Filipino American Cultural Identity and Assimilation

Adjusting to Life as a First-Generation Immigrant

The interviewee identifies as a first-generation immigrant whose parents moved from The Philippines to find better-paying work. Early life involved the challenge of "simulating" to a new culture while learning multiple languages, including French and English. This process often led to a feeling of being "whitewashed" and a sense of isolation due to a lack of other Filipinos in the immediate community to connect with.

Cultural Preservation and the Filipino Diaspora

A central element of the Filipino identity described is a "hidden bond" between people of the same heritage. Family history is defined by migration for work or to reunite with loved ones. A major cultural cornerstone is Christmas, which is celebrated extensively; the season often begins in August and can continue through February or even April. Over time, the interviewee has experienced a partial loss of native language proficiency, which serves as the primary remaining connection to family still living in The Philippines.

Navigating Identity and Stereotypes

During childhood and middle school, there was a significant internal conflict between embracing Filipino family culture and fitting in with white social circles. This pressure was compounded by the "Asian being smart" stereotype. The interviewee attempted to live up to these academic expectations in competitive classes at the urging of their mother, which caused considerable personal stress.

Cultural Representation and Misunderstandings

Representation varies by location, with a notable difference between the "white little hometown" of Peace River and JP, where the interviewee's aunt and cousins actively advocate for Filipino culture through event planning. A key goal for the interviewee is for others to recognize the unique identity of Filipino culture rather than grouping it broadly with other Asian or Indian identities. Many misunderstandings stem from differing definitions of what is "normal," such as dietary habits.

Social Conformity and Cultural Recognition

Past experiences of being ridiculed for eating rice for breakfast or lunch led the interviewee to hide their cultural habits, such as switching to eating Nutella on bread to fit in. The interviewee emphasizes that while others may not need to "accept" every cultural practice, there should be a fundamental understanding that different cultures have different norms. This education is seen as essential for younger generations to foster a more inclusive environment.

Questions & Discussion

Zoe: "What generation American are you?" Interviewee: "I assume second. … I'm the first."

Zoe: "Describe your family's experiences adjusting to the life in The US. … Did you guys move because you guys just wanted to?" Interviewee: "We were struggling at The Philippines because they don't really pay well. And so my dad first moved here to work, and then my mom also, soon after, moved with me… to here to work."

Zoe: "What traditions or holidays are most important to you or your family?" Interviewee: "Christmas bud. Ever heard of Filipino Christmas before?" Zoe: "They said that is you guys start in like August or something or like September… she was saying, like, it was kinda like August to, like, January or so." Interviewee: "No. It goes way longer than you and Steve. Definitely past February. Maybe April."

Zoe: "Is there anything about your experience that people often misunderstood or misunderstand?" Interviewee: "How way different are, like, cultures to other people? So, like, what's normal to us is so much weird for you guys… like, the food we eat. … people seeing me eat, like, rice and shit for, like, a normal lunch. … making fun of me for it… after that, I started eating only Nutella on bread."