In Our Image: America's Empire in The Philippines

Aberca, Marcus John A.
Industrial Engineering 31
Philippine History
Jumel G. Estrano
In Our Image: America’s Empire In the Philippines
I. Inroduction/ Background of the Study
For decades, America's self-proclaimed "benevolent" rule in the Philippines hid a darker
truth. Stanley Karnow's "In Our Image" shatters this myth, revealing a brutal colonial reality. This
thesis peels back the layers of hypocrisy, exposing the systematic dismantling of Filipino
autonomy behind the facade of American exceptionalism. Through meticulous research and
Karnow's masterful lens, we uncover the lasting scars of this injustice, both on the Philippines and
the American psyche.
Stanley Karnow is a man shaped by a diverse background and a relentless pursuit of truth.
Born in Brooklyn in 1925 to a working-class Jewish family, Karnow's early life was marked by a
love of learning and an insatiable curiosity about the world. His upbringing, devoid of religious or
cultural rigidity, instilled in him a critical eye and a willingness to challenge established narratives.
The reason he wrote the book was to explore the complex relationship between the United
States and the Philippines: Karnow was deeply interested in the cultural and political ties between
the two countries. He saw the Philippines as a mirror reflecting back America's own strengths and
weaknesses. By examining the history of American-Philippine relations, Karnow hoped to provide
insights into both nations' identities and their place in the world, and to draw lessons for the
future: Karnow believed that understanding America's past was crucial for making informed
decisions about its future. He hoped that by learning from the mistakes made in the Philippines,
the United States could avoid repeating them in other parts of the world.
II. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
America's self-proclaimed mission to "civilize" the Philippines crumbles under Stanley

Karnow's scrutiny in "In Our Image." The book exposes the brutal reality of American colonialism,
where benevolent rhetoric masked a brutal and exploitative regime. To untangle this contradiction,
we need a nuanced approach combining postcolonial and critical theory.
Postcolonial frameworks reveal the myth of American exceptionalism, dissecting the

justifications for intervention and the impact on Filipino society. We see how Filipinos subverted
colonial forms to resist, and how official pronouncements hid the power dynamics at play. Critical
theory then delves deeper, exposing the ideological and strategic motives behind American foreign
policy. By weaving these lenses together, we gain a richer understanding of this complex historical
chapter, its lasting legacies, and its relevance to the present. This framework is a springboard, not
a cage, inviting further exploration and critical reflection on the truth behind America's presence
in the Philippines.
III. Analysis
In "In Our Image," Karnow masterfully dismantles the myth of American benevolence in
the Philippines. He exposes the hypocrisy behind terms like "upliftment" and "democratization,"
revealing the true motives of economic control and resource exploitation. This facade crumbles
under the weight of Orientalist constructs that deemed Filipinos "backward" and in need of
saving. By prioritizing Filipino voices and perspectives, Karnow challenges the dominant
narrative and paints a stark picture of the human cost of colonialism.
Yet, this is not just a tale of subjugation. Karnow also unveils the power dynamics at
play. Through critical theory, he exposes how concepts like "manifest destiny" and American
exceptionalism fueled expansionism and justified Filipino subjugation. But beneath the lofty
rhetoric, foreign policy analysis reveals the pragmatism of resource control and geopolitical
positioning that drove intervention. Comparing American colonialism with others further
exposes the cracks in its "benevolent" facade.
Finally, Karnow highlights Filipino agency and resistance. He shows how Filipinos
adopted, subverted, and reimagined colonial forms, challenging the imposed passivity through
hybridity and mimicry. The rise of nationalism and independence movements underscores the
enduring legacy of anti-colonialism and the complex journey towards self-determination.
Filipino cultural production, from literature to music and art, serves as a testament to this
resistance and the enduring preservation of cultural heritage.
In essence, "In Our Image" transcends mere history. It becomes a critical exploration of
power dynamics, constructed narratives, and the resilience of those facing colonial domination. It
urges us to question simplistic narratives, embrace diverse perspectives, and recognize the
complexities of historical events. Ultimately, Karnow's work invites us to engage with the past in
a nuanced and critical manner, drawing lessons for the present and striving for a future where
true freedom and equality are not veiled by the language of benevolence.
IV. Policy Recommendation
Stanley Karnow's "In Our Image" casts a critical light on the legacy of American
colonialism in the Philippines, prompting us to re-evaluate contemporary policies and pursue a
path towards genuine reconciliation. Here are some potential policy recommendations inspired
by the book's insights:
1. Acknowledge and Apologize: The Philippines' history of colonial oppression deserves formal
recognition. The U.S. government should issue a comprehensive apology acknowledging its role
in the Philippine-American War and the subsequent occupation, expressing remorse for the
human cost and ongoing consequences.
2. Historical Truth Commissions and Reparations: Establish independent commissions in

both the U.S. and the Philippines to investigate the full scope of colonial injustices. These
commissions should document the human rights violations, economic exploitation, and cultural
destruction, and recommend individual and community-level reparations, including monetary
compensation, cultural revitalization programs, and educational initiatives.
3. Deconstruct Colonial Narratives: Integrate accurate and nuanced portrayals of the

Philippine-American War and colonial period into school curricula and public discourse. This
requires challenging the myths of American benevolence and promoting diverse perspectives
from Filipino scholars and communities.
4. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Foster ongoing cultural exchange programs

between the U.S. and the Philippines to promote mutual understanding and respect. These
programs can involve educational exchanges, artistic collaborations, and joint historical research
projects.
5. Economic Partnerships with Equity: Rethink economic partnerships with the Philippines to
ensure equitable practices and shared benefits. Support initiatives that promote sustainable
development, local entrepreneurship, and fair trade agreements that prioritize Filipino interests.
6. Address Lingering Military Presence: Review and potentially reduce the U.S. military
presence in the Philippines, ensuring it aligns with mutual respect for sovereignty and avoids
perpetuating unequal power dynamics.
7. Reimagine Foreign Policy: Prioritize diplomacy, mutual respect, and international

cooperation in U.S.-Philippines relations. Move beyond the "Cold War" mindset that often
defined the relationship, and focus on building partnerships that address shared regional and
global challenges.
V. Message to Prof. Jumel
Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa serbisyo niyo po bilang Professor namin sa

Philippines history, Sir Jumel. Nakita ko po kung gano kayo nagsikap pagsabayin ang pagturo
samin at ang pag aaral ng Law. Alam ko pong hindi biro ang Gawain na yon kaya tunay na bilib
po ako sa abilidad po ninyo sir. Maraming salamat po dahil di niyo po kami binitawan.
Magiingat po kayo palagi at Godbless on your career and life sir. Saludo po kami sayo. Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year po sir.
VI. References
- "Stanley Karnow: A Life in Writing" by Richard Critchfield (2013)

-"The Pulitzer Prizes: Biography of Stanley Karnow" (Pulitzer Prize website)
- Karnow, Stanley. "In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines." (1989)

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Aberca, Marcus John A.

In Our Image: America’s Empire In the Philippines

I. Inroduction/ Background of the Study

II. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

America's self-proclaimed mission to "civilize" the Philippines crumbles under Stanley

Postcolonial frameworks reveal the myth of American exceptionalism, dissecting the

IV. Policy Recommendation

2. Historical Truth Commissions and Reparations: Establish independent commissions in

3. Deconstruct Colonial Narratives: Integrate accurate and nuanced portrayals of the

4. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Foster ongoing cultural exchange programs

7. Reimagine Foreign Policy: Prioritize diplomacy, mutual respect, and international

V. Message to Prof. Jumel

Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa serbisyo niyo po bilang Professor namin sa

- "Stanley Karnow: A Life in Writing" by Richard Critchfield (2013)

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