Editorial: The Pilipino-American Experience and Being "Pilipino-American"

Guest Contribution by Marc Malabanan

Being a Pilipino-American is an experience that is unique to each of us, so it doesn't make sense for us to try to generalize who we are and our culture in a few bullet points. I believe what is common amongst all of us is that, whether we are conscious of it or not, we are rooted in our "homeland" Pilipino culture; how we as individuals integrate that into our American experience is what makes us unique. Being able to express what we have experienced, network with those that share that experience, and learn from the experience of others is the definition of "culture". Therefore Pilipino-American culture is an ever-progressing and ever-changing definition that is influenced by those who are willing to contribute to it. 

Many Pilipino-Americans find the idea of “How Pilipino are you?” as a very intimidating question. A person that was raised to speak English only and who may not have been as active in "discovering their roots", two aspects that certainly hold true in my life growing up, may feel that they're not Pilipino enough to be part of the community or group. Conversely, that community or group may look down at the person who may not be as connected to their Pilipino heritage and look at them as being too assimilated with "white" American culture. Growing up in a predominately Portuguese community, I was involved in activities that many of my Pilipino-American peers weren't into at the time. Therefore, the lack of that feeling of connection with the Pilipino-American community was something I had to live with on a constant basis throughout my childhood and adolescence.  

While it may be the case that person's knowledge of Pilipino history may vary, it doesn't take away the fact that their experience as a Pilipino-American is just as important as the next person's. If we are to limit the contributing members and expression of the culture to those who are "most knowledgeable", it narrows the definition of what the culture is about. Also, the level of progression of the culture is limited to the people that have the perceived control of this vision. Having this skewed notion of Pilipino-American culture not only contributes to the stereotypes that the general public may have, but it also will do one of two things to the Pilipino-American community: force those to conform to this vision, or feel segregated and outcast from it. 

Having an organization or community able to be aware of the ever-changing landscape of society, to accept of all Pilipino-Americans and their experiences, and to provide them a venue for open discussion and expression is very much important and relevant for Pilipino-Americans today and of future generations. As rooted as we are in our homeland Pilipino culture, we are also shaped by our experiences as Americans. That experience is something that should be openly shared. That experience is what makes us Pilipino-American. What it all comes down to is this: How can we freely express who we are?