Asian-American Studies 353: Filipina and Filipino American Identities

Class Introduction

• Course led by Eric Pido.
• Focus on understanding Filipina and Filipino American identities.
• Uses media examples like TV shows to illustrate identity issues.

TV Show Example: "Truth Be Told"

• Features character Tracy (played by Vanessa Lachey), a Filipino American.
• Tracy faces questions about her Filipino identity.
• She was embarrassed about her heritage growing up and wanted to fit in.
• Now wants to reclaim her heritage for her daughter, Sadie.
• Highlights the challenge of imparting cultural identity to the next generation.

Identity Crisis

• Many Filipino Americans, like Tracy's character, struggle with cultural identity.
• Question: What does it mean to have a strong cultural identity?
  • Can have a successful life without acknowledging cultural identity.
  • Importance rises when influencing the next generation.
• Tracy’s experience shows a common theme of identity rejection and acceptance.

Connection to Students

• Many students drawn to Asian-American studies due to personal identity crises.
• Class aims to explore identity formation intellectually and academically.

Identity Formation: Theoretical Perspectives

• Referencing Erik Erikson, a German psychologist.
• Coined the term "identity crisis."
• Identity crisis isn't always dramatic; it's a natural part of adolescence.
• Erikson’s theory: Eight stages of identity development across a lifetime.
• Successful navigation of stages leads to happier, fulfilled lives.

Key Questions and Concepts

• Is acceptance of one’s identity enough for happiness?
• Does environment play a crucial role in identity formation?
• Identity is shaped by the interaction of internal and external factors.
• Reciprocation between self-identity and environment is crucial.

Evolution of Identity Understanding

• Erikson’s ideas originated in the 1960s but still relevant.
• Modern identities are vast and include political, professional, and religious.
• Emphasis on cultural and racial identities in this course.
• Identity conflicts arise when identities contradict each other.

Course Focus

• Examine identity and formation comprehensively.
• Apply concepts specifically to Filipino Americans.
• Address the complexity of Filipino American identity which defies singularity.

Upcoming Topics

• Explore broader identity concepts.
• Understand how Filipino Americans create and live with their identities.