For those who don't know - I am a Filipina' born and raised in Los Angeles, and understanding the Filipino-American experience is something I'm still wrapping my head around. I grew up during a time when my family's heritage was not as openly accepted by others as it may be today. There were a handful of times in my youth when I felt that I needed to assimilate, so I wouldn't experience rejection or humiliation by other school children. One of my challenges growing up with this mentality involved understanding my family's cultural upbringing and defining my own identity along the way.
I recall a time when my oldest brother used to drape the Filipino Flag around the boys' bedroom walls, or sometimes outside on the deck. For as long as I can remember, this person in my family has had a very strong sense of cultural pride. I may not have understood it when we were kids growing up, but I didn't question their choices, because he seemed connected to the iconography of the flag. The golden sun rays, the stars and the bold division of red and blue. Even though I didn't experience growing up in the Philippines, I too have an appreciation for the beauty in it's thoughtful design.
Once, Someone had the audacity to make stupid comments about my brother's Flag;
"Hanging that up is so Arrogant. Why does he put his pride on display like that?"
Excuse me, How is it Arrogant? Does someone's else's culture offend You? - To the idiot who felt the need to open their damn mouth. Why do people feel the need to put posters of historic figures like Malcom X and Muhammad Ali on the walls of their house? What kind of statement are people trying to make when they create any kind of cultural display? What is the point of museums preserving different types of imagery? Please explain to the class how any of that is Arrogant. Dumbass.
Now, I'm at a point in my life where I have a stronger sense of cultural identity. Our people and influences can be found virtually everywhere today: From all of the nurses and professionals in the health care system, to the martial arts choreography in movies and TV. We are some of the world's favorite voices in music and performing arts. Our names are among comic book artists, video game design and upcoming films. People pay a high price to travel and enjoy authentic Filipino hospitality. Not to mention our cuisine and desserts remain some of the most popular flavor profiles.
I recall a time when my oldest brother used to drape the Filipino Flag around the boys' bedroom walls, or sometimes outside on the deck. For as long as I can remember, this person in my family has had a very strong sense of cultural pride. I may not have understood it when we were kids growing up, but I didn't question their choices, because he seemed connected to the iconography of the flag. The golden sun rays, the stars and the bold division of red and blue. Even though I didn't experience growing up in the Philippines, I too have an appreciation for the beauty in it's thoughtful design.
Once, Someone had the audacity to make stupid comments about my brother's Flag;
"Hanging that up is so Arrogant. Why does he put his pride on display like that?"
Excuse me, How is it Arrogant? Does someone's else's culture offend You? - To the idiot who felt the need to open their damn mouth. Why do people feel the need to put posters of historic figures like Malcom X and Muhammad Ali on the walls of their house? What kind of statement are people trying to make when they create any kind of cultural display? What is the point of museums preserving different types of imagery? Please explain to the class how any of that is Arrogant. Dumbass.
Now, I'm at a point in my life where I have a stronger sense of cultural identity. Our people and influences can be found virtually everywhere today: From all of the nurses and professionals in the health care system, to the martial arts choreography in movies and TV. We are some of the world's favorite voices in music and performing arts. Our names are among comic book artists, video game design and upcoming films. People pay a high price to travel and enjoy authentic Filipino hospitality. Not to mention our cuisine and desserts remain some of the most popular flavor profiles.
I'm grateful for the visibility social media has given to certain topics; it encourages me to connect and share more of it with others. My hope is that the traditions and agriculture of the Philippines are kept sacred while those on display retain the limelight. I have to say, I have not felt this type of of pride until more recently. I no longer feel the need to explain myself at all; I enjoy connecting and experiencing more with our culture, partly due to dating someone who understands and lives a similar experience. The life I live today as a Filipino-American is actually amazing and I do not take this time for granted.
Salamat sa Diyos sa buhay na ito.
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