
Dani is the daughter of Marjorie Barretto with Kier Legaspi. She is Marjorie’s eldest and she is close to her half-siblings such as Julia Barretto, Claudia Barretto, Leon Barretto, and Erich.
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