2.3 Filipino American Literature in the Early 20th Century
5 min read•august 16, 2024
Filipino American literature in the early 20th century emerged from a unique historical context. Shaped by , immigration policies, and labor migration, these works explored themes of , , and .
Early Filipino American writers contributed significantly to the Asian American literary canon. Their focus on working-class experiences, colonial legacies, and added depth and diversity to Asian American literature, influencing future generations of writers and scholars.
Early Filipino American Literature: Context and Culture
Historical Events Shaping Filipino American Literature
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- (1899-1902) and subsequent American colonization of the Philippines influenced early Filipino American literature profoundly
- initiated in 1903 brought Filipino students to the United States for education
- Contributed to the emergence of early Filipino American literary voices
- Exposed Filipino students to American culture and education systems
- allowed continued Filipino immigration due to the Philippines' status as a U.S. territory
- Created a unique situation for Filipinos compared to other Asian immigrant groups
- Resulted in a larger Filipino American population during this period
- Labor migration of Filipino workers to Hawaii and mainland United States in 1920s and 1930s shaped experiences reflected in literature
- Many Filipinos worked in agriculture (sugar cane plantations in Hawaii, farms in California)
- Some found employment in service industries (hotels, restaurants) or factories
Cultural and Social Factors
- "" communities formed in cities like Stockton, California
- Became cultural hubs for early Filipino American writers
- Provided a sense of community and shared experiences
- Served as settings for many literary works
- and subsequent repatriation programs targeting Filipino Americans in 1930s
- Influenced themes of and identity in literature
- Created economic hardships and social tensions
- Led to forced or voluntary return of many Filipinos to the Philippines
Themes and Motifs in Early Filipino American Literature
Identity and Cultural Navigation
- Struggle for identity and belonging in a new land depicted through characters navigating between Filipino and American cultures
- Characters often experience cultural confusion or conflict
- Exploration of what it means to be Filipino American
- Challenges of and pressure to "Americanize" while maintaining cultural ties to the Philippines
- Characters grapple with adopting American customs vs. preserving Filipino traditions
- Depiction of and the process of learning English
- Concept of "" and longing for the Philippines expressed through nostalgic descriptions
- Vivid portrayals of Philippine landscapes, foods, and customs
- Characters often reminisce about life in the Philippines
Social Struggles and Resilience
- Experiences of racial discrimination and social exclusion portrayed in various contexts
- Workplace discrimination (lower wages, poor working conditions)
- Housing segregation and restricted access to public spaces
- Exploration of masculinity and gender roles within Filipino American communities and in relation to mainstream American society
- Depiction of changing family dynamics in the new cultural context
- Portrayal of Filipino men's struggles with American stereotypes of Asian masculinity
- Themes of and survival in the face of economic hardship and social marginalization
- Characters overcoming poverty, racism, and other obstacles
- Stories of community support and solidarity among Filipino Americans
Colonialism and Immigration: Shaping Filipino American Literature
Colonial Influence on Language and Identity
- Use of English as primary language of Filipino American literature resulted from American colonial education policies
- Reflects the complex linguistic history of the Philippines
- Often incorporates Filipino words or phrases to maintain cultural authenticity
- Exploration of and its effects on characters' self-perception
- Internalized feelings of inferiority or superiority related to American culture
- Struggles with conflicting loyalties to Filipino heritage and American ideals
- Incorporation of , myths, and cultural practices into narratives
- Preserves and celebrates Filipino heritage
- Creates a unique blend of American and Filipino storytelling traditions
Immigration and Transnational Experiences
- Representation of immigrant experience includes themes of displacement, adaptation, and search for economic opportunities
- Depictions of arrival in America and initial culture shock
- Stories of Filipino workers in various industries (agriculture, service, manufacturing)
- Portrayal of complex relationship between United States and Philippines
- Characters often have conflicted feelings towards both countries
- Exploration of political and historical ties between the two nations
- Depiction of transnational identities and experiences
- Characters maintaining connections with family in the Philippines
- Portrayal of remittance culture and its impact on both Filipino and Filipino American communities
Early Filipino American Literature: Shaping the Asian American Canon
Diversification and Representation
- Early Filipino American literature contributed to diversification of Asian American voices
- Challenged dominance of East Asian narratives in the canon
- Brought Southeast Asian perspectives into the literary landscape
- Works by pioneering authors like established key themes central to Asian American literature
- "" became a seminal text in Asian American studies
- Bulosan's focus on labor and influenced subsequent writers
Thematic Contributions
- Focus on and working-class struggles influenced development of social justice themes
- Depictions of farm workers, cannery workers, and other laborers
- Exploration of labor unions and workers' rights movements
- Exploration of colonial and added complexity to discussions of Asian American experiences
- Examination of the unique status of Filipinos as colonial subjects and immigrants
- Investigation of the lasting impacts of American colonialism on Filipino identity
Literary and Scholarly Impact
- Incorporation of Filipino cultural elements and linguistic features contributed to of Asian American literature
- Use of , , or other Filipino languages alongside English
- Integration of Filipino cultural references and storytelling techniques
- Engagement with issues of , , and belonging helped shape political consciousness of Asian American literature
- Exploration of and their impact on Filipino Americans
- Discussion of citizenship rights and the complexities of Filipino American legal status
- Recovery and recognition of early Filipino American texts by later scholars and writers
- Rediscovery of forgotten or overlooked works from early 20th century
- Reinterpretation of these texts in light of contemporary Asian American studies
Key Terms to Review (28)
1924 Immigration Act: The 1924 Immigration Act was a significant piece of legislation that established strict quotas on immigration to the United States based on national origin. This act aimed to limit the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as virtually exclude Asians and other non-Western groups, profoundly affecting the demographic composition of the nation and shaping attitudes toward immigration during that era.
America Is in the Heart: America Is in the Heart is a semi-autobiographical novel by Carlos Bulosan, published in 1943, that chronicles the experiences of a Filipino immigrant in America during the early 20th century. The work explores themes of identity, struggle, and resilience, highlighting the harsh realities faced by Filipino Americans while simultaneously conveying hope and the desire for belonging in a land that often marginalized them.
Anti-miscegenation laws: Anti-miscegenation laws were statutes that prohibited interracial marriage and, in some cases, cohabitation between people of different races. These laws were rooted in the belief that mixing races would undermine social order and lead to the perceived moral decline of society. In the context of Filipino American literature in the early 20th century, these laws directly affected the lives and relationships of individuals, illustrating the struggles against racial discrimination and the quest for identity.
Assimilation: Assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of another culture, often leading to a loss of their original cultural identity. This term is particularly relevant in understanding how immigrant communities navigate their identities in a new society, often influenced by social, political, and economic factors.
Carlos Bulosan: Carlos Bulosan was a Filipino American writer and labor activist known for his poignant reflections on the Filipino immigrant experience in the United States during the early 20th century. His work often highlighted themes of social justice, identity, and the struggles faced by Filipino Americans, making him a key figure in Filipino American literature and broader Asian American narratives.
Citizenship: Citizenship is the status of being a recognized member of a nation or state, granting individuals specific rights and responsibilities. It often encompasses legal identity, social belonging, and participation in the political process. The concept of citizenship is deeply intertwined with issues of identity, belonging, and exclusion, especially in the context of marginalized communities such as Filipino Americans during the early 20th century.
Colonial Mentality: Colonial mentality refers to the internalized perception and belief that the values, culture, and products of a colonizing power are superior to those of one's own culture. This mindset can lead to feelings of inferiority among colonized people, as well as a preference for foreign influences over indigenous practices. In the context of Filipino American literature in the early 20th century, this mentality became a critical theme, as writers grappled with their identities shaped by colonial history and the struggle against cultural erasure.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring and maintaining control over a territory and its people by a foreign power, often involving exploitation of resources and imposition of cultural values. This term connects deeply to historical and contemporary experiences of marginalized communities, especially in how literature reflects the complexities of identity and belonging shaped by such domination. The impact of colonialism resonates in various literary forms, highlighting themes of resistance, cultural hybridity, and the struggle for self-determination.
Cultural Navigation: Cultural navigation refers to the process through which individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, navigate and negotiate their identities and experiences within different cultural contexts. This concept highlights how people adapt to various cultural landscapes while maintaining a sense of self and belonging. It emphasizes the complexities of identity formation and the ability to fluidly move between cultural frameworks, which is crucial for understanding the experiences of immigrant populations and their descendants.
Displacement: Displacement refers to the feeling of being uprooted or removed from one's home, culture, or community, often leading to a sense of loss and identity crisis. This experience is particularly poignant in literature, where characters and narratives reflect the struggles of individuals and groups who have been forced to leave their homeland, whether due to war, colonization, or societal pressures. It encompasses not just physical relocation but also emotional and cultural dislocation, influencing how stories are told and understood.
Filipino Folklore: Filipino folklore encompasses the rich tapestry of myths, legends, fables, and traditions originating from the Philippines, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of various Filipino communities. It serves as a means to transmit history, moral lessons, and cultural identity through storytelling, often featuring supernatural beings, historical figures, and elements of nature. This folklore plays a significant role in shaping Filipino American literature in the early 20th century, as writers sought to connect their heritage with their new experiences in America.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and significant declines in consumer spending and investment. This era had profound effects on various communities, including Filipino Americans, who faced unique challenges and opportunities during this turbulent period.
Home: Home is a multifaceted concept that embodies not just a physical space but also emotional, cultural, and social dimensions tied to identity and belonging. It can represent a sanctuary, a place of comfort, or even an idea that reflects personal and collective experiences. In literature, the notion of home often intersects with themes of migration, displacement, and the search for a sense of community, especially within diverse narratives.
Identity: Identity refers to the understanding and expression of oneself in relation to various social, cultural, and personal factors. It encompasses aspects such as ethnicity, nationality, gender, and personal experiences, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others.
Ilocano: Ilocano refers to both an ethnolinguistic group from the northern regions of the Philippines and the language they speak. This group has a rich cultural heritage and played a significant role in the development of Filipino American literature, especially during the early 20th century, when many Ilocanos emigrated to the United States seeking better opportunities.
Labor experiences: Labor experiences refer to the various working conditions, challenges, and contributions of individuals within the workforce, especially in relation to specific cultural or ethnic backgrounds. In the context of Filipino American literature in the early 20th century, these experiences highlight the struggles of Filipino workers who faced discrimination, exploitation, and harsh living conditions while contributing significantly to labor sectors like agriculture, fishing, and domestic work. The literature from this period often reflects the resilience and identity of Filipino Americans as they navigated their roles in a new society.
Language barriers: Language barriers refer to the difficulties and misunderstandings that arise when individuals or groups do not share a common language or when they have different levels of proficiency in a language. These barriers can lead to miscommunication and can hinder social interactions, educational opportunities, and access to resources. In the context of various Asian American literatures, language barriers often reflect the struggles of immigrant communities as they navigate their identities and experiences in a new cultural landscape.
Little Manila: Little Manila refers to neighborhoods in the United States, particularly in cities like Stockton, California, that became cultural hubs for Filipino immigrants in the early 20th century. These enclaves were characterized by their unique Filipino identity, which included shops, restaurants, and community centers that served as focal points for social and cultural life, helping to preserve traditions and foster a sense of belonging among immigrants during a time of significant discrimination and isolation.
Multilingual nature: The multilingual nature refers to the existence and use of multiple languages within a single community or body of literature, showcasing the diverse linguistic identities and cultural influences that shape individual and collective experiences. This concept is particularly significant in literary contexts, where the interplay of languages often reflects the complexities of identity, migration, and cultural exchange.
Pensionado program: The pensionado program was an educational initiative established by the United States in the early 20th century that sent Filipino students to study in American universities. This program aimed to create a class of educated leaders who could help govern the Philippines following its annexation by the U.S. The program not only fostered a sense of Americanization but also influenced Filipino identity and culture through the lens of Western education.
Philippine-American War: The Philippine-American War was an armed conflict between the United States and Filipino revolutionaries from 1899 to 1902, following the U.S. acquisition of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. The war marked a significant moment in Filipino history, as it represented the struggle for independence against American colonial rule and had lasting impacts on Filipino identity and culture.
Postcolonial Identities: Postcolonial identities refer to the complex and often contested identities that emerge in the aftermath of colonial rule. These identities are shaped by the legacies of colonialism, including cultural hybridity, resistance to colonial narratives, and the reassertion of indigenous cultural practices. This term highlights the ways individuals and communities navigate their identities in a world influenced by colonial histories and the ongoing effects of colonization.
Race: Race is a socially constructed category used to classify people based on perceived physical differences, such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture. This concept is often intertwined with historical, social, and political contexts that shape individual and collective identities. Understanding race is crucial in analyzing the experiences of different groups, especially in literature where it informs the narratives and struggles of marginalized communities, including those depicted in Filipino American literature from the early 20th century.
Resilience: Resilience refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt in the face of adversity. It embodies strength, endurance, and the ability to bounce back, especially when confronting challenges related to identity, culture, and social injustice. In literature, this theme often manifests through characters or narratives that showcase perseverance and hope despite the weight of historical and personal struggles.
Social Justice: Social justice is the concept of promoting a fair and equitable society by addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. It focuses on creating opportunities for everyone, ensuring that individuals have access to resources, services, and rights necessary for full participation in society. The theme of social justice is central in various forms of literature, which often reflect the struggles and aspirations of underrepresented communities.
Social struggles: Social struggles refer to the conflicts and efforts by individuals or groups to achieve social justice, equality, and better living conditions. In the context of Filipino American literature in the early 20th century, these struggles highlight the experiences of Filipino immigrants as they navigated issues such as discrimination, labor rights, and cultural identity in a foreign land. This literary movement served as a voice for the marginalized, reflecting their challenges and aspirations amid the larger American society.
Tagalog: Tagalog is an Austronesian language native to the Philippines, serving as the basis for Filipino, the national language of the country. As a significant language, Tagalog has played an essential role in the cultural and literary expressions of the Filipino American community, especially during the early 20th century when Filipino immigrants began to establish their presence in the United States.
Transnational Identities: Transnational identities refer to the ways individuals navigate and construct their identities across multiple national contexts, influenced by migration, globalization, and cultural exchanges. This concept highlights how people maintain connections to their countries of origin while also engaging with new cultural landscapes, resulting in complex identities that reflect both heritage and adaptation. It emphasizes fluidity and the interplay between various cultural influences, rather than a static sense of belonging.