Why are Filipino Americans ashamed of being Asian?

Phillip Gabriel Alcantara Mercado

 

Lived in The Philippines (2000–2001)

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Why are Filipino Americans ashamed of being Asian? Why is the phenomenon only in the US? The Philippines is clearly in Southeast Asia.

Colonial Mentality, the belief that Western Culture is more superior than Asian Culture. Add the fact that they are half White through an American father or mother or the fact that they grew up in America, they become ashamed of their Asian heritage as they see it as a tarnishing fact of their identity.

Even back home in the Philippines, not all will buy the whole notion that ‘We’re in Southeast Asia so we are Asians.’ Many Filipinos are proud of the three centuries long Spanish colonial period and 50 years of American colonialism and they use these facts to argue that Filipinos are more than just Asians… we’re Hispanics! They will make reasons such as the difference in Filipino cuisine with other Asian cuisines, the fact that we look more Latino and that we’re Catholics, one redeeming feature that the West possesses along with the other denominations of Christianity and Catholicism.

I have gotten into heated debates with individuals who argue that the Philippines is more Western, completely disregarding the fundamental fact that we’re Asians, like it or not. There is a sense of myopism where we can openly claim that Filipinos are more Western but Indonesians who were under Dutch rule for the same amount of time are not Western? Or like how Singapore was only ruled by the British for 100 years and ironically speaking, the city is more Western than Manila?

It is colonial mentality at its worse. In fact, Filipinos tend to look down on other Asians in the past due to the fact that we were an American stooge and Filipinos were proud of it. The Philippines used to be the richest country in Southeast Asia and were among the first to gain independence. Even today, Filipinos can judge Indonesians and Vietnamese people and when questioned about why the Philippines is a third-world, they are quick to argue that:

1. Marcos destroyed our economy.
2. Our politicians are corrupt and they do little to improve our lives.
3. Don’t you dare speak bad of the Philippines. Why so many bad things to say you?

I may be generalising or exegerrating but that is colonial mentality for you. In fact, many Filipinas target Americans as their husbands? Why? Well, to enter the United States, to enjoy the American Dream (not intending to insult those with genuine, legitimate relationships).