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© 2008-2010 Kasama Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
I remember watching UFC 105 the same night that Pacquiao fought Cotto, and Vera was certainly robbed that night. The judges narrowly gave Couture the win because of his "octagon control", despite the fact that "the Truth" stuffed pretty much every single take-down attempt that "the Natural" attempted, and Brandon actually landed the more telling blows and even took down Randy in the 3rd round for good measure. It just goes to show that in MMA, it truly is in the fighters' best interests to stop their fights and not leave the decision on the judges’ hands.
On a different note, I'm excited to bring the fams to the Lakers Fan Jam tomorrow!
As individuals, the article, video, and comments clearly show that we all identify ourselves in different ways in terms of culture. And rightly so! I think that's the point we should take from the discussion.
Therefore, it's hard to pigeon-hole all Americans with a Filipino ethnicity into a certain group. You just cannot fairly generalize us by looking at cultural behaviors.
So if we must define ourselves as a part of a group on these forms, I think it has to be on something that can be more easily identifiable by others. This doesn't include our mindset and behavior. And that is why I hope the options of "Asian" and "Pacific Islander" are meant in a geographic sense. Geographic location of our country of ethnic origin is something that can be identified much more easily and fairly.
In the same way, being white or black doesn't require an action. So I hope the form options of "black" and "white" don't allude to having a particular behavior. Again, being white or black doesn't require a certain mindset or cultural behavior. The same can be said for the other categories often seen on these forms.
At the end of the day, I think group identity politics only serve to polarize, and can lead to the likely-hood of group preferences and worse. Just look at what politicians did to cause the recent decades long civil war in Sri Lanka!
So in the spirit of sharing, if someone asks me where I'm from, I reply that I'm an American of Filipino ethnicity. This is simply because of my American citizenship and my ethnic heritage connection to the Philippines. On forms, rightly or wrongly, I tick the "Asian" box in defining my ethnicity simply because of the location of the Philippines in Asia.
But you know what? Maybe we should just rejoice in knowing that we're free to choose whatever mindset and behaviors we want, no matter what our status may be!
Through doing this article, I really don't know anymore where I would categorize Pilipinos. Professor Fojas opened my eyes to some interesting stuff, and also a book passage that a friend suggested. "Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical" by Dr. Kevin Nadal is one book I want to read soon to get an even better grasp on this debate.
The broad brush of the word "Asian" is interesting also. When I came across people who said that Pilipinos should be Pacific Islanders because we don't look "Asian" and because we seem different than "Asians," I always wonder (and as I brought up), "Ok, what about Indians?" My Indian friend also felt that way too - our group of friends were basically all Pilipinos, and whenever someone would say "Us Asian girls!" she would bring up, "Hey, I'm Asian too! People always forget that..."
I wanted to reply though because I wanted to share what I'm guessed as. Once, someone - I think she was Indian - asked me straight up, "So when did you and your family come from China?" I responded, "I'm sorry, excuse me?" I wasn't trying to be mean, I was genuinely shocked by her question. I've gotten Chinese, Korean, Japanese, (even though I'm pretty dark), Vietnamese, Latina -- and the two I find most interesting, Tibetan and Native American (a woman on the train came up to me and said, "You're absolutely beautiful. What tribe are you from? You're Native American, right?"). One guy before said, "You're the most beautiful Chinese girl I've ever seen." "I'm not Chinese." "You're the most beautiful Korean girl I've ever seen." "I'm not Korean." After going through almost all the Eastern Asian ethnicities, he gave up and asked what I was.
It's interesting how us Pilipinos can both look AND not look like Eastern Asians at the same.
I agree also -- it isn't just a Pilipino question. Hispanics also go through the same trouble. Just this year (I believe), their category was also specified just like Asians and Pacific Islanders.
Professor Fojas brings up a good point about the socio-economic similarities Pilipinos share with Latino migrant workers. One can draw historical, even ethnic connections of past Spanish and American imperialism. This does make the Pilipino a special case in many ways, though similar arguments can be made for just about any ethnic group.
I appreciate Foja's recognition of the "model minority" myth. The problem is that "Asian" is an extremely broad brush as the video points out, but that brush is colored primarily by Eastern Asians - China, Korea, and Japan specifically. But one mustn't forget that India and other Southern Asian nations, while very different from Eastern Asia, are still Asian. In the grand scheme of Asian socio-economic strata, I think Pilipinos are probably closer to Southeast Asians - Thais, Vietnamese, Cambodians, etc. But then that's also problematic since there are very distinct linguistic and religious differences between Southeast Asia and the Philippines. In fact, if you consider all the Spanish linguistic and religious influences, we see, again, more parallels to Latinos. I would never go so far as to say Pilipinos are some kind of Asian Latino. We lack the indigenous American racial background among other things, but it is an interesting comparison.
So, then, are Pilipinos just Pilipinos? I don't like that solution. For my part, I identify as Asian (or more accurately Asian-American), but I think the better answer is to break down the model minority myth and expand people's definition of "Asian."
Anecdotally, when folks try to guess at my ethnicity in the U.S. I get Japanese most often, followed by Thai. I spent some time living in Japan and even Japanese people assumed I was Japanese. Personally, I don't see it. I also did some travelling in Thailand and most Thai folks were confounded by me. They didn't think I was Japanese (my skin was too dark), but they assumed it anyways because I was an Asian tourist and Asian tourists there were more often than not from the more privileged Asian countries. I guess the question of "what is a Pilipino?" isn't just a Pilipino question.
*bump*
I enjoyed reading your article, it is very instructive and also assisted myself to answer nearly all of my headaches.
I used to live in Los Angeles, and as you've shown us, it can be quite beautiful! If anyone is in the area, seeing the sunrise and sunset in both Palos Verdes and Malibu is an absolute must! It's really magical. And as you probably know, there's always plenty of fun to be found in Downtown LA.
I look forward to seeing what you film next! Do you take any requests? Haha! I'd love to see a video of San Francisco, another city with many Filipino Americans. In my opinion, it's one of the most beautiful looking cities on earth along with Paris and Prague.
My thoughts exactly! I was also pleased Pacquiao showed that he had the patience to deal with a defensive fighter. Rather than get frustrated, he did what was necessary to win on points through controlled aggression and sheer number of punches thrown. It wasn't the most entertaining fight, but very effective from Pacquiao.
Bring on Mayweather and Mosley!
By the way, another positive thing on display that was also mentioned in the article was the mutual respect and admiration between the two fighters. This actually seems to be a trait in a lot of Pacquiao's fights, which shows a lot about his character and those of his opponents. It's refreshing and a real throwback to how old boxers used to be before the 60s: Athletes who gave their all, but at the same time were both models of sportsmanship and gentlemen in the ring. The comments made by both Pacquiao and Clottey after the fight was quite heart warming and highlighted this even more.
I'm definitely diggin' the noir-like feel of his videos. I'll be sure to look out for him in the future! Thanks!
For some reason, I'd love to see him make videos for "darker" artists such as Flying Lotus. I think they'd make a pretty good match. Burial is another artist I can see him working well with too.
I think dance music from the 70s and early 80s is heavily underrated. Does anyone want to share any of their favorites? Here's one of the many that I like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i8kmtbJiAc
Sorry!
It certainly was an impressive performance by Pacquiao!
Looking at the future, Freddy Roach had it exactly right! It's the boxing commission's job to set the rules for everyone! Not Mayweather! Even if he wants his rules to apply to both fighters. It's about wanting to be treated like all other boxers. I see no legitimate reason why they should break the rules and get special treatment.
I was expecting a bit more from Clottey, but he was simply outclassed in this one. While he has very solid defensive skills, he had no chance since his offensive output was too few and far between.
Awesome video bro!
Chicago is a town with rich cultural heritage and diversity. The town's culture is enriched by different communities. And that is the reason, Chicago has many gorgeous event to participate. Thanks for sharing such a nice and informative post.
Hello to all of you out there. I attended the MAFA 2010 Conference a few weekends ago, and during the intermission of the VSHOW, my 7 yr old son surprised me and did a quick little dance when right in the middle of the impromptu dance-off. I'm just wondering if anybody out there might have happened to catch any video or pictures of him dancing (It only lasted a few seconds). If so, I'd love to maybe get them somehow!
You can contact me at the following email address:
service@chuckmerlin.com
Todd
They sing - "BakitWhy?"
"Ain't nothin' but a heartache"
"BakitWhy?" - I cry
Please check out more performance videos on our YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/bakitwhycom
The problem with so-called "positive stereotypes" is that they perpetuate the Model Minority Myth, which dictates that Asian Americans are the model minority that all other minority groups should follow because we "made it." Because Asian Americans have "succeeded," then therefore there is no excuse for other minorities to not succeed and there isn't nothing systemically holding them back from doing so. This is of course not true.
And some of the "positive stereotypes" you mention them still have dangerous implications to them, especially the "exotic pilipina." Do you know that Pilipinas are the country's number one export? And look at the results that pop up when you Google "Filipina." Of course, Pilipinas aren't mere victims, and there are some who do relish in their sexual independence. But for those Pilipinas who do not want to be seen as hypersexualized beings, when stereotypes like this are so prevalent, this exotic stereotype can be harmful. Being stereotyped as an entertainer isn't much better to me, in my opinion. Again, there's nothing wrong with liking singing and dancing.
It's just important to remember that the "truth" to these stereotypes is no mere accident, nor is it a matter of Pilipinas/os "naturally" being like this. So many Pilipinas are nurses because the US built nursing schools all over the Philippines to deliberately train Pilipinas to become nurses not for their own country, but for the US. You can still take pride in nursing, singing, dancing, your good looks, etc., but not take pride in the fact that these attributes are generalized across an entire community.
I agree about Clottey's quality. He's a strong fighter with a good uppercut. He shouldn't be taken lightly. But still, it should be fairly easy for Pacquiao if he takes it seriously.
Whether it was watching his videos with my family, dancing to his music at a party, or just belting out his songs in the car, a lot of my best memories growing up involved his music.
By the way, we all know his classics from his solo and Jackson 5 days, but I just wanted to share with you one of the best remixes from the past 5 years. It features one of his songs. And frankly, I'll take any excuse to hear him again! Haha! Get ready to start dancing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk0ClOGHoXc
I adore pumpkin! This recipe is a real treasure. All my family liked it.
Best regards
Geona
---------------
Know how to be slim - eat low calorie foods
Count on Mr. JM to throw that Heat/Lakers bit in there... as well as the video of Pacquiao belting off the classic tunes of Glenn Medeiros.
On topic, I do feel that Tito Manny's fight against Clottey is going to be a lot better than people expect. Though he's not as good as Mayweather, Clottey is a quick, accurate counterpuncher who could give Pacman some trouble. Still, unless he manages to catch the champ off guard and knock him out early, I'm sure that Pacquiao takes this one home.
Hey guys,
Thank you all for your appraisal and support! Mine name is Cris Eleazar, aka 'Chi.' FIND, Inc. is an internationally-known, student led organization similar to organizations such as MAFA, SCPASA, and ECAASU. We seek to unite collegiate Filipino and Asian organizations in the East Coast. All are welcome to attend, even if you are a nonmember school within the districts, in high-school, or from 'DZ'.
To respond to previous comments, FIND's member organizations are from schools in 7 Districts. DI is the Boston area, D2 is the CT/RI area, D3 is North jersey, metro NY, and long island, D4 is upstate ny, D5 is south jersey/PA/DE, D6 is DC/MD/north VA, and D7 is south VA. TO explain it on the very basic level, in the Fall we have our Dialogue, a workshops based conference were delegates are assigned to workshops and EXPERIENCE the material through...dialogue. In the spring, we have our Conference, which is speaker-based. Several speakers are selected and delegates decide where they want to go throughout the day.
There are several details that I could mention here, but this is already a lengthy comment. If you would like to discuss this further, please e-mail me at celeazar@ramapo.edu!
Again, your support and appraisal is greatly appreciated! Maraming salamat!
-Chi
That's the best rebuttal to Mayweathers' stupid argument that I've seen. Good job! We all know Mayweather was trying to create something out of nothing to avoid the fight.