Why Do Filipino Americans Feel Disconnected from their Heritage?

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In recent years, more Filipino Americans have begun asking why they feel disconnected from their cultural heritage. This feeling of disconnect is deeply rooted in complex historical, social, and personal factors that have shaped the experiences of Fil-Ams. Many are left wondering: why don’t we know more about our language, traditions, or history? And how did the Americanization of our culture create a gap that many of us are only now starting to bridge?

The Identity Crisis of Filipino Americans

Filipino Americans face a unique identity crisis. Being both Filipino and American, many feel they do not fully belong to either culture. This crisis is deeply tied to the experience of growing up in the United States, where assimilation into American society often meant suppressing Filipino identity. For many Fil-Ams, their Filipino heritage wasn’t something emphasized growing up, and as adults, they are now left grappling with feelings of cultural detachment.

In the U.S., Fil-Ams are often seen as "too Filipino," yet in the Philippines, they are considered "too American." This duality, compounded by pressures from both communities, often leads to confusion about where they truly fit in.

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The Loss of Language and Culture

One of the most tangible examples of this cultural disconnection is language. Many Fil-Ams “grew up without being taught our language.” Historically, during the American colonization of the Philippines, English was promoted as a necessary tool for success in life and education. Immigrant parents often feared that teaching their children Filipino languages like Tagalog, Ilocano, or Cebuano would hinder their ability to excel in American schools.

The result? Many second- or third-generation Filipino Americans grew up speaking only English, leading to a significant loss of language fluency. Without language, an essential part of cultural identity is lost, further deepening the disconnect from Filipino roots.

How Colonial Mentality Erased Filipino Identity

The roots of this identity crisis lie in colonization. During the American occupation of the Philippines in the early 20th century, Filipinos were systematically taught to value Western ideals over their own. The American education system was introduced to teach Filipinos English and American cultural values, with the aim of Americanizing the population. In short – Colonial mentality erased our Filipino identity. 

The Effects of Americanization

The more Americanized Filipinos became, the better they were positioned socioeconomically, which created a generational pattern of conforming to American culture to succeed. As Fil-Am parents sought to give their children the best opportunities for success in the U.S., they often prioritized teaching American values and English over Filipino traditions, food, and language. This "colonial mentality" has lingered for generations, contributing to the cultural identity struggles that many Fil-Ams face today.

Additionally, the concept of self-hatred is tied to colonial mentality. Some Fil-Ams grow up feeling ashamed of their Filipino heritage, as it doesn’t align with American standards of success, beauty, or cultural relevance. This has led to generational gaps in cultural understanding, where younger generations might feel completely detached from their heritage.

The Fil-Am Experience of Cultural Displacement

Beyond the effects of colonization, many Fil-Ams feel culturally displaced due to their upbringing in the U.S. Many immigrant families adopted the cultures around them, blending their Filipino heritage with Black, Latino, Asian or other communities in their neighborhoods. As a result, many Fil-Ams grew up identifying more with the cultures they were surrounded by than with their own Filipino culture.

Blending Cultures in Marginalized Spaces

Many Fil-Ams didn’t know how to express their Filipino identity, as their environment didn’t provide the space or resources to do so. In cities where Filipino culture wasn’t widely visible or Filipino communities were small, it was easier to adopt cultural identities from other marginalized communities who shared similar experiences of discrimination, economic struggle, or cultural invisibility.

This blending of cultures has created a new kind of Fil-Am identity, but for many, it doesn’t feel truly “Filipino” enough. In spaces where Filipino culture was underrepresented, many Fil-Ams couldn’t explore their heritage or see Filipino culture in mainstream media. Without representation, the disconnect from heritage only deepened.

Reclaiming Filipino Heritage

The feeling of disconnection doesn’t have to be permanent. Many Fil-Ams are now in a journey of reclaiming their Filipino identity, reconnecting with their roots through food, language, and community. Whether it’s visiting the Philippines, learning Filipino languages, or celebrating traditional holidays, there is a growing movement of Filipino Americans who are determined to rediscover their heritage.

The Rise of Filipino Representation

In recent years, Filipino culture has seen a surge in representation, from media to fashion. Organizations, brands, and initiatives are working to preserve and showcase Filipino heritage for the next generations. For example, the brand bago—highlighted in the attached images—serves as a cultural bridge, helping Fil-Ams connect with their heritage through fashion and community collaborations. Such efforts provide Fil-Ams with tangible ways to express their cultural identity and foster a deeper connection to their roots.

Bridging the Gap Between Filipino and American Identities

The disconnect many Filipino Americans feel from their heritage is a result of complex historical and social factors, from colonization to Americanization. The suppression of Filipino identity, language, and traditions has led to generational gaps in cultural knowledge, leaving many Fil-Ams questioning where they belong.

However, the growing movement of Fil-Ams reclaiming their heritage signals hope for the future. As more Filipino Americans seek to learn about their roots, they are building a cultural bridge that spans both the Filipino and American sides of their identity. By embracing both aspects of their heritage, Fil-Ams are finding a new sense of pride and belonging, and in doing so, are helping to preserve Filipino culture for generations to come.

Join the Journey of Rediscovery with bago

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your Filipino roots, you’re not alone. That’s where bago, a Filipino American lifestyle brand, comes in. bago is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a community built on family, heritage, and self-expression. Founded by Fil-Ams, bago is designed for those of us who are finding the balance between being Filipino and American.

Shop bago here: bit.ly/shopbago

Follow @bago.la on Instagram to connect, wear your heritage, and join a community of Fil-Ams reclaiming their roots!