Recently, I was at my cousin's 19th birthday party which was held at their house in one of Chicago's thriving suburbs. The house was overflowing with these very animated and strange creatures who are part of the group we know as today's Filipino American youth. They were boisterous and exuberant. They were dressed accordingly to the latest dictate of teen fashion. They all seemed like good kids by any means of standards. But in the back of my mind, I could not help wondering, how oblivious are they? How oblivious are they to who they are, where they came from, and how they got here? How many are aware of the price paid by their parents and grandparent so that they can be here now enjoying what they do enjoy?
As someone who grew up here, I remember I once was in their place. I understand the sheer excitement of being that young and hanging out with friends. The gradual expansion of freedom and testing new grounds can be heady stuff. At times it did not seem fair, the youth of immigrant families would have the added burden of being mindful of their heritage when there are enough challenges going on as naturally brought on by hormonal changes.
However, as a parent of two young boys, I feel some trepidation. The actual burden of making the young people of tomorrow aware of their background befalls on the shoulders of parents. Who else will make them appreciate the values and traditions of our Filipino culture? Who else but us will have firsthand knowledge? That is the crux of the matter. How to make them listen.
The Challenges of Bringing Up Baby
Our job will be easily accomplished only if the communication line is open. Oftentimes, we see young families start out so hopeful. The babies are well-cared for. The toddlers are reasonably well-behaved. Then comes the shady years between 9 or 10, up to the teen years when the kids will undergo transformation. Mother nature dictates it to be so no matter what nationality we are.
Here is a scenario. A Filipino family migrates to make a new life in the US. The children are young boys ages 9 and 12. The boys are respectful and hardly say a word. They enter school and suddenly, particularly the eldest begin to change. They reason out more. The eldest begins to dye his hair with blond streaks and wants to wear an earring. The parents are astounded. The father particularly reacts very strongly. Soon, they are not in speaking terms with each other. This is a familiar story that happens over and over again in any and every state across the United States.
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