Bakitwhy primarily serves the Pilipino-American demographic, a potentially enormous force in the United States. Pilipino-Americans make up the third largest Asian group in the United States. We span multiple locations, generations, and backgrounds; however, that diversity also makes it difficult to connect Pil-Ams nationally. We hope that BakitWhy can serve to bring together our disparate communities across the United States in order facilitate discussion, cooperation, and create action in the Pil-Am population.The 2007 United States Census shows that over 4 million citizens of Pilipino descent reside in the country. Pil-Ams account for more than 1.5% of the entire population of the United States, which is a significant amount when compared to the populations of the many other ethnicities represented in the country. In fact, the United States is the largest home for those of Pilipino descent of any country in the world--one-third of which are in Southern California. Beyond Southern California, major Pilipino-American centers are located in Northern California, New Jersey/New York, Texas, and Hawaii, among many other states.
The numbers are staggering. Pilipino-Americans are an important slice
of the proverbial American pie, however there has been questionable
media and political portrayal of the community. The question to our
readers is this: how do you think your community is portrayed in your
area, and do you feel your community has a disconnect from the rest of
the Pil-Ams in the United States?
One of the more positive stereotypes of Pilipinos is the inclusive sense of family. Let's extend our family across the nation to the 4 million others who are waiting to be connected.
US demographic census [Census.gov]
One of the more positive stereotypes of Pilipinos is the inclusive sense of family. Let's extend our family across the nation to the 4 million others who are waiting to be connected.
US demographic census [Census.gov]
I think it should be "Filipino" not "Pilipino".
Letter "F" is part of the Filipino alphabet since I can't remember when, sorry I can't give you the facts.
Filipino - person
Pilipino - language
But it is also correct to use "Pilipino" if you are speaking or writing in Pilipino/Tagalog or any dialect of the Filipinos.
I'm just sharing what I know. I would like to say I'm "bihasa" in tagalog, but my english is bad. :)
Hi, here's my understanding of this issue -- correct me if I'm wrong:
BakitWhy.com has adopted a site wide policy to use the term "Pilipino" instead of "Filipino." There are many reasons why we choose to do so and many origins of this term.
There is originally no "F" in Tagalog. In the mid 70s, in order to best represent the national language of the Philippines, the Department of Education decided to use the term "Pilipino" to refer to Tagalog. Eventually, many books were rewritten to fit this standard. Later on because of various media outlets, "Pilipino" became mostly associated with the people of the Philippines versus the language. So it eventually became "Filipino." Symbolically, however, people saw the "F" as a sign of colonialism since again, there is no "F" in Tagalog.
The term "Pilipino" however, was more prominent in the Pilipino-American community. During the times when Pilipinos were oppressed in America (when you would see "No Filipinos Allowed" signs all over), revolutionists began to use the term in a sign of identity, solidarity, and protest against oppression. The word "pili" in Tagalog means to "choose." And these people chose to be PILIpino.
We at BakitWhy.com choose to be Pilipino-American and acknowledge the fact that we are. Our heritage is important to us and we're here to help the community unite, grow, and communicate.
I hope that helps. If you would like more information:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XfKQ-FcmCmw (Please read the comments for this video)
http://www2.seasite.niu.edu/tagalogdiscuss/_disc2/000007c3.htm
Thank you.
I was born and grew up in the Philippines, I respect all the views about the Filipino culture or Pilipino for you.
I enjoy reading your blog, I'm learning a lot about the Filipinos (Pilipinos) here in America.
Maraming salamat.
Thanks Jake! I'm actually glad this conversation happened. It helped portray our overall vision of BakitWhy. We appreciate you coming back here and hope to hear from you more! =)
Hi Jake,
In my opinion i think it's up to you to decide which term "Filipino" or "Pilipino" to identify yourself with. Don't let anyone tell you which is right or wrong.
Thanks Jer, Thanks Bernard! :)
Yes, I do agree and I hope you don't think that BakitWhy is forcing you to use the "P" instead. Thats far from it. Its your own personal choice how you would like to identify yourself. The community is just there to make sure people make an informed choice. =)