Episode 12: Why Can’t We Just F*CKING Get Along
WTF it’s really been 6 months since we’ve released an episode?!
We’re back with a hot topic and a coconut that's extremely tough to crack. We’re talking about Crab Mentality Pt. 2 because this cluster of coconuts just doesn’t end . We tackled this in Episode 6: Filipino vs. Filipino but we wanted to bring up the confusing, unfortunate take for Fil-Ams, “Why aren’t we considered Filipino enough?”
Through social media conversations with Filipinos in the Philippines and other Fil-Ams, we get the strong idea that the divide is wider than it seems. Filipinos think Fil-Ams are whitewashed and not “true” Filipinos other than our looks, and many believe that Fil-Ams MUST learn how to speak Tagalog. Newsflash, not every Filipino is required or knows how to speak Tagalog, so why set these unrealistic expectations? Is there unrealistic expectations placed on both sides that doesn’t allow us to come to a common ground of understanding? Has colonization placed such a strong hold on our cultures, mindsets and ability to accept and respect each other as individuals of the Filipino community? When Filipinos in the Philippines diminish our various Fil-Am experiences, they unknowingly begin to erase our existence.
One thing we do need to acknowledge is that once our elders pass away, the Fil-Am identity in America will die. Our grandparents and parents have passed down traditions, culture, language, recipes and more. Filipinos in the Philippines and Fil-Ams need to create and maintain a strong connection with each other in order for Fil-Am identity and presence to exist in America.
We tackle all this and more on our latest episode. Enjoy! And as always please share your thoughts and opinions because the only we’re going reach a point of understanding is if we listen to each other.
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