In the article by Benito M. Vergara Jr., he talks about the large cultural presence of Filipinos in the Daly City area and nearby. This large concentration was founded through the large influx of Filipinos from the Philippines. Their reasons for moving are seen as a betrayal to the mother country, having individuals not contribute to the success and glory of the country. There is a spectrum between personal interests and gaining wealth, versus the good of the nation. I completely disagree with this notion that people are obliged to improve and uplift their country and that anyone
One reason that explains the large immigration of a population is war. Similar to the richness of Filipino culture in Daly City, we see the same results of large masses of Vietnamese populations in San Jose. War is a large factor that causes people to seek refuge or better living conditions in a different country. Their decision to immigrate was not fueled by "personal interests" in finding more wealth elsewhere. They did not plan to leave all family members and belongings of their childhood country, to live in a foreign land. The establishment of these concentrated areas was a result of many minority groups that were bound by the same fears and realities. Having no prior knowledge or education about their new immigration journey, it must've been a rigid transition.
Having been born to two immigrant parents, I can assure you that it was not an easy transition. The article mentions this idea of class fantasies and to improve status in a foreign country. This is not the case as in many families, the level of education and income in the prior country, whether it by Vietnam or the Philippines, it tends to stay the same, if not depreciate, as it is harder to adapt to a new lifestyle in the Americas. There is pressure to assimilate, whether through language, customs, or practices. This leads to a decrease in cultural perseverance. There are many sacrifices involved, sacrifices that do not stem from any personal gain or drive.
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