Blonde and Blue Eyes by Patricia Evangelista

Summary

The speaker discusses the concept of a 'borderless world' through the lens of the Filipino diaspora, challenging the notion that leaving one's homeland is a betrayal of identity. They argue that the global dispersion of Filipinos is not a loss but an extension of identity, as they contribute to their host countries while maintaining their cultural heritage. The speech emphasizes the importance of giving back to the homeland and the potential for a new generation of educated and globally experienced Filipinos to uplift the nation.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speech discusses the concept of a 'borderless world' and how it affects the Filipino diaspora.
• 🏆 The speaker recalls a personal desire to be 'blonde, blue-eyed, and white', reflecting the impact of Western influence on Filipino culture.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker mentions the Filipino diaspora, where over 8 million Filipinos are spread across the globe in search of better opportunities.
• 🌱 The speaker acknowledges the criticism some Filipinos face for leaving the country, but argues that the diaspora is a natural part of a globalized world.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The speaker's family is a blend of Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino heritage, illustrating the multicultural nature of the Filipino identity.
• 💼 The speech highlights the contributions of Filipinos abroad, such as nurses in the UK, seafarers, software engineers, and more, emphasizing the positive impact of the diaspora.
• 🏡 The speaker differentiates between leaving one's country and abandoning one's identity, suggesting that the diaspora can extend rather than erase cultural identity.
• 🌐 The speech argues that in a borderless world, the concept of 'home' is not limited by geography or boundaries, but is about giving back to one's country of origin.
• 🎓 The speaker expresses optimism about the future of the Philippines, noting the growing number of educated and globally experienced Filipinos who can contribute to its development.
• 🤔 The speech concludes with a reflection on the importance of home and identity, suggesting that despite global opportunities, the speaker will always consider themselves Filipino.

Q & A

What does the speaker believe about the desire to be 'blonde, blue-eyed, and white' during their childhood?

The speaker believes that this desire was a result of four centuries of Western domination and cultural influence, which created a fantasy of being part of the Western world.

What is the term used to describe the scattering of Filipinos all over the world?

The term used is 'Filipino diaspora', which refers to the trend of over 8 million Filipinos being scattered across the globe.

Why do some people disapprove of Filipinos leaving the country?

Some people disapprove because they view it as desertion and a denial of Filipino identity, which is seen as disrespectful to the sacrifices made by the country's heroes.

How does the speaker view the concept of a 'borderless world'?

The speaker sees a borderless world as an opportunity for individuals to extend their identity beyond geographical boundaries, rather than as an abandonment of their roots.

What role do Filipinos play in various countries according to the speech?

Filipinos contribute to various sectors globally, including healthcare, maritime, technology, construction, and entertainment, showcasing their adaptability and skills.

What does the speaker mean by 'Brigadoon' and how does it relate to the Filipino diaspora?

The speaker refers to 'Brigadoon' as a metaphor for Filipinos who travel and work abroad but choose to return home, enriched by their experiences and ready to contribute back to their homeland.

How does the speaker respond to the question about prioritizing integration into a new culture versus retaining Filipino identity?

The speaker believes that integration and retaining one's Filipino identity are not mutually exclusive; Filipinos can adapt to new cultures while still being proud of their heritage.

What is the speaker's perspective on the political scenario in the Philippines and its impact on the country's progress?

Despite the political challenges, the speaker is optimistic, highlighting the increasing number of educated and globally experienced Filipinos who are willing to contribute to the country's development.

What does the speaker suggest is more important than the childhood fantasy of a 'blonde, blue-eyed, and white' identity?

The speaker suggests that giving back to the country of their birth and maintaining a strong sense of Filipino identity is more important than the superficial desires of childhood.

How does the speaker plan to engage with the concept of a 'borderless world' in their own life?

The speaker plans to take advantage of opportunities abroad for study, work, or living but intends to return home, emphasizing the importance of contributing to their homeland.