Spoken word.
Free Verse.
It's meant to be read out loud and with speed.
It's still in the editing process & is only a fourth done.
Hope you enjoy the introduction! :D
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Maybe you’ve been there just like me.
Asking yourself, “Give me one good reason why I should accept my ethnicity?
Because my friend, I can give you a lot of reasons why I shouldn’t.”
As a second generation Filipino, I have clashed with the typical first generation.
The very people who I should be learning the most about my identification.
The traditional, cordial and superstitious,
The family-oriented, reserved and religious
Passion is kept on the down low -
Like how an older Filipina won’t usually hold hands in public
Because a love is more beautiful when the fewer know.
Passive when they were younger
Raised disciplined and obedient like no other
But then age increased and the tables turned
They became adults and raised our generation with the same discern
On top of that, their status has rose their vanity and pride
Because now they have the power to lead us than walk by our side
Speaking of us, ever notice how much the first generation tends to underestimate the youth?
And they’ll ignore our opinions and growth because secretly, they can’t handle the truth
They can’t stand that fact that we may one day exceed their reasoning
So they try controlling our actions, our expressions or way of thinking
But truth be told, I will always be a child in my elders’ eyes.
And so my hatred grows the more they neglect my mind.
History doesn’t help me accept my ethnicity either.
For over 300 years the Spaniards took over
And right after came the United States
Who imposed on the citizens their ideal traits
Of a decent society.
And although the Philippines is now an independent country
Many of the citizens are accustomed with the colonial mentality
Many of us subconsciously feel inferior
Many of us spend too much time maintaining our exterior
By matching Mestizos or Americans
By whitening our skin or adjusting our mannerisms
The past and the present isn’t showing me that we’ll progress from a third world country anytime soon
The Philippines’ government and politics isn’t reassuring me that things will turn around, too.
The more I study the more I feel like I’m led on
I’ve grasped more deceit, ingenuity, double-standard respect and corruption.
Before the year even started, I almost wanted to quit my position.
The negativity has nearly caused my suffocation.
But I’m still gasping for breath
I’m still trying with much difficulty
I have hope there’s more to my ethnicity
and so I am holding onto my theory
I believe there is more to my culture, regardless of my perception,
I believe through the vast majority I can find the kind of Filipino beauty that’ll give me inspiration
I believe there is some good in everything.
And I know once I find it, it’ll be gratifying
I know I will find the beauty that will motivate me to learn more about my culture
And low and behold, I have found what I’ve been looking for.
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