PAL Operations in LAX

This is an example of “Our circle of loyalty has a uniquely small radius, limited to family, clan, tribe, ethno-linguistic group, but rarely expanding to cover nation.”

Just observe the Philippine Airlines operation in the Los Angeles International Airport. We have seen the damaged culture in action. Passenger at the end of the line can be served first due to personal connection, as a classmate or kaibigan or cousin of one of the PAL employees to the detriment of the 100 or more passengers who showed up one hour earlier.

LOOKING AT THE SUN

“The Philippines, A Damaged Culture” was published in the November, 1987 issue of the Atlantic Monthly. An expanded version was included in Looking at the Sun.