April 16, 2017
Blog Response: "Betrayal, Class Fantasies, and the Filipino Nation in Daly City"
The part of this
chapter that I was most intrigued about was the section on betrayal. Filipinos
criticized those who left the Philippines as traitors of the nation because
they usually left for personal interests. Although, these "personal
interests" included escaping the corruption and inefficiency of the
government, finding better job opportunities, and starting new lives. It seems
that most of this criticism in the chapter came from the middle and upper
class, who may have not struggled with the same issues as those who left to
America. This is also a common phenomena with collectivistic cultures - it's
more important to stick together in any case rather than leaving and doing your
own thing, no matter how successful you will be. The familial structure is the
priority because family is the main support system. The negative connotation of
departure also seems to come from a strong sense of pride. (Why leave the
Philippines when it's so great?) This sense of pride is also something I've noticed
among most of my Filipino friends that I've grown up with, which indicates that
it's possibly a cultural phenomena. Personally, I think these ways of thinking
can be detrimental because it stunts any sort of potential for a better life.
More sacrifices are made rather than opportunities taken.
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