Overview
According to the 2000 U.S. census, Filipinos ranked second among foreignborn immigrants living in the United States: At least 1.4 million foreignborn people from the Philippines live in the United States, and more than 2 million Americans identify their ancestry as Filipino. In the early 1900s, during the first wave of immigration, Filipinos worked as agricultural laborers in California and Hawaii, cannery workers in Alaska and Washington, and sailors in the U.S. Navy. More recently, Filipino immigrants have played crucial roles in such fields as computer programming and nursing. Throughout their time in the United States, they have struggled to balance the Filipino concepts of pakikisama (smooth social interaction) and bayanihan (cooperative work) with the individualism and materialism that often defines American culture. This book examines the history and culture, as well as the trials and successes, of these so-called invisible immigrants.Synopsis
According to the 2000 U.S. census, Filipinos ranked second among foreignborn immigrants living in the United States: At least 1.4 million foreignborn people from the Philippines live in the United States, and more than 2 million Americans identify their ancestry as Filipino. In the early 1900s, during the first wave of immigration, Filipinos worked as agricultural laborers in California and Hawaii, cannery workers in Alaska and Washington, and sailors in the U.S. Navy. More recently, Filipino immigrants have played crucial roles in such fields as computer programming and nursing. Throughout their time in the United States, they have struggled to balance the Filipino concepts of pakikisama (smooth social interaction) and bayanihan (cooperative work) with the individualism and materialism that often defines American culture. This book examines the history and culture, as well as the trials and successes, of these so-called invisible immigrants.
Children's Literature
This excellent introduction to Filipino immigration to the U.S. and Canada is part of the series "The New Immigrants." It succeeds in providing a well-rounded picture of this diverse group by tracing its history from colonial involvement in the Philippines to the history and current status of Filipino Americans. The book is thoroughly researched, providing often surprising facts and figures along with information about various Filipino communities; effects of immigration policies; important individuals, achievements, and customs; discrimination; and cultural adaptations. The author obviously sympathizes with the plight of these immigrants—describing the economic hardships, legal hurdles, and discrimination faced by Filipino Americans—but does not gloss over serious problems within the community, such as gang membership and domestic violence. Unlike many books celebrating multiculturalism, this one does not focus merely on quaint cultural customs, foods, and festivals, but provides a thorough history, as well as an up-to-date picture of a vibrant community. For example, the book describes early activists' efforts to organize labor unions, and later efforts to halt sexual trafficking and expose the atrocities at Abu Ghraib. It shows not only differences but commonalities with non-immigrant communities—for example describing Filipino American interest in and contributions to hip-hop music. One chapter highlights seven professions favored by Filipino Americans, including nursing, music, the military, food, business, boxing, and theater. It explores the origins of stereotypes of Filipinos without relying on them to explain career choices. Filipino American adolescents willuse this book to explore their heritage; the book is also ideal for classroom use, though the study questions at the end of each chapter could be more thought-provoking. Useful appendices, such as a time line, glossary, and bibliography, supplement the text. This very readable book is a welcome addition to our knowledge of changing American demographics.