Ako ay Filipino Sa Amerika

By: Joe Mauricio

 

Although Filipino Americans are one of the oldest immigrant groups in America, remarkably little attention has been paid to their collective history.

Focusing instead on either wildly successful aspects of their integration into American society or on the painful discrimination and animosity they have experienced, narratives of the Filipino American experiences have typically reduced it to simplistic tales of their collaboration or victimization.

Since their first arrival in the 1700’s in Louisiana, the Filipino immigrants have participated in America’s evaluation from an expansionist continental power to the modern-day global empire. Even though many Filipinos today have integrated into mainstream American society as of other old immigrants, such as the Irish and Germans, most Americans still see them collectively as foreigners.

Combining moving first-hand accounts with impeccable memories, Filipinos trace the penetrating animosities towards Filipinos…signs in stores and other public places that said, “Filipinos and Dogs are not allowed,” and their profiling as “disloyal aliens” did indeed happen and been part of this country’s history on discrimination.

Whatever model of integration Filipino Americans are currently evolving, the state of the relationship between American and the Philippines to be an important but uncertain factor.

The current administration has used minority political appointments to enhance America’s influence abroad. Should Filipino Americans and other minorities rejoice in political appointments? Sure, the Filipinos are rejoicing that President Obama has a Filipino Chef in the White House (who also served other US Presidents before him). Is this enough glory for us, Filipinos in America?

Or, should Filipinos struggle to find a voice that truly represents their community interests, safeguards the rights of all minorities, and works to strengthen America from imperialistic power into a true model of democracy for all nations of the world?

Filipinos can easily give in to the temptation to bask in the glow of the model-minority myth, but they can also remember the xenophobic hostility experienced by their ancestors and work to ensure that it did, not so long ago, that their community was collectively suspected of disloyalty, and speak out against the similar predicament of others.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, they are in a position more than ever before, to leave an indelible mark on America. They must fully understand the crucial role they may find themselves playing in the ever-evolving and always uncertain relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

On November 14, 2015, we, at VIA Times and CPRTV will be honoring these exemplary Filipinos whose works and accomplishments outshine other ethnic groups and their American counterparts on our 21st anniversary gala event and awards ceremony of the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame 2015..

Filipino Americans are not just a model ethnic group–We are FILIPINOS IN MIND, IN DEED AND IN SPIRIT.

Mabuhay ang Filipino sa Amerika! To all the Filipinos, here and back home, Happy Philippine Independence Celebration on June 12, 2015!