7 Meanings Of July 4th To Young Filipinx Americans

More than just independence day for the United States, July 4th is also regarded as "Philippine-American Friendship Day." This was the day in 1946 when then U.S. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed United States withdrawal, surrendering all rights of possession, supervision, jurisdiction, and control of sovereignty, and recognizing the "independence" of the Philippines. So this 4th of July, we asked young Filipino Americans what this day means to them.

1. "July 4th is mostly smoke and mirrors to me"

Philippine Soldiers at Malolos, Battle of Quingua, Philippine-American War [Public Domain]

In living this bicultural life in the United States, the dual significance of July 4th is mostly smoke and mirrors to me. My family and I don't celebrate independence day in the USA. In fact, this happened to be the day when my niece was born. We often celebrate her birthday every year rather than give into the USA's false patriotism that masks its long lasting history of genocide and imperialism. As a child of immigrants, I don't feel proud to be American whatsoever. However, I am extremely grateful to have my niece in my life!

Blaine

Non-binary Pilipinx born in the U.S.

2. "July 4th is about a bunch of immigrants creating a country "

US imperialism: Uncle Sam invites the hungry Philippines to share its prosperity, 1906 [Public Domain]

Mmmm.. I mean I never grew up celebrating it. But I understand that it's an important day.... Especially since I watched Hamilton. haha. July 4th doesn't have the same negative connotation as Thanksgiving or Columbus day. Thanksgiving and/or Columbus Day is a celebration veiled behind a dark past-- invaders coming and massacring natives. But July 4th is about a bunch of immigrants creating a country.

Cheska

Filipino, Dabawenyo, Imigrant

3. "...this day was also considered Filipino Independence Day"

Propaganda poster depicting the Philippine resistance movement, World War II [Public Domain]

I personally do not have strong feelings towards this day. It was never made a huge deal in my family and community while growing up. I just knew that it was a huge day in American history and I found out later in my childhood that this day was also considered "Filipino Independence Day".

Melissa

Filipino American

4. "...really my Dad's side of the story"

Filipino casualties on the first day of Philippine–American War, 1899 [Public Domain]

I think for me it just means the same thing as for all of the other Americans. The celebration of 4th of July is just for my American side of the family or really my Dad's side of the story. We watch fireworks and hang out with family of other Filipino American friends and their family.

Catherine

Biracial, Filipina American, Bicolana

5. "...as a Pilipinx-American it is my wish that people know the historical significance of this date to Pilipinxs"

America teaches a class in civilization. From left to right in the front row: the Philippines, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Cuba. [Public Domain]

As an American born and raised in the U.S. I proudly celebrate our independence day. However as a Pilipinx-American it is my wish that people know the historical significance of this date to Pilipinxs. Where as Americans celebrate this day in honor of the birth of this country, Pilipinxs originally celebrated it as their independence as well. From whom? The U.S. ironically enough. But unlike the U.S. breaking away from England, the Philippines was 'granted' independence from the U.S. Today however we as Pilipinxs celebrate our independence day on June 12 in honor of fighting for and gaining four freedom from Spain. As Pilipinx-Americans I believe it is important to remember these events in our history between the two nations we hold dear as we celebrate this holiday.

Ligaya

Pilipinx American/Akean/Tagalog

6. "the Fourth of July stands as a prime example of US culture's hypocrisy"

U.S. troops pose with dead Moro rebels in the Philippines, 1906 [Public Domain]

To me, the Fourth of July stands as a prime example of US culture's hypocrisy. Despite being founded upon resistance against the major imperial power of the 18th century, Great Britain, the US continues to act as a major imperialist power in the modern day. This is very evident in the Philippines, as well as many other Asian countries in the Pacific, with US bases continuing operation in countries like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. These bases really are no different than the occupying British forces in the 13 colonies.

Jonathan

Half Fil-Am

7. "Today, I honor the real makers of history of the American Revolution"

The #Manong generation of the Filipino American community whose decades of hardwork, sacrifices, courage, resilience, and perseverance paved the way for the opportunities many in our generation take for granted today.

As a Pilipina, July 4th is the day the US recognized the Philippines as an independent nation and granted it nominal independence. It is not a day I celebrate "Philippine-American Friendship", but a day I hold the US imperialist power accountable for the atrocities it continues to commit against my people, its own people, and of the world. As a migrant Pilipina-American, July 4th is a day I honor the "Manilamen" who enlisted and joined the America revolutionary forces when New Orleans was invaded by Great Britain. It is a day I honor the World War II Pilipino veterans, the manongs who volunteered to join the US Army but are denied recognition for their services. Today, I honor the real makers of history of the American Revolution. I honor the contribution of the poor Americans, the working class, the peasants and farmers, the migrants, the slaves, and the First Nation peoples who took up arms and were the decisive force that defeated the British Colonial Empire. As a youth activist, I think of the ongoing civil war in the Philippines. I remember that revolutions are waged and won by the people and not just a few leaders in government. Today, I remember that "the masses of people alone are the true motive forces in the making of history."

Ruthie

Migrant Pilipina Activist

What does the 4th of July mean to you?

youtube.com

What about you? Does the 4th of July just mean red, white and blue?

We’d like to hear from you! :)