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Claim #1
One of the most pressing matters facing Filipino Americans is the exclusion of LGBT+ youth in society solely based on preserved notions of religious influence. According time Kevin Nadal in his book Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice, “Filipino American parents and families may have difficulty in accepting lesbian or gay identity of their children or family members because of the influence of Catholicism and because of the stigma and fear of lesbian and gay individuals.” (Nadal, 172).

Claim #2
Something Filipinos need to be more aware of is that asking for professional help because of mental illnesses is not a sign of weakness, but a choice to be better. I say this because, Filipino Americans are amongst the lowest racial group to be diagnosed with a mental disorder however, are amongst the most server cases when diagnosed. According to Kevin Nadal in Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice, cultural stigma is cited as a main reason why Filipino Americans underutilize mental health services. (Nadal, 229).

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Claim #1: An issue that is a detriment to the Filipino community is the model minority myth. The model minority myth presents Asian-Americans as a monolith to both other people of color and white people. This Asian-American monolith is presented to be better than other people of color (such as Latinx and Black people), yet they never seem to reach the standard of white people. Josh Luna presents how this "othering" is beneficial to people in authority positions in his comic "Demonizasian." In Kevin Nadal's book, Filipino American Psychology, He states that the statistics shown are misleading, "While Filipino American families may consist of two-parent households and Filipino American couples may divorce less than the general population, it is important to recognize how the influence of Catholicism may prevent married couples from divorcing." (pg. 141) along with marriage being an unaddressed problem in the Filipino community, the model minority myth automatically expects Filipino kids to achieve higher levels of education. on page 141, Nadal states "The high college attainment of foreign born Filipinos is likely do to the fact that FIlipinos who immigrated to the United States after 1965 are predominantly professionals who received their degrees in the Philippines." These misconceptions are important to address so we can avoid perpetuating the myth. Perpetuating this myth leads to anti-blackness and the suppression of other groups of color

Claim #2: The way that Filipinx people approach gender and sexuality needs to be changed. In Filipino culture, gender and sexuality are seen to be intrinsically linked. Kevin Nadal elaborates on this issue and states that "'Gender roles' and 'gender identity' are synonymous, in that a man who is gay is assumed to be feminine and a woman who is lesbian is assumed to be masculine." (171) This stereotype is problematic in which Filipinx masc gays and femme lesbians may not appear to be visible to their friends and family, because they do not "seem" gay. Nadal elaborates on another stereotype, "'sexual orientation and 'gender identity' are synonymous, in that lesbian and gay individuals are assumed to be transgender or have a desire to live as a member of the opposite gender." (171) This stereotype does a particular disservice to both straight and gay Filipino trans people because it enforces that they are the same as cisgender Filipinx lesbian and gays. We in the Filipinx community must do something to rid of these stereotypes.

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Claim #1: My studies have led me to believe that need Filipinos need to be more aware of their Racial Identity. The reason for this is that Filipinos are usually put in a “Pacific Islander” or “Asian” category instead of having their own category (Filipino). According to Nadal, “Filipino’s do not fit seamlessly into one racial category.” (pg. 66) This is essential because Filipinos need to be more aware of their racial category rather than being placed in one specific box that “defines” oe generalizes Filipinos from other race. Like the old phrase “All Asians are the same.” For example, when Filipinos are categorized as Pacific Islanders because of their skin color and eye shape instead of having their own category (Filipino). Nadal also goes on to say that “However, previous Asian racial identity development models fail to focus on within-group differences and ways that Asian Americans may or may not identify with other Asian ethnic groups.” (pg. 156) In other words, there wasn’t a focus on the relationship, or the way, Asian American connect to other Asian groups. This is important because some Filipinos are having trouble connecting with other Asian folks or feeling like they don’t belong to a group that shares common beliefs, and could be the reason why some individuals choose to be isolated from others or a specific group. Joshua Luna, a Filipino-American Cartoonist addresses this issue in the cartoon “First Imprasian.” In this cartoon, an Asian American man slowly tilts his head downward as he meets other individuals that were giving him impression. This illustrates the progression of shame due to others comment about the Asian American individual, but it also promotes that uniqueness can be seen in a harsh way. This is important because if being different from others is seen in a bad way could result to hiya, which means self shame in tagalog. Self shame could also result to self doubt, low self-esteem, and isolation from society. Which would explain why connecting and fitting in with other groups can be a challenge.

Claim #2: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos is Mental Health. I say this because mental health is an issue that is not usually discussed in a Filipino household or ignored. Mental health is usually not talked about because it is usually seen as a form of weakness which then results to shame. According to Nadal, “Seeking mental health treatment might be seen as disgraceful to oneself and one’s family and therefore may deter Filipino Americans from obtaining mental health treatment.” (pg. 447) Spreading mental awareness is essential and the big reason for this is the lack of information on Asian American psychology which makes it difficult for psychologists to diagnose those Asian American folks who wish to be treated. Nadal also mentions that “Seeking mental health treatment might be seen as disgraceful to oneself and one’s family and therefore may deter Filipino Americans from obtaining mental health treatment.” (pg. 452) Joshua Luna,Filipino American Cartoonist illustrates this issue in the cartoon “Meditasian.” In this cartoon, the Asian American man is seeking help but the mediator is not really familiar with the Asian culture. Therefore, it’s a lot more challenging to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for these Asian American folks considering the fact that there’s not a lot of information about Asian American Psychology.

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According to Kevin Nadal, Psychology professor at City University of New York, "Previous research has found that multiracial and multiethnic individuals often are forced to "choose" one identity over the other, leading to potential psychological distress." (195)

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1.) Based on my studies, swc need to consider the issues presiding over LGBT filipinos. The reason for this  is due to exclusion within the LGBT community. Nadal points out  that within the LGBT community in America, asian men excluded and invisible due to white male dominance. According to Nadal, he states, "Lesbian and gay filipino Americans may experience racism within the LGBT community when they recognized they may be treated, stereotyped, and exoticized differently from East Asian Americans." (pg, 173)

2.) One of the most pressing issues within the Filipino American Community is that they face racism more likely on a day to day basis compared to East Asians. For Example, Nadal states, " . . . and still another study study discovered that filipino Americans were more likely than chinese americans to experience similar types of discrimination that is stereotypically more common for African and Latino Americans."

I like both these topics. Do add that second reference to each, making sure to include page number. Do microaggressions fit in here somewhere? - Henry

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1. One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the US is Colonial Mentality. The reason for this is the subtle internalized oppression Filipino-Americans are pressured with. Nadal points out that English was taught as a way for Filipinos to become "Citizens of the World," but with an underlying message that knowing the English Language was said to make you more civilized.

2. Something Filipinos need to be more aware of is Colonial Mentality. The reason for this is the crushing boundaries, or limits rather, that are created towards the oppressed. According to Nadal, the history of "defeats" in Philippines' Wars played a big role in limiting the Filipino's mindset.

something from Chapter One? Or about mental health?  - Henry

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Claim #1:  Something educators need to know about Filipinos is that many Filipino Americans suffer from mental health issues and it's putting a huge affect on their families. The big reason for this is that they're more likely to be ashamed if someone had depression or anxiety issues.
According to Nadal, "Depression may be viewed as a sign of weakness and that mental health issues may bring shame to the family."

Claim #2: One of the most
pressing issues facing Filipinos in the U.S. is Colonial Mentality. I say this due to the idea that the Filipino American community continues to deny their own ethnicity or claim that they're mixed. According to Nadal, "Many Filipino Americans may state that they are "mixed" or a certain percentage Filipino in order to gain perceived status in the community." (pg. 98)
Filipinos with white physical characteristics believe that they are more attractive than Filipinos with brown skin and a flat nose. According to Nadal, "there are hierarchies based on phenotype, in which light-skinned persons who are metizo or appear to be Spanish are considered the most beautiful." (pg. 99). We should pay attention to this idea because no Filipino should have to aspire this kind of lifestyle. As a Filipino American, we should be able to be proud and confident in our own skin and know that our physical appearance has nothing to do with our values.

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1. My studies lead me to believe that Filipino Americans need to find comfort and reassurance in seeking mental and medical health. Reasons include that there are underlying causes that many Filipinos face that are not normal. According to Nadal, “45% of Filipino American teenager girls contemplated on suicide compared to 24% of females and 14% of Filipino males,” (Nadal 230). Filipino Americans may do everything possible to avoid bringing hiya to themselves or family but medical assist are there for a reason.

2. One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the U.S is gender roles. For one thing, Filipino families were once gender neutral and relied on each other whether the job had referred to as masculine the community had no trouble but then the concept of spaniards and male dominance came in. (Nadal 200).  Machismo encouraged males to be the bigger person in the household or community.

Yes! Both these topics are worthy of exploration, Rianne. I wonder, each claim might be related to another topic , no? #2 - could that be illustrated by the Luna image we studied on Tuesday, the one of Men and Women facing off? Or your first claim, might that be related to some particular issue like colonial mentality or not fitting in? Get the second references in there, Riane. I'd definitely want to read both these essays. - Henry

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Claim 1: Something educators need to know about Filipinos is that filipino Americans didn't know anything about safe sex. the reason for this is because they're less likely to have a conversation with their parents about sex practices. According to Nadal, Psychology professor at City University in New york, he stated " filipino american parents may not talk to their children about sex because of cultural and religious stigmas..." (pg. 146).

Claim 2: something Filipinos need to be more aware of is Filipino Americans intake alcohol, and drugs. My reasons for this is because thats how they cope with their stress and this can lead to depression, anxiety and low self esteem. According to Nadal, a psychology professor, stated that "Filipino Americans may have higher rates of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use" (pg.148).

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1.) Something Filipinos need to be more aware of is the difference between the meaning of race and ethnicity. The big reason for this is to differentiate yourself from other races and ethnicities. Per Nadal, "...all individuals are unique..." (pg. 77)

2.) One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the U.S. is depression. I say this because the term is thrown around so easily that most have heard of depression, but do not really know what the true definition of depression really is. Nadal points out, "...these  numbers may be inaccurate..." (pg. 232)

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Claim #1: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the U.S. is not seeking mental health treatment. I say this due to the idea of Hiya conflicting with it. According to Nadal, most mental illnesses are caused the Spanish influence of Machismo. Machismo is the idea that males are independent leading males to not have to share their mental problems to others suppressing them as they eventually build up. (So people could not be who they really are, masking their true feelings over fake feelings of happiness to fit in.

Claim #2: Something Filipinos need to be aware of is they are at least likely to marry in their own ethnic group. This is so because of the majority of multiracial Filipinos in the U.S. Nadal says the Spanish influence of catholicism is a factor of interracial marriages. ( This needs to be known since there are a majority of mixed filipinos and they should be respected as well as normal filipinos. Being mixed should not make you different than a single raced individual.

Do cite page numbers, so you'll have them at the ready, Ethan.  Looks like you can define  machismo and miscegenation, too.  Do any of the Luna images work here?  - Henry

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Claim #1: Filipinos and Filipino Americans who live in the U.S. need to be more aware of the Model Minority Myth. I say this because Nadal's quote explains on how Filipino Americans are being neglected in the Model Minority Myth. "... Filipino Americans have  higher rates of HIV/AIDS
(San Francisco Department of Public Health, 2008)" pg 139. "For Filipino Americans specifically, statistics have shown that second-generation students experience higher rates of high school dropout and lower rates of college admission and retention than East Asian Americans (Okamura, 1998)"pg 139.

Claim #2: One of the most pressing issues for Filipino Americans is having a Colonial Mentality. Colonial Mentality can cause a negative outlook on one's native culture. An example Nadal gave is that a "Filipino American may insult a recent immigrant who speaks with a heavy accent or who is not aware of current American fashion trends." pg 97. Someone with colonial mentality "...may be forgiving of colonialism..." pg 97

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Claim #1 Something Filipinos  needs to be  aware of is the Gender Role Expectations and Gender Role Conflicts. I say this because Filipino men and women has an expectation to fulfill from the society. According to Nadal, "Failing to conform to these gender roles may lead to much conflict for Filipino Americans. For both men and women, there are many contradictory messages about gender roles, likely due to the conflicting indigenous Filipino, Spanish, and American values." This idea is important because many Filipino Americans is experiencing psychological distress and acculturative stress. Cartoonist Josh Luna presents this issue in the cartoon "Reconciliasian" The comic shows the different racial stereotypes of being a Filipino and Filipina. It shows that if you are a man you are expected to be more dominant, unlike women you are expected to be used for something that will benefit men or family. This is important because men and women choose reconciliation but they ended up as retribution.

Claim #2
One of the most pressing issues Filipinos in the US is being an undocumented citizen or what we call Tago ng Tago( TNT). I say this because even if a Filipino is educated or uneducated in the Philippines, They still violates the terms of their visa which leads them to hide and work menial job or paid under the table. The reason for this is to support their families back in the Philippines. Kevin Nadal says “Many Filipino citizen search for a better opportunities in the US.” This means that  because of the poverty in the Philippines, many Filipinos tend to find a work in the US even if they don't have a legal documents. This also shows some of the values of a Filipino like Bahala na, which means he or she will do it whatever it takes, even if it's risky. Joshua Luna, Filipino-American comic book creator, writer and artist, supports this claim through his comic strip, "ASIAN-AMERICAN MONOMYTH". The comic strip shows the different problems of what's one Filipino individual facing in the US. It shows the difference of being a documented and undocumented citizen. One side of this comic illustrates a good and wealthy Asian. on the other side, It illustrates the hardship and unfairness of being a TNT and living in the US. We should pay attention to this problem because many Filipinos are trying to support their families back in the Philippines, but they're being deported. It's sad to see that our own country can't support us because of poverty.

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Claim #1. One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the US is the model minority myth. This is so because the model minority myth creates a barrier for people to actually study Asian Americans. Nadal says "society may be blind.. the experiences of many Asians who do not fit this model"(pg 139). This is important to understand because Asian Americans are not studied as much as other races, therefore this allows the model minority myth to strengthen because everyone would believe that Asian Americans are all good and well driven citizens. Also, Asian Americans will feel the pressure to be "perfect" all the time. Nadal says "may feel unspoken pressures to succeed"(pg143). The model minority myth shaped society's mind that Asian Americans are all successful people, meaning that if a Filipino individual is not being successful in life society would see them as a failure.There is an illustration by Josh Luna that represents the struggles of Filipinos. He labels this as Asian-American Monolithmyth, These pictures show society's view on Asian Americans on the left and the reality views on the right. The model minority myth completely ignores the fact that all Asian Americans are not successful.
Claim#2.Something Filipinos need to be more aware about is their mental health. My reason include that Filipino do not go to the doctor if they have a mental health condition only if it is extremely bad. According to Nadal " seeking health treatments might be seen as disgraceful to one's family"'. Filipinos see the need to ask for help as a sign of weakness because that is their last resort. They will try to fix the problem by themselves or just wait it out till it goes away. Also, there could be a great language barrier between patient and doctor. Nadal explain " the lack of linguistically competent providers" (pg228). The language barrier can be stressful for some Filipinos because it is a constant struggle for both parties to understand each other. This is important for people to acknowledge this because Asian americans need to understand that it is okay to ask for help and that there are people that are willing to be patient and help them. The mental health of Asian Americans would not be accurately shown because of the problems that they have.

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Claim #1: Something Filipinos need to be more aware of is colonial mentality. I say this because it demoralizes them to accept their own Filipino identity. According to Nadal, "In other words, people who have higher levels of colonial mentality are likely to be less enculturated, to have low self-esteem, and to have low collective self-esteem; concurrently, they are more likely to be depressed". An image depicted below is an illustration made by Josh Luna that reflects the point of Asian American demoralization by other individuals. As it can be seen, the person to the right slowly brings their head down representing the slow progression of shame due to others expectations or criticism. Demoralization is important to be discussed because it affects anyone. Some people who are affected cannot be seen which it makes it dangerous unless that individual seeks help or others would changed their own mentality.

Claim #2:  One of the most pressing issues facing the Filipinos in the US is mental health. I say this because seeking professional mental health is not being promoted and the shame considering having mental problems. According to Nadal, "Morever, Filipino Americans may be afraid to seek help for their psychological problems out of fear that others in their community or extended family may discover this, leading to tsismis and shame". Similarly to depression, some people would hide or be too scared to tell anyone due to negative feedback they would get from others such as being way too soft or sensitive. However, it is a mental issue that should be addressed in which we should be more open to and help out others who needs it the most.

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Something Filipinos need to be more aware of is colonial mentality. I say this because it is so prevalent in our society and everyday lives that it needs to be acknowledged rather than ignored or denied. Nadal points out that, as a result of this mentality, "research has...found that Filipinos and Filipino-Americans often denigrate themselves and their culture, discriminate against those who are acculturated, and tolerant and accepting of contemporary oppression of their ethnic group."

2. One of the most pressing issues Facing Filipinos is the difference between acculturation and assimilation. Some Filipinos assimilate to the dominant culture they live in because the values of the Philippines and the dominant culture seem too different to reconcile and end up abandoning an integral part of their identity while also subtly carrying a message of self-hatred and passing it down to their kids. Nadal says that is possible to acculturate, the opposite of assimilate, and that it can be done if Filipinos "can learn to utilize both value sets depending on the situation."

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Claim #1: Most Filipino Americans resort to drugs, tobacco and alcohol rather than mental health services when they are depressed or psychologically stressed because they want to honor the Filipino value of hiya. Kevin Nadal, author of books and journal articles on topics ranging from Filipino American Psychology to microaggressions, defines hiya as the value that is "governed by the notion that the goal of an individual is to represent oneself or one's family in the most honorable way." (39) It is essential for Filipinos to be more aware of the importance of mental health services. The big reason for this is there is not enough records or information on Asian American psychology so psychologists do not know how to treat those Asian Americans who wish to be treated in the future. Nadal mentions that "an individual who is depressed or anxious may avoid going to therapy because of the fear of bringing hiya (shame) to the family." (40) Joshua Luna, Filipino-American comic book creator, writer and artist, supports this claim through his comic strip, "MEDITASIAN." In this comic strip, an asian american man is seeking help through a counseling session however the mediator is an old white lady who has been helping out other cultures for years with a certain technique. The male is explaining how he is very nervous since he is not familiar with talking about his feelings and since the mediator does not know much about the Asian culture, she resorts to her normal technique and not a specific one. In the image, you can also see two books that is labelled "10% happier" and "90% cocaine." This supports the idea those in the Asian culture try to cope with their problems through drugs rather than mental health service since most of those services have no idea on how to actually help them. This idea is important because if we want to all thrive as one culture, we need to think about how we can make things better for the upcoming generations. We need to put them in mind rather than just ourselves, It is important to honor Filipino values such as hiya, however we should not be ashamed of seeking for help, especially if this will be very beneficial in the long run.

Claim #2: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the US today is knowing one's identity. I say this because most Filipino Americans and Multiracial Filipinos have difficulty identifying with one culture or another. According to Kevin Nadal, Psychology professor at City University of New York, "Previous research has found that multiracial and muliethnic individuals often are forced to "choose" one indentity over the other, leading to potential psychological distress." (195) This can contradict in one's ability to uphold the Filipino value of Kapwa, in which individuals feel a sense of connectedness. If a multiracial Filipino American is forced to choose an identity, they may have a hard time connecting with people in the Filipino community. Moreover, "people's status of racial and ethnic identity may influence their worldview, their interpersonal relationships, and their ability to cope with problems." (Nadal 78) What Nadal is trying to say here is depending on how sure a person is with their identity or who they are racially, effects the way they think and act in certain situations. If one does not know who they are or if they are questioned about it by others, they may struggle in become a person as a whole. Cartoonist Joshua Luna expresses how Mixed Filipinos are somewhat looked down upon in his comic strip, "WHO IS PURE-IPINO?" This image shows how many times the Philippines was invaded and colonized, leading to the generation of Mixed Filipinos. At the bottom you see someone who we assume to be born and raised in the Philippine by two Filipino parents calling a Mixed Filipino "Less Filipino" and not "Pure" like him. Instances can cause mental stress or racial identity crisis to Mixed Filipinos. We should pay attention to this because as mentioned above, it can cause psychological distress multiracial individuals. It is also important for people of all races to be more accepting about a person's identity, whether it be who they identify racially, culturally, or sexually. Nowadays, people in the United States are more open-minded and accepting of diversity but there is always room for improvement and if more people are exposed to these ideas, things can only get better from here.

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1.) Something Filipino Americans need to be more aware of is their racial identity and ethnic identity. I say this because overtime Asians, specifically Filipinos, are categorized as a different race such as being Latino. According to Nadal, "Asian and non-Asian individuals often think of Asian as equivalent to East Asian without recognizing other subgroups that are included in this category" (70).

2.) Something educators need to know about Filipinos is that many are multiracial and may have experienced different levels of racial discrimination. The big reason for this is because if they were categorized as multiracial Filipino/White/Black/Latino, Filipinos attempted to blend in without acknowledging their Filipino identity. Nadal points out that, "a common experience for multiracial individuals is that they are often forced to choose an identity" (201).

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Claim #1: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the U.S. is the lack of utilization of mental health services. The big reasons for this is the lack of representation in mental health services and the fear of being shamed by our community. As seen in the comic below by Josh Luna, the patient opens up about how his culture hindered his ability to be vulnerable, however, the therapist is not familiar with the Filipino culture and therefore, is not able to relate her techniques to him. According to Nadal, "The same study discovered that a lack of Filipino American staff members or culturally and linguistically competent providers may have been a barrier to services for Filipino Americans" (Nadal 228). The fact that Filipino Americans are not seeking help can be dangerous because it has been reported that "those who did not seek treatment had more severe or dysfunctional psychological disorders" (228). We should pay attention to this because there is the stereotype that all Asians are smart, however, some students try so hard to live up to the stereotype that they end up hurting themselves mentally and emotionally.

Claim #2:  Something Filipinos need to be more aware of would be their own mental health. I say this because for the most part, our family and culture "forgets" that mental health is real because according to Nadal, they want to "do everything possible to avoid bringing hiya" (229). One may say that if they keep quiet about seeking mental health, no one will know, however, Filipino Americans worry "that other community members may see the client sitting in a waiting room of a mental health clinic or clinician's office" (229). This is important because in order for Filipino Americans to feel comfortable addressing their issues, we need to stop spreading gossip to each other about that person seeking help. We should not stop being a community for them for that reason, if anything, it is the most important time to come together and support that person as they go through this process.

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Claim #1: My studies led me to believe that due to Filipino culture, Filipinos are ill-equipped to escape the struggles of mental health. I say this because many Filipinos present in our life right now may be struggling with a mental health conflict and are unable to reach out for help. Something Nadal says that supports my position is "As mentioned throughout the book, Filipinos and Filipino Americans may do everything to possible to avoid bringing hiya (shame) to themselves and their families" (Nadal 229). A need for increased mental health awareness in the Filipino community is essential for the well being of our peers. Extrinsic motivations may also be a factor as to why Filipinos suffer from mental health illnesses. A large extrinsic motivation is doing things in order to avoid ridicule from family members. According to Nadal, "Seeking mental health treatment might be seen as disgraceful to oneself and one's family and therefore may deter Filipino Americans from obtaining mental health treatment" (Nadal 229). Fear and judgement can completely sway someone away from choosing to ask for help. The conflict of mental health is also depicted in 'MEDITASIAN' by Joshua Luna, an artist for Marvel Comic's Spiderwoman: Origin. This comic displays the lack of experience and comfort a Filipino goes through when entering a mental health counseling session.  In this comic, the counselor is unfamiliar with how to deal with the discomfort of asking for help; a problem prevalent in asian culture. She settles for her usual mediating method and is evidence that not only is she ill-equipped to help this individual but the one asking for help is also ill-equipped on what he needs to help fight his mental health issue. Some techniques that asian americans should look into are finding peer groups that can allow for a safe space for discussion and researching for mental health institutes that are experienced with the norms and values of all cultures. Increasing mental health awareness is important to us because it could change one's life for the better.

Claim #2: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the US is the model minority. My reason for this is that Filipinos are categorized into a larger group that overshadows the numerous conflicts Filipinos go through every single day. According to Nadal, "As mentioned, the model minority myth is a misleading stereotype that views all Asian Americans as well-educated, successful, career driven, and law abiding citizens" (Nadal 140).  These near perfect individuals are depicted in Josh Luna's comic "Asian-American Monolithmyth" This image shows the contrast between what the model minority shows vs what it hides. For example, on the top of this comic strip it divides the common societal point of view of asians to the less popular view. On the left is the image of a more educated and upper-class asian reaping the benefits of their wealth. On the left, asians are depicted serving food and mopping the floor. Society has overshined the left image to the point that when people think of asians they no longer see the struggles many go through. We have become desensitised of the idea that asians are not living up to their societal norms. We can no longer allow these asians to remain hidden. Not everyone is perfect and society needs to popularize that instead.

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1. One of the most pressing issues Filipinos in the U.S is the lack of mental awareness and representation in society. This is so because most Filipinos fear shame and resentment that may be put upon themselves and their family. Nadal supports this claim by saying, "Seeking mental health treatment might be seen as disgraceful to oneself and one's family and therefore may deter Filipino Americans from obtaining mental health treatment," (pg. 229).

2. Something that most people should be aware of is that most Filipinos do not fit into the Asian stereotype. The reason for this is that most Filipinos undergo an experience more similarly to Blacks and Latinos. According to Nadal, " [...] Filipino Americans face a different set of obstacles in psychotherapy than do members of other Asian American groups," (pg. 140).

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Claim #1: One of the most pressing issues was all about the skin colors which also led to racism and discrimination among the Filipinos. this is because it usually became a sign that light skinned Filipinos are sought to be on a high level than Those with brown skin. According to Nadal, “It is Evident that skin color and skin tone has become an issue for postcolonial Filipinos” pg. 95

Claim #2 :Something Filipinos meed to be aware is trying to seek a Psychiatrist or a Physician if they tend to feel depression or any mental Disorders. This is because Filipinos are usually hurt more emotionally rather than Physically. According to Nadal, “ Filipino Americans may be afraid to seek help for their Psychological problems out of fear that others in their community or extended family may discover this leading to Tsimis (gossiping). Pg. 229

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Claim #1:  My studies lead me to believe that Filipino Americans need to to know their Racial Identity. The reason for this is that throughout history Filipinos have been categorized ( Racially ) as Latinos. Asian or Pacific Islander. According to Nadal "Filipino's do not fit seamlessly into one racial category."(pg.66)

Claim #2: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipino in the US is discrimination. I say this because discrimination may influence a Filipino American's ethnic identity. Nadal says," A recent study found that 99% of a Filipino American sample reported experiencing at least one event of everyday racism." (2010) (pg.73)

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Claim #1: One of the most pressing issues facing Filipino-Americans in the U.S. is their need for proper/welcoming mental health resources. The reason for this is that most Filipino-Americans choose to ignore seeking help due to cultural stigma and not feeling comfortable with American doctors. According to Nadal, Filipino-Americans have the lowest percentage rate in the general population who seek psychiatric help and complete it (pg 228). The welcoming atmosphere doesn't only stem from the medical field, but also with inside the Filipino culture as well. It's very common for the idea of mental illness or seeking mental health to be seen as a shame being brought down on the family. Nadal writes, "Filipino Americans may feel embarrassed to talk to counselors and clinicians about their problems and admit that they are having difficulties handling life situations" (229). In Josh Luna's illustration, "Demoniasian," he portrays how Filipino Americans' mental health is heavily stimulated by colonial mentality, and when the issue is addressed, it's chosen to be ignored or brushed off as something trivial.

Claim #2:  Something Filipinos need to be more aware of is the stigma with gender roles and how it affects LGBT+ Filipinos. This is so because's people's identities are often erased or misunderstood due to categorizing their attraction strictly under gender stereotypes. Nadal says, "Gender roles and sexual orientation are synonymous, in that lesbian and gay individuals are assumed to be transgender or have a desire to live as a member of the opposite gender" (pg 171). Associating gender identity with sexual identity is incredibly harmful to how someone labels themselves as because it inaccurately explains sexuality while erasing transgender experience. Nadal explains, how in Asian American studies, transgender participants are observed and question solely on their behaviors rather than their identities (174). This goes back to equating identity based on how one's actions curate to a specific gender stereotype, labeling their only importance and sense of identification to that.

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1) One of the most pressing issues facing Filipinos in the US is the problem with mental health and psychological problems I say this because they suffer the same illnesses and issues we face but do to fear of being shamed or the spread of rumors causing them to not seek help. According to Nadal "Filipino Americans have low utilization for mental health services and may not want to seek help because of not wanting to bring shame and the spreading of gossip".

2) A major issue within the Filipino community is that Filipinos don't have a good doctor to help with mental illnesses. Filipinos also suffer from many mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder yet they do not recieve the correct treatment as Nadal states in his book that "Filipino Americans recieve the same treatment such as Asian americans yet the treatments do not work."