Why are Filipinos invisible in American Society?

Question

Do you know that there are more than 2 million Filipinos living in the United States? They are the 2nd largest asian minority group in the country, second only to the Chinese, yet most people in the United States can't even spell the word "Filipino" or worst-- thinks that they haven't met one.

By posting this question to the American public, I am hoping that my fellow Filipino-Americans realize that its time to stand up, be known, and contribute to the betterment of the society in ways that are more visible than serving 'lumpia' at parties.

Answer 1

Join or make a political affiliation with some clout. Pinay People Political Power, is what will create a voice.

Answer 2

Simple.

Filipinos know how to blend in with the American enivornment and culture. It's easy for Filipinos to fit in.

Since the American colonization of the Philippines, Filipinos are basically pro-American. They love American food, American clothes, American cars, American men (for filipinas) and American women (for filipinos), American music...almost everything American.

Get the picture.

Answer 3

I think it's because most Filipinos are too good at blending into an environment. I've been mistaken as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai -- but rarely does someone correctly guess that I'm Filipino. That is, until I say "Mabuhay" or "Magandang umaga/hapon/gabi". :)

My guess is that the best way for people to know that you are a Filipino is to wear it on yourself. Meaning wear native or native-inspired fashions in public. Men can use our formal wear, the barong tagalog, on such occasions. The women have more varied choices. I have a friend in Canada who tries to wear the malong every chance she could during special events and she gets a lot of compliments from it. Our fashion is nothing to be ashamed of and is in fact quite pleasing to the eye. It's just a matter of adapting such clothes to the weather there. :)

Magandang araw po sa inyo! :D

Answer 4

Many Filipinos served in the US armed forces in WWII. Unlike the Mexicans, Filipinos waited 50 yrs to be awarded US citizenship as promised. In the meantime, they worked and quietly petitioned for their due. I was privileged to have known one of them.

I think maybe the Filipinos took the "melting pot" to heart and are assimilated. You are contributing in a very important way. The guy that has the Lumpia house in my town pays taxes, and helps keep the wheels of society turning. His profits are sending his daughter to College. To me, that's contributing to the general betterment.

Answer 5

Filipino's have successfully melded into American society as well as the rest of the good American citizens from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Germany, Norway and Many other nations...
They are recognized as Americans and are no different than any other American....They are simply not noticed as "different" Americans...
And you want them now to reverse this great success and have them become outsiders ??
It is self serving promoters of racism such as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and yourself that are responsible for the failure of various races of immigrants to fully blend into the American culture and populace...

Answer 6

I agree that Filipino people are farely unknown, in the masses. But, you have to realize that there are roughly 300 million U.S. citizens, and 2 million out of 300 million is not a lot at all. It just means you all will probably have to work harder to be recognized more.

Answer 7

As a land of opportunity, it falls to the individual citizens to stand up and be counted.
In fact, Filipionos are doing just that to the tune of 2 million living peacefully, working successfully and productivly, running businesses, raising families, supporting the economy, and doing good deeds EACH and EVERY day!
Filipiino bakeries have replaced traditional European bakeries in some urban areas to the gourmet delight of many.
While other cultures often aggegate in their own "towns" (i.e. cities with "China Towns", "Japan Towns" and more) the Filipino community is more successful than almost any other at assimilating into being a part of the American culture. Their multilingual abilities, cultural awareness of American traditions (wrought by the tides of history as cited in other responses here), and their traditional family values have lead many of Filipino heritage to great success as outstanding Americans.
As a descendant of European heritage, I have found myself enriched by Filipinos whom I have had the honor and privilege to work beside, work for, and employ myself. The lasting friendships that I have forged are as valued to me as those of any other race and certainly not qualified by me, in my mind as to existing within some special ethnic category.
Filipino scientists, teachers, bus drivers, wood workers, artists, and more have worked to accomplish the great works of civilization in our day and age.

Answer 8

WW2 actual, my spouse is filipina and my boy is a million/2 white, they say he's appealing. basically look on the noses and pores and skin coloration, American Filipinos get extra tail. White Filipinos look Very alluring, my boy ought to celeb on television back interior the Philippines.

Answer 9

Probably because Americans no nothing of their culture. And because of that ignorance, Filipinos just don't stick out in society.

Answer 10

Filipinos are not a very vocal people. They take a lot of abuse and just prefer to work hard to support their families. Don't worry, the increasing Filipino population will improve their visibility.

Answer 11

Make your self known in American Society.