Cultures and Immigration

This week in class we discussed a lot about cultures and traditions within families. We also participated in a family study of Mexican American immigrants and their experiences. It was a super fascinating week and I hope you guys enjoy some of my thoughts!

In my mission to the Philippines, I was caught off guard at first with the differences in family systems and their various traditions and ediquette that I was unfamiliar with. As I came to understand their culture, however, I came to appreciate and love their various traditions and attitudes that have stuck with me since. Filipinos are very family oriented. In the US, when a child comes of age they plunge into the world and forge their own path, living apart from their families and learning to make it on their own. Culturally this is not the case in the Philippines. Children grow up and have families, but the family compound merely grows as family members are added. Similarly, they have unspoken rules that govern their families. Instead of referring to an older sibling by their first names, filipino children will call them “kuya”(boys) or “ate” (girls), terms of respect for their elder siblings. This shows their respectful culture and demonstrates that various groups are binded by different rules and traditions. Another wonderful thing about filipinos is how direct they are when speaking. They are more direct in their approach, but insert the word “po” in each sentence to show respect. I seriously fell in love with their culture. They were so kind and so happy. They were so hospitable and generous, willing to give the shirts off their backs for a stranger. They taught me how to serve. They taught me that no matter how hard life’s circumstances, we can feel joy and be grateful for what we have. I will always cherish the wonderful people I met there.

These cultures and traditions are a wonderful part of what makes up our family life. Each family is different. We each have different traditions, rules, and beliefs that make us unique. If we strive to be understanding within our families and support each other, we will be happier.

I loved the case study we had about immigration. Immigration has never been something I have had a lot of experience with it. I came to a deeper understanding of the pain and hardship many go through in the process of paving better lives for their children. In the case study, we learned about a father who planned to go ahead of his family to America for 6 months and then pay for their travel. He faced many dangers in his trip to the US, and was unable to bring his family with him for another three years. This absolutely broke my heart. It changed the family dynamic and hurt a lot of lives. He missed out on a great portion of his children’s lives and never was able to attain position in his company in the US because he was an illegal immigrant. The separation of families is one of lifes greatest tragedies and made me think a lot about our countries’ perspective on immigration. It is easy for people who have not dealt with the heartbreak of this separation to say to ourselves that illegal immigrants deserve to be removed. We sit in our houses, surrounded by the blessings we take for granted every day and make judgement on the father who travels hundreds of miles to give his family a better life. We forget those who have lost ties with siblings, parents, and loved ones by borders. For those of us who have never experienced that hurt, I would ask you to consider and pray for the families who go through such trials. And in our voting, may we be more understanding and remember fathers like this who risked it all for those he loves.