final eng research - breaking the great wall

8/11/2019 Final Eng Research - Breaking the Great Wall

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Tricia Lao

Professor Danilo Francisco M. Reyes

English 101

21 March 2014

BREAKING THE GREAT WALL:

Courting PracticesPrejudice and Discriminationin the Chinese F il ipino

Community (19802014)

Ateneo De Manila University, Philippines

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the courting practices of the Chinese Filipinoand its

possible roots in prejudice and discrimination. A historical background of the Tsinoy is

featured in this piece as a preview to the causes of intermarriages. The effects of these

Intermarriages and the issues of racial tension, stereotyping, integration, and toleration are

tackled. The paper is for the Chinese Filpinotoday in order for them to realize their role in

Filipino society.

Key Words

Chinese Filipino,Mestizo, Tsinoy,Prejudice,Discrimination, Great Wall


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BREAKING THE GREAT WALL

Courting PracticesPrejudice and Discriminationin the Chinese F il ipino

Community (1980

2014)

OUTLINE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

I. Tell the guards to open up the gatesAn introductionto the Great Wall 3

II. Behind these chinky eyesHistorical background of the Chinese Filipino 6A. Communist chaosPolitical and economic instability in the mainland 7

B. Barbarian beliefsHistorical traces of prejudice in dynasties 9

III. Mano PoEffects of Chinese Filipino intermarriages on Society 10

A. Chop sueyThe Chinese integration in the Filipino society 10

B. InstikStereotypes and racial tension between Chinese and Filipinos 13

IV. Who I am insideA profile of the Chinese Filipino today 18

A. Chipping off the wallRacism as a dying practice 30

B. Advancing the armyImplications for the future of Tsinoys 34

V. Duck wrapping it upA summary and conclusion of the study 35


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Tell the guards to open up the gates

An introductionto the Great Wall

If theres one community in Philippine society that is unique in its own origin it is

the Tsinoy. Nobody can ever doubt the resilience and strength of these people. With a culture

rich in history and a pride that emanates from hard work and persistence, the Tsinoy himself

is a symbol of power.

The Tsinoyis the Filipino word for a Chinese Filipinoa person with Chinese blood

born in the Philippines. The term was coined from two words: Tsino meaning Chinese and

Pinoy meaning Filipino.

The Chinese Filipinocommunity is highly relevant in todays society economically,

socially, and culturally. The influence of the Chinese culture to Filipinos has greatly

expanded, so much that it has become vital to the Filipino life.

I personally dont know if I am more of a Filipino or more of a Chinese. It is

somewhat like a seesaw that constantly switches sides. At some points, I feel Chinese

speakingHokkien, wearing red, and eating dimsum. At other times, I feel like a Filipino

enjoying a plate of palabok, saying po and opo, and singing along to local music. But

there are moments when I just feel like a striking balance of the two cultures. I really don't

know.

A pop culture term that was coined Great Wallhas become quite familiar to a lot. The

Great Wall means that a Chinese person must marry a Chinese and no other race is

considered. It serves as a boundary or limitation regarding courting practices. Such a term has

become commonplace in pop culture and has sparked quite a validation to the issue of

alienation. The term is plastered everywhere in the Ateneo de Manila Secret Files on


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Facebook. The Chinese organization of Celadon has made promotions of

"#climbthegreatwall." They even made iPhone cases and Tshirts for sale out of this concept.

Some might say the Tsinoys are an intimidating bunch, unreachable and above

everyone else. Some speak of how the Chinese have their own bubble inside their little world.

Across the Great Wall, no Filipino is allowed to enter. Any huan na (Filipino) who attempts

to climb over it will suffer with heartbreak and disappointment.

In this day and age, the Chinese-Filipinos have to admit that there are Filipinos

everywhere single, hardworking, and guwapoones at best. Getting to know one simply

means meeting the next guy you see who is most probably a Filipino. One thing is for sure

there will always be a problem on how to preserve the Chinese culture.

This project is a personal venture in going back to my roots and connecting my

origins to my identity today. I've started on this research to prove a point Filipinos aren't

bad so the Chinese should stop discriminating. The older and close-minded Chinese elders

need to have their eyes opened to the fact that prejudice and discrimination is a dying

practice.

This project is relevant to the realization of cultural assimilation. The overseas

Chinese population is an ever-increasing number and the Diaspora of this race must have

cultural effects of integration among Asian countries. There is a strong connection between

the historical background of the Chinese immigration to the Philippines and the political state

of China during that time.

The melding of the Filipino and Chinese cultures or the clashes between them falls

under the study of how there is culture variation among humans. The differences of the

Filipino and Chinese cultures cover a wide range of aspects such as ethics, manners, and


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others. The diversity between the two cultures is distinct. Cultural discoveries could be

expanded because of this study.

This is mainly for the Chinese Filipinos, so they can recognize where they stand in

present times in Philippine society. The Tsinoy is the heart and soul of this paper and they

must identify themselves and where they stand regarding this issue. Chinese Filipinosmust

realize theseprejudices and discriminationand figure out their role in the country as one of

the largest ethnic groups in the Philippines. The importance of the continuation of this study

is for Chinese Filipinos in present day to know their identity. Tsinoys today have an

existential crisis. They need to address the concern of who they are in today's society. What

can or can't they do? Who can or can't they marry? What culture should they practice? Or can

two different cultures be practiced harmoniously?

We shouldn't forget that a big chunk of the paper's readers are Filipino. They also

need to understand the historical roots of the Chinese and realize the hardships and alienation

experienced by this community. They also must see the cultural integration and relevance of

the Chinese in the Filipino society.

The underlying issue of racism present against the Filipinos will be analyzed. The

main problem is to know if the Tsinoy community is alienated because of their courting

practices rooted in discriminationandprejudice.

The aspect of religion and faith will also be covered because of the certain influence it

has on lifestyle. This way of living dictates courtship practices as well. The research aims to

gain knowledge as to what extent does religion dictate things. Where is the line drawn and

how important is faith to an ordinary Tsinoytoday?


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This study will focus on the present day Tsinoy marriages ranging from 1980-2014.

Three case studies will be conducted to further determine if discriminationandprejudiceare

still active in todays society. The first case study will be on a pure Chinese marriage and

what their opinion is on courting practices. The second and third case studies will be on

Chinese Filipino mixed race marriages and how they are managing prejudice and

discriminationbetween their families.

Minor methodologies in this paper include surveys to Tsinoysand Filipinos regarding

preconceived notions and other courtship principles. I also had conversations with Chinese

parents such as my mother and a family friend who is a father regarding the issue.

This project raises the following questions:

What causes the Chinese Filipinointermarriages?

Is there any historical background to Chineseprejudice?

How is racial tension present between the Filipinos and the Chinese?

Is the Chinese Filipinointegral in Filipino society and culture?

What is the profile of a Chinese Filipinotoday?

What influence does religion have on the courting practices of Chinese Filipino?

What are the implications of this alienation to the future of the Chinese Filipino?

Behind these chinky eyes

Historical background of the Chinese Filipino

The Chinese Filipinois one of the largest Overseas Chinese communities in Southeast

Asia. They mostly descended from immigrants from Fujian province in China after 1898.

Tsinoys number over 2 million and an estimated 28 million Filipinos with partial Chinese

ancestry, stemming from pre-colonial Chinese migrants. Thats 22% of the population. The

Chinese Filipinos comprise 1 percent of the population but controls 60 percent of the


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economy. I myself descended from grandparents who migrated to the Philippines from the

Fujian province.

Looking back at Philippine history, the ethnic group became numerous around the

18th or 19th century before the Spanish colonization and was identified by the Spanish as the

Chinese Mestizo persons of mixed Chinese-native ancestry with a mix of Filipino or

Spanish blood.

Intermarriages happened about six to eight generations ago during the Spanish

colonization. These were predominantly male Chinese who intermarried with Malays and

Spaniards; they became the ChineseMestizo. The question is, how did this all start?

Communist chaos

Political and economic instability in the mainland

A key motivation to the Chinese immigration to the country was because many

Chinese citizens experienced starvation, extreme poverty, and grief resulting in the loss of

many innocent lives during the period of the Chinese Revolution of 1911 to the Chinese Civil

War.

The Tsinoysin a massive group immigrated to the Philippines in 1911 to escape from

the effects that Communism possibly could have happened. There was a feudal ruling class

composed of landlords, nobility, and the emperor owning most of the land. Peasants had very

little or no land at all. The Chinese peasants lived like slaves under the bondage of feudalism.

The landlord had the right to beat, abuse, and even kill the slaves at will. This caused many

uprisings against landlords but all efforts failed because of lack of unity. There was

starvation, extreme poverty and grief from the loss of many lives all because of Communism.

Several sources heavily cover the memoirs and history of the Tsinoysof the past. In

Teresita Ang See's book of the Tsinoy - The Story of the Chinese in the Philippines Life


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(2005), the Chinese experience in the Philippines is depicted as a fortune, misfortune, birth,

death, and rebirth." The ever-changing landscape of Philippine history causes the Chinese to

suffer under the Spanish Colonialization, American Annexation, and Japanese Occupation.

This publication sets ground that despite racial conflicts and tensions, the Chinese still share a

culture and history with the Filipino people.

The Chinese have been trading with the Philippines since around 982 AD but it could

have been even earlier. Arab traders brought Philippine goods to Southwestern China through

the port of Canton. The Chinese exchanged items like silk, porcelain, colored glass, and

beads during the Sung dynasty (960-1279). Merchandising and trading is also what caused

the Tsinoysto immigrate here.

When the Chinese immigrated, they didn't have an easy time going up the ladder.

Clinton Palancas Chinese Filipinos is said to unwrap the tissue of mystery and falsehoods

that have kept the Chinese-Filipino community apart from mainstream Filipino life. The

coffee table book illustrates the Tsinoysstruggle with illiteracy and obscurity and celebrates

the rise in success of the Philippine ethnic group.

Palanca writes lightly about the search for a Tsinoy identity as it is found in a rich

fusion of two different cultures. Images of high rise buildings and successful taipansgive a

picture of the resilience of the Tsinoy. The Chinese Filipinojourney is revealed as a struggle

and resistance againstprejudice.

I consulted with 47 of my friends with Chinese blood aged 16-20 years old from

Ateneo de Manila University and Immaculate Conception Academy. I asked them if the

reason why their Chinese ancestors moved to the Philippines was either because of political

chaos and economic instability in China or business opportunities in the Philippines. 44 of


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them said yes and only 3 of them said no. This proves that majority of the Chinese who

immigrated here had to run away from chaos in the mainland for a better life here.

Barbarian beliefsHistorical traces of prejudice in dynasties

Pre-modern China already had prejorative statements about the non-Chinese. A socio-

cultural critic commented that "throughout the ages, Chinese have had only two ways of

looking at foreigners, up to them as superior beings or down on them as wild animals." This

superiority complex comes from a strong national pride. Majority of the Chinese ethnic

population is Han Chinese; other ethnicities are more distinguishible because of their

physcial appearance and low intermarriage rates.

Racial segregation was evidently alive in historic China. In 779 AD, the Tang dyansty

passed an edict to force Uighurs or the Turkish to wear ethnic attire to really separate them

from the Chinese. They weren't allowed to marry into the Chinese race especially because

they practiced unethical monetary loans called usury. In 836 AD, the governor of Canton

who was Lu Chun banned interracial marriages. Any person "of color" was separated from

the Chinese.

The Chinese also have an anti-Japanese sentiment rooted in the Japanese war crimes

since around 7 to 16 million civilians died. The Nanjing Massacre was a widespread rape and

looting that caused thousands of deaths. In the province of Sichuan, the Tibetans despise half-

Han, half-Tibetans and Chinese Muslims as well.

There is also anti-African sentiment that was raised during the 1960's because of the

increase in African students in Chinese universities. Africans studied in China because of

granted scholarships by the government. The Chinese felt threatened by the Africans because

they are suspected criminals. The anti-African sentiment is active in Nanjing and Guangzhou.


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Yan Sun, a politcial science professor in the New York University commented on the

ethnic relations in contemporary China saying, "Chinese prejudices and racism are more

about achievements and standing in the world as applied to individuals or groups." All of this

proves that ever since time began, the Chinese have already been known to have the barbaric

belief. Anyone who isn't Chinese is a barbarian. This cultural outlook stemmed to the

Chinese Filipinostoday but is deeply rooted in China's history.

Mano Po

Effects of Chinese Filipino intermarriages on society

Ever since the Chinese have moved into the Philippines, the Filipinos have gained a

new race to look out for. Similar to how the Philippines accepted and adopted Spanish and

American customs, so have they tasted a slice of our Mooncake and liked it. As how there are

Mestizos with Spanish and American blood, some might have Chinese blood. We have

infiltrated the system successfully. Filipinos can't deny that they have at least once seen a

Chinese person walking on the street. You can't avoid uswe're hard to miss.

The effects of this cultural assimilation are intermarriages, integration, and racial

tension. Cultural assimilation could be taken positively or negatively; but you have to admit,

it is present today. You can see racial tension with the presence of the Great Wallitself. A lot

of racist jokes have also come up because of the Chinese chinky eyes. Everyone Chinese is

always either looking sleepy or bored.

Chop Suey

The Chinese integration in the Filipino society

It seems as if everybody knows who Kim Chiu and Xian Lim is. Sweet and sour pork

is a dish well loved by all. Chinese New Year is a greatly anticipated holiday because a

chocful of people eagerly want to eat Tikoy. The Chinese culture has become some sort of a


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little brother to the Filipino culture. Although it is distinctly different, you can see the

brotherhood and unity in the assimilation of these cultures.

Adarna House's101 Filipino Iconslists figures that are significant to Filipino society.

Icons that are Chinese in origin were featured such as the pancit canton and the theraputic

massaging method of the hilot. This suggests an assimilation of two cultures that became

acceptable.

The successful fast food chain Jollibee - founded by Tony Tancaktiong, a Chinese

Filipino taipan is also featured. Corzaon Aquino is also listed here; this signifies the

relevance of the Cojuancos in the nation's history. The Chinese culture is revealed as integral

in Filipino symbols.

The Historical Dictionary of the Philippinesis in dictionary form featuring key terms

that are significant to the rich history of the country and notable people who changed the

course of Philippine history in their respective fields. Several Chinese Filipinoswere added

to the lineup such as Dra. Queena Lee-Chua and the Cojuangcos. This validates the relevance

of the Chinese Filipinoin todays rapidly changing world.

Father Jose Vidamor B. Yu, L.R.M.S. sheds light on the relationship between the

Chinese-Filipino culture and the Gospel in Inculturation of Filipino: Chinese Culture

Mentality. He writes about how the Chinese Filipinoserved as fertile ground for the Gospel

to be realized.

Matteo Ricci is depicted here as a pioneer who became the connecting link between

the West and the East between the ancient magnificent Chinese civilization and the world

of Europe. The essay gives ground that inculturation of the Gospel into Chinese culture

helped not only the Church but also the preservation of the distinct Chinese identity.


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In a response to the previous source, FI Cheong, Sr Catherine S., and Fr Aristotle C.

Dy S.J. expound on Yus dissertation in the Inculturation of Filipino: Chinese Culture

Mentality - A Response by writing of how Yu provided them an opportunity to get

reacquainted with their roots. They quote him when he said, while culture is not history, it

is history that reflects the culture of a people and its development."

An added point to Yus essay was that inculturation is a never-ending process.

Ground was set regarding specific agents of inculturation. Jesus Christ is also depicted as

central in the inculturation of the Chinese Filipino. Dy complements Yu by expounding on

each phasemigration, colonization, shaping Chinese-Filipino mentality and shaping a new

way of being Chinese-Filipino in the third millenium.

I asked 25 Filipino respondents about the integration between Filipinos and the

Chinese. These Filipino respondents are 11 100% pure Filipinos and 14 Mestizoswho mostly

hail from the Ateneo de Manila University. Their general age bracket is from 16 to 20.

What are the Chinese traditions you are aware of?

Mooncake Festival in August (Hopia/Dice Game) 13

Chinese New Year in February (Tikoy/Dragon Dance) 20

Ting Hun(Engagement Ceremony) 2

Wearing red on birthdays 18

Wearing white in funerals 12

Giving gift money (ang pao) 19

The most famous Chinese tradition that Filipinos are aware of is the Chinese New

Year. This is celebrated in Feruary according to the Chinese calendar. "Kung Hei Fat Choi" is

the usual greeting that Filipinos know. This means Happy Chinese New Year in Cantonese

and it is spread across many posters. Families eat tikoy together and there are dragon and lion


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dances performed by acrobats. This might be the most well known tradition because of all the

fanfare and spectacle during this time. Also, everybody loves Tikoy.

Giving gift money or ang pao is a known tradition as well because almost all Chinese

aunties and uncles give gift money to young people. Apparently, not just the Chinese people

receive ang pao; even the Filipinos receive it as well. Wearing red on birthdays is an evident

culture because the Chinese have many pictures and birthday parties that require wearing red.

This custom is typical for the birthdays of older Chinese such as the first and second

generation Chinese Filipinos. The Mooncake Festival that takes place in August is a less

known event because it is more of celebrated in Chinese schools.

Is the Chinese Filipinointegral to Filipino society?

Yes 19

Not completely 5

No 1

Majority of the Filipino respondents said the Tsinoyis a natural part of the Philippine

culture. The Chinese is perceived as integral. Although there are still a number of people of

think the Chinese are not completely assimilated. A striking and bold one person said they

aren't at all. What is given ground here is that most Filipinos think the Tsinoysare integral.

Instik

Stereotypes and racial tension between Chinese and Filipinos

The local music scene has identified the issue of racial tension. Imelda is a local band

that formed in 2011 with members who all hail from the Ateneo de Manila High School.

Their genre is the new age of rock and roll influenced greatly by Jimi Hendrix and Led

Zeppelin.


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The lead singer, Jam Pascual, wrote a song for the band that was released during

January 2013. It is entitled Great Wall and is about how the Filipino boy is underestimated

and is driven to go over the Great Wallfor a Chinese girl. Quoted are the lyrics:

Your folks are livin' in a different age

Afraid to face a new reality

Your folks are livin' in a different time

They treat you so unfairly, so unkind

You underestimate me

I've gone, I've gone, over the great wall

Your father disapproves, you've got nothing else to lose

You may gain a brand new kind of shame

You try to fill the void with a no good vagrant boyYou know will leave as quickly as he came

The discrimination is even evident in Hollywood. Lucy Liu remarked on The Late

Show with David Letterman that she wouldnt want to look dark because it would make her

Filipino. This sparked controversy and anger among Filipinos worldwide because of the

racial discriminationthrough their skin color.

Although Lucy Liu clarified that she was misunderstood, stating that she grew up

with Filipinos as best friends. This proves ground that the Chinese are familiar with the

Filipinos. This also just further proves that there is racial tension because of the issue of skin

color.

I conducted a survey to 47 Chinese respondents regarding several concerns on the

racial tension between Filipinos and the Chinese. These Chinese respondents are 28 100%

pure Chinese and 19 Mestizoswho mostly hail from the Ateneo de Manila University and

Immaculate Conception Academy. Their general age bracket is from 16 to 20.

What are your preconceived notions about the Filipinos?

Happy 30

Hospitable 29


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Lazy 20

Persistent (Maparaan) 14

Magastos 1

Not rich 1

Untrustworthy 1

Chases after Chinese people's money 1

No preconcevied notion 11

A notable number of the Chinese sample group has no preconceived notion of

Filipinos but majority still have their stereotypes. Most of the presumptions are positive such

as happy and hospitable. Quite a number though around half think that Filipinos are

lazy. This is a negative impression that hopefully, Chinese people wont continue on. This

might be caused by the "maana" habit of Filipinos. Persistent or maparaancould be positive

or negative, depending on how you look at it. The Filipinos can be persistent on the road,

that's why a lot of car accidents happen. The Pinoys are also persistent in fighting for

freedom and independence. The other negative opinions such as magastos, not rich,

untrustworthy, and chases after Chinese people's money are pretentions that are possibly

based on personal experiences but are definitely from a case to case basis.

Was there any instance when your preconceived notion of a Filipino was proven wrong?

(Out of the 36 Chinese people who said they have a preconceived notion)

Yes 27

No 9

Most of the Chinese respondents have experienced meeting Filipinos who have

proved their stereotypes wrong. Quite a number still are persistent about their labels but what

matters is that there is ground that the Filipinos are not stereoyped.


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I asked the 25 Filipino respondents aformentioned in section regarding racial tension

between Filipinos and the Chinese as well.

Do you have preconceived notions about the Chinese?

Yes 22

No 2

This proves that there is an ever-present racial tension for Filipinos toward the

Chinese. The majority of Filipinos have an active stereotype and label for who a Chinese is.

This further proves and sets ground that there is racism active in the Filipino society.

Preconceived notions are made in the minds of Filipinos about who the Chinese are.

What are your preconceived notions about the Chinese?

(From the 22 Filipino respondents)

Uptight / Conservative 17

Great Wall 14

Smart 13

Frugal / Thrifty 11

Hardworking 9

Good with money 1

Rich 1

Cute 1

Majority of the Filipino sample group said that they think the Chinese are uptight and

conservative. This is a general and true fact about the Chinese but it does not apply to all

Chinese families. The conservative beliefs of the Chinese roots from their culture of respect

for the elders and filial piety.


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The next biggest preconceived notion about the Chinese is that they have Great Wall.

This proves that the concept of strict courting practices of the Chinese is well known even by

the Filipinos. This shows that the concern is active and present in society.

The third top opinion that the Filipinos have about the Chinese is that they are smart.

This is probably due to the Tiger Parenting or strict upbringing from Chinese parents. There

is much pressure to be academically excellent in most Chinese families so the Filipinos

perceive the Chinese are studious and hardworking. There is also a worldwide stereotype that

Asians in general are good in math and science.

The Filipinos also think that the Chinese are frugal and thrifty. This might be because

the Chinese are known to save up a lot of their money and do not spend much. This is true for

a bulk of the Tsinoycommunity but not everyone is like this. Some Chinese live luxurious

lives and spend their wealth left and right.

The assumption that the Chinese are hardworking is a label given by the first

generation of Chinese immigrants. These are the ones who worked hard and started from the

bottom. 9 out of 10 of the richest tycoons in the Philippines as of 2014 are Chinese. These

Chinese businessmen came to the Philippines penniless and worked their way up the ladder

to earn, and look where they are now. This might be the general information that many

Filipinos know that's why they label the Chinese as hardworking.

The other additional opinions that the Filipino respondents mentioned in the survey

were that the Chinese are good with money, rich, and cute. The opinion that the Chinese are

good with money is similar to the notion that the Chinese are frugal, thrifty, and

hardworking. Rich is a generalization regarding social structure. This opinion is also related

to how hardworking the Chinese are. The notion that all Chinese people are cute is a physical

attribute that is relative to the taste of every person.


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Was there any instance when your preconceived notion was proved wrong?

Yes 19

No 3

The majority of the sample group said that their preconceived notion of a Chinese was

proven wrong most probably because they have met a Chinese person who breaks the

stereotypes. This proves that the Chinese cannot be generalized. There is racial tension and

discriminationpresent but if one will get to know every Tsinoyindividually, one will find out

that we are distinct and diverse in our own little ways. Unfortunately, there is a minority in

the sample group that still believes that the Chinese community can be summed up in

generalizations and stereotypes.

Who I am inside

A profile of the Chinese Filipino today

Let's take a look at how the Tsinoysare doing at the present. What is the profile and

image of a contemporary and modern Chinese? Considering cultural integration and racial

tension, how are the Chinese Filipinos holding up? I conducted three case studies and a

survey to Chinese singles to reveal the current state of modern Chinese courting practices.

This case study focuses on three kinds of Chinese couplesA pure Chinese couple,

a Chinese husband and Filipina wife, and a Filipino husband and a Chinese wife. The couples

fall under the range of newlyweds from 1980-2014. Certain aspects of their marriages were

studied to identify whatprejudices are still alive and active in today's society that are evident

in married couples.

I. Pure Chinese married couple


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I chose the parents of one of my best friends, Jasmine Yiu, who was my high school

classmate from ICA. Jasmine is a conservative Chinese who has Great Wall and wants to

marry a pure Chinese man.

Husband's Name Philip Yiu

Wife's Name Jocelyn Tan

Husband's race 100% Chinese

Wife's race 100% Chinese

Date of wedding June 28, 1987

Religion Roman Catholic

Approval of family Family approved 100%

Chinese traditions practiced Balance between conservative and modern Chinese

Upbringing and education of

childrenModern Chinese upbringing. Children are sent to Catholic schools.

A pure Chinese couple like Philip and Jocelyn did not have a hard time at all with

getting the approval of their parents. Most likely this is because they have the same culture

already. It goes to show through their upbringing of their children that the Chinese culture is

still practiced up until today. These are the parents of my friend, Jasmine Yiu. Jasmine, as a

4th generation Chinese Filipino, still is not allowed to marry a Filipino. She agrees that this is

right because of the mindset her parents instilled in her about the differences in culture.

The termModern Chinesewas also mentioned in this case as a method of raising the

Chinese youth in today's day and age. When I asked the couple to explain what Modern

Chinese specifically meant, they said that the Modern Chinese is conservative yet open-

minded about the ever changing landscape of the Chinese Filipinosociety.


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This ties with the inculturation aformentioned in this paper. This proves that despite a

conservative pure Chinese couple chooses to impose the Great Wallon their children, they

admit that there is a slow and gradual movement away for conservatism.

II. Chinese husband and Filipina wife

I chose Auntie Jocelyn Maniti, a Bible Study groupmate of my mom.

Husband's Name Edison Tan

Wife's Name Jocelyn Maniti

Husband's race 100% Chinese

Wife's race 60% Filipino - the rest is Spanish and American blood

Date of wedding September 29, 1992

ReligionMother - Born Again

Father - Buddhist Catholic

Approval of family

Both sides of the family did not approve and it was a

whirlwind relationship. They impulsively got married anyway

after 4 months of being in a relationship.

Chinese traditions practiced

Wife - Doesn't practice any Chinese tradition.

Husband - Practices outside the house without the other

family members (in the temple/cemetery.)


children

The Filipino culture is more practiced by the children.

The children started in Chinese schools then they moved to

Christian schools after becoming a Christian.

Joji emphasized that religion and faith have a big influence in her family. Religion

and culture are highly related. She says that once you lose your religion, you lose your

culture. Joji's family is highly influenced by Christianity. It is evident though that the

husband, Edison, is still a strictly practicing Buddhist who continues the Chinese traditions

despite not being with his family while he does these rituals.


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Both sides of the families did not approve of the relationship at all. This is a sign that

the Chinese culture is really strict about approving a partner. The culture clash in this family

is heavily evident.

III. Filipino husband and a Chinese wife

I chose Auntie Ailyn Dee, one of the clients of my mom in her business. My mom

conducts a tutorial center catering to students studying in ICA and Xavier School.

Husband's Name Joseph Lopez

Wife's Name Ailyn Dee

Husband's race 100% Filipino

Wife's race 100% Chinese

Date of wedding March 20, 2004

Religion Roman Catholic

Approval of familyOn husband's side, there was no problem

On wife's side, it took 17 years to prove the couple's stability

Chinese traditions practicedWearing red on birthdays

Burning of incense when offering prayer


children

Children are sent to a Chinese school so they will learn how

to converse in Chinese

Children are taught good values from both the Chinese and

Filipino cultures. There should be no racial discrimination.

It seems that it really is very hard for Filipinos to convince Chinese families for

stability based on this situation. Can you believe that it took Joseph 17 years just to prove his

worth to Ailyn's family? Talk about persistence! This is already much of a shock to me.

As you can see, the Chinese traditions they practice are still heavily influenced on the

old ways of the Chinese culture. This proves that the culture and traditions of the mother is


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the one always followed. Although the values instilled in the children are now a mix and

meld of the good parts of the Chinese and Filipinos.

Here is an evaluation of the case study for conclusions and summing up. The pure

Chinese couple gave us proof that families immediately approve if the partners have the same

culture. There were hardships definitely faced by the married couples that had a difference in

culture. This proves that there is hesitation with the families regarding approval and

acceptance of a different culture. This is due to someprejudice.

Couples with clashing cultures needed to prove that they can be stable. Thisprejudice

against Filipinos not being able to provide is actively seen especially in the last case study

situation. Then again, love prevails and they still get married in the end.

It is also evident that the culture of the mother is what the children practice. This

proves that this society is very matriarchal. The mother has an immensely great influence on

the lifestyle and upbringing of children.

A Google survey was conducted online. The researcher sent a link to friends over

Facebook to be answered. 40 people aged 15-20 (20 boys and 20 girls.) This is a good age

bracket because this is the time when the youth contemplate about marriage and courtship.

The respondents of this survey have all studied in Chinese schools. They are

predominantly college students studying in the Ateneo de Manila University and the

University of the Philippines. As aformentioned, the respondents range from the ages 15-20

years old. The sample group is all Christian, either Roman Catholic or Born-Again Christian.

There is a fairly equal amount of distribution of the two spiritual outlooks.

Jan-Daniel Belmonte, an Information Design major and the Design Executive Editor

of The GUIDON has designed the following inforgraphics ro represent the survey's results.


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1. How Chinese are you?

This was asked to find out the specific ethnicity and amount of Chinese blood in the

survey taker. This is important because the researcher will know what specific demographic

of a Chinese sample group he is dealing with.

Majority of the sample group is pure Chinese. There is also a greater number of

Mestizo Chinese girls who took the survey. There are more Female Mestizos than Mestizo

boys.

2. What Chinese traditions do you practice?

This was asked so that the survey may bring out how traditional the survey taker is.

The more Chinese traditions practiced reflects how deep into the Chinese culture the family


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is. This therefore may explain further the courting practices of the survey taker. This sets

ground on the survey taker's lifestyle what Chinese influences are still at work.

Visiting the temple, practicing feng shui, and praying to Buddhist gods through

incense are the three least practiced Chinese cultures. These are also part of the more

conservative and ritualistic kinds of Chinese traditions. This proves evidence that modern

Chinese youth are leaning away from the rigid traditions heavily practiced before. Religion

may also be a reason why these are not practiced anymore because religion may dictate their

lifestyle.


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Majority of the survey group practices the other mentioned Chinese tradtions. This

means that the Chinese culture is active and alive even in today's situation of cultural

assimilation.

3. Are you allowed to marry a Filipino?

This is the main question to ask the sample group. Its always best to be

straightforward about if they have a Great Wallor not. This question can be answered with

the influence of family or the personal decision of the sample group.

This is vital information because it shows that the Chinese youth today are moving

away from the Great Wallnotion. Majority of the sample group said that they could marry

whomever they want. Although there are still quite a number who cannot marry a Filipino,

freewill to choose a spouse prevails. We can also see that more men are highly encouraged to


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marry Chinese women. Chinese women are generally given more liberty to marry whomever

they want but there is only a slight difference.

4. What do you prefer though?

Gathering this information is sort of asking what your type is. People have their own

personal preference for a spouse. Disregarding culture, family, and tradition, these are the

results.

This reveals a lot about the difference in preferences of the boys and girls. Chinese

boys prefer Chinese women but Chinese women prefer any race. This goes to show that

maybe Chinese girls are really favorable for marriage. The implication here can be that

Chinese girls are submissive and will serve as good housewives. Also, girls act will more

feeling and emotions when it comes to love. Girls are more permissive and they accept any


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race for the sake of love. No one prefers a Filipino maybe because there's always be a certain

bias to the Chinese race inevitably.

5. Why do you prefer that?

The question aims to answer whether the sample group is influenced by tradition,

culture, and family background or their own decision. Its important to know what makes

these Chinese youth tick; what affects their decisions is what they revolve their life around.

The results show that Chinese boys are more influenced by tradition. This is probably

because males carry the lineage, heritage, and surname of a family. Girls on the other hand,

like making decisions on their own freewill. This is with the thinking that girls marry into her

husbands family so the choice should be hers.

6. What is your spiritual outlook on life?

Religion and faith may play a vital role in the choice of a spouse. This is an

evaluation of the lifestyles they practice.


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Exactly half of the girls are either Roman Catholic or Christian. There are more

Christian boys than Roman Catholic boys. No survey taker chose the options of Agnostic,

Atheist, and Buddhist. This goes to show that majority of the Chinese youth have a religious

background in Jesus Christ. This affects their mentality of a lifestyle of monogamy and

faithfulness to their spouse.

7. Does your spiritual outlook have any influence on who you will marry?

The question raised here talks about the issue of Religion Wall. This aims to reveal

if religion really does have an effect on the choice of someones spouse.


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Majority of the respondents said that their religion affects their choice of a spouse.

There are more boys who base things on religion than girls. There are quite a number of

female respondents who regard religion as irrelevant in their choice of a spouse.

Here is a conclusion to summarize the survey. Boys in general are expected to marry

Chinese women at most because it is highly encouraged to marry a woman capable to serving

him. Chinese women are known to be great housewives and homemakers. This is an active

prejudice towards the Chinese girls that affects and influences the marrying decisions of

Chinese boys.

Girls on the other hand, have more freedom and more say in whom they marry

because they are marrying into a family. They are given liberty to choose because they are

the ones who will lead the culture of the family.


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Religion is an evident factor in how these Chinese youth find a partner. This proves

that faith influences lifestyle and the standards given by a faith will become the guidelines for

courting practices.

Chipping off the wall

Racism as a dying practice

Results of the case studies and survey show that although there is still a preference for

the Chinese race in choosing a partner, there are open doors for whoever one loves. The

Great Wallis slowly chipping off brick by brick

Alastair McIndoe sets ground in his news article "Love breaks down Filipino 'Great

Wall'" in the Straits Times. He writes on the Chinese Filipinos stand in the issue of the Great

Wall during the present day. McIndoe explains how the alienation was strongly present

during the 1950s by giving the example and testament of Mr. Benito Lim. The writer also

interviewed UP students for the Chinese Students Association. It is admittedly still an issue

for college students but families are becoming more open to inter-cultural relationships, but

for the most part prefer that they marry Chinese. It is a cultural and not a racial family

decision

The youth at the moment will give the Great Wallits greatest batting yet. Mr. Patrick

Uy was also interviewed and gave the observation that Chinese Filipino bridegrooms

marrying Filipina brides are common; but there are fewer Chinese brides marrying Filipinos.

The anonymous writer of a blog, Cualabears, writes of his traditional Chinese family

background. Not being able to marry a Filipina was a significant problem for him during his

childhood because he did not understand the purpose behind the limitations.

His view on the Filipino changed because of their differences in culture, language,

and religion and faith. He now understands that he needs to uphold the tradition of keeping a


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Great Wall. This blog entry sets ground that there are still modern day Chinese Filipinoswho

wish to uphold the conservative courting practice because of how difference they are to the

Filipinos.

I had conversations with both a Chinese mother and a Chinese father regarding their

opinion on Chinese courting practices. The conversation was informal with a lineup of

questions relevant to figuring out what Chinese parents think about their children regarding

courting practices.

I. Chinese Mother

I interviewed my mother, Maria Cecilia Tan Lao, who is 48 years old pure Chinese

businesswoman. She is a mother to three children.

1. What is your opinion on your child (consider separate cases for son and daughter)

marrying a Filipino?

"It is okay for both son and daughter to marry a Filipino because I look at the person

and not the race. You cannot generalize the strengths and weaknesses of a race. Just because

one person did this, that doesn't mean everyone is like that. There is no separate difference

for son and daughter."

2. What are your hesitations (if there are any) on your child marrying a Filipino?

"Cultural differences are a major hesitation. The pattern of lifestyle my child grew up

with might be different from the lifestyle of the other party. Marriage is hard enough, if you

have to factor in adjustment, it will be harder. I don't have anything against the Filipino race."

3. What is your religion and how does that affect your mindset on who the spouse of your

child should be?


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"I am a Christian that is why it really depends on the person because I want a godly

Christian for my children. I will not let my child marry someone of a different belief in faith.

It's more of similarity in faith."

4. What Chinese traditions do you still uphold?

"I still celebrate Chinese New Year. I also give ang pao (gift money). My standard for

keeping a Chinese tradition goes back to my Christian faith. I don't pray to the dead using

incense. It's more of choosing traditions that don't clash with Christianity. Upholding Chinese

traditions are more of a legacy that you want to continue and transfer on to your children. I

would like to honor the legacy of my parents because it tells of my worth and identity."

II. Chinese Father

I interviewed my family friend who is a father of three children. He is Claro Ben Lim

Jr., a 52 years old pure Chinese businessman.

1. What is your opinion on your child (consider separate cases for son and daughter)

marrying a Filipino?

"Since my children will be a 4thgeneration born here, it is a fact that they have full

Chinese blood but they were raised in the Philippines. They went to a private exclusive

schools, have full Chinese, full Filipino, half Filipino-half Chinese and other friends of other

race. I feel that marrying a Chinese does not guarantee success of marriage. We have seen a

lot of Chinese marriages fail.

With also some family relatives who have married into Filipino families, we have

seen that they were also able to balance everything and maintain their marriage and keep their

families happy.


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However, I will require him/her to learn to adapt to our Chinese culture to be able to

maintain a balance. Having a good family background, Christian morals and good family

values are important.

As long as they will love each other, respect each other and adjust to each other's

needs, then they will be able to make it through.

In this present time, there is no difference if your son or daughter marries into a

Filipino family."

2. What are your hesitations (if there are any) on your child marrying a Filipino?

"The only hesitation that I have is when my son/daughter's partner is not willing to

adjust to the Chinese culture. We would still want to keep the Chinese culture in our family."

3. What is your religion and how does that affect your mindset on who the spouse of your

child should be?

"We are Christians. If we put our trust in the Lord and pray hard enough that God

will find somebody perfect for our children. I believe that everything will fall into place."

4. What Chinese traditions do you still uphold?

"I think it is more on the Chinese culture and values that we want our children to keep

even when they marry a non-Chinese. I would want the non-chinese to adapt to our Chinese

culture.

I would like to request that the non-Chinese learn how to speak Chinese so that they

can speak to their children in Chinese. This will give them the identity and they will not lose

their Chinese identity.


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I would like my children to keep the Chinese tradition of taking care of their parents

when they get old instead of bringing them in a home for the aged. Wearing red on birthdays

make you a Chinese. Serving Chinese dishes in the house and doing things the Chinese way."

For the two conversations I held with Chinese parents, both parents valued Christian

beliefs over cultural heritage. They both don't see any detriments to marrying a Filipino

because race doesn't really matter for marriage unless one will focus on the cultural aspect of

things. Of course, the Chinese culture is still relevant to the two Chinese parents but there is

an emphasis on toleration and cultural assimilation. There is no discrimination present in

either of the parents regarding Filipinos. The only hesistation is a difference in culture, which

can easily be adjusted to.

Advancing the army

Implications for the future of Tsinoys

If the general image of a modern-day Chinese Filipino is tolerant and open-minded,

then there will be long-term effects for the future of the ethnic group. Of course we still want

Chinese nationalism to ring in the hearts of the Tsinoys. It's not like the Chinese culture is

repulsive and must be denounced. There must be cultural balance. How do we now preserve

the Chinese culture when there is a chipping off the Great Wall? Some suggestions that I'd

like to give in order to preserve the Chinese culture are educational exposure and meeting

halfway with religion and tradition.

Dear Chinese people, who will marry Filipinos in the future, send your children to a

Chinese school. If you want your kids to not lose sight of where they came from, remind

them everyday about mandarin and dragon dances. A major reason why the third generation

Chinese Filipinos still feel their culture today is because of their educational background.

Take that away and they will be a completely Filipinized people.


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Families should just learn to preserve culture by practicing the traditions that aren't

against religion. Simple celebrations of the annual festivals are already enough to keep the

Chinese spirit alive.

The ideal kind of Tsinoy isn't anything more than an open-minded, tolerant, and

respectful person. Culture is something that must be celebrated; it shouldn't cause separation

and alienation.

Duck wrapping it up

A summary and conclusion of the study

So it seems like the Great Wall is indeed slowly breaking down. A lot of Chinese

Filipinosare opening up to the idea to Intermarriage with Filipinos, although the preference

of marrying a Chinese is still widely present. The main issue roots under, not prejudiceand

discriminationin general, but rather in the aim to preserve the Chinese culture. The Chinese

Filipinosare becoming less and less alienated in the community but the distinction between

cultures is still very evident. In the turn of generations, the 4th generation Tsinoysmust make

a choiceto continue melding into the Filipino culture or stand out boldly defined by their

bloodline.

The questions I asked at the start of this research are now all answered. Chinese

Filipino marriages happened because the Chinese moved to the Philippines for economic

stability. The effects of these are cultural assimilation and tolerance. Cultural tension,

prejudice, and discriminationbetween the two races have also risen to become issues because

of Chinese Filipinomarriages.

The Chinese Filipino has become integral in Filipino society and culture because

Tsinoys practice Filipino traditions and there is cultural tolerance. The Filipinos have also


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become very familiar with the Chinese culture, especially with the food that the Chinese eat

and their strict and uptight rules about courtship.

Theprejudicethat the Chinese have against Filipinos may vary, but the reigning and

dominant hesitation is merely just the difference in culture. Majority of the Tsinoysthat have

been interviewed in this research paper say that they are fine with Filipinos and have nothing

against them.

The negative effect of the Chinese intermarrying with Filipinos is that there might be

a need to adjust to each others culture. There might also be a conflict of an identity crisis for

where the family stands on which culture to practice. Children might have to choose between

two cultures or juggle with both. The positive effect is that there will be a cultural tolerance.

This alienation apparently, is just a fear of adjusting to someone else's culture. We

have to admit that the Chinese and Filipinos are different. I do believe that there is a slow and

gradual chipping of the Great Wall.

Discrimination and prejudice are still present but only in few Chinese families

especially those where the first or second generation Chinese family members are still alive.

The Tsinoy community is starting to open its doors and accepting interracial marriages.

Religion also evidently plays a somewhat vital role in the courtship practice because religion

dictates lifestyle for some Chinese families.

This research poses as a challenge for every Tsinoyout there who is in the courtship

stage or will be in the near future. Will you discriminate and join in the dying practice of

prejudice? Or will you marry for love?


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Whether you marry a Chinese or a Filipino, choose someone who you know you will

want to spend forever with. The Chinese community is at a crossroad nowto be rigid or to

be accepting.

Whatever movement the Tsinoysmake will definitely make or break The Great Wall.

This decision is vital to the whole society as the Chinese Filipino community one of the

largest ethnic groups in the Philippines. In the endamor vincit omnialove conquers all.

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