Overview
This lecture explores the meaning of "Filipino" identity, challenging racial and historical myths, and argues that being Filipino is a personal and continual choice.
Filipino Identity and Racial Myths
- The concept of "Filipino" is often wrongly linked to race, skin color, or ancestry.
- Many myths taught in school, such as the "creation myth" and the three-immigrant-group theory, are rooted in racism and have been disproven.
- Some Filipinos with Chinese or American heritage are questioned about their identity, which reflects a narrow, racialized view of being Filipino.
Historical Origins of "Filipino"
- The term "Filipino" was first used by Spanish Creoles (insulares), specifically Luis Rodriguez Varela, not indigenous people.
- Early "Filipinos" were Spaniards born in the Philippines who developed a local identity and criticized Spanish rule.
- Nationalism evolved from Varela to figures like Jose Burgos and eventually to Jose Rizal.
Rizal’s Notion of Filipino
- Rizal identified Filipinos as a mix of Creoles, Chinese mestizos, and Indios, united by the choice to call themselves Filipino.
- Being Filipino is not determined by skin color, bloodline, or passport, but by the conscious decision to claim the identity.
The Ongoing Choice of Identity
- Embracing Filipino identity is a daily, active choice, especially when facing disagreement or marginalization.
- The political community of Filipinos is built by those who choose to belong and serve, regardless of background.
- Philippine heroes of different backgrounds prove that Filipino identity is inclusive and chosen, not inherited.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Creole (Insulares) — Spaniards born in the Philippines, distinct from Spaniards born in Spain (peninsulares).
- Mestizo — A person of mixed ancestry, often Chinese-Filipino during the 19th century.
- Indio — The colonial Spanish term for the indigenous peoples of the Philippines.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Recommended reading: Nick Joaquin's "A Question of Heroes" for further insight into Filipino identity and history.