Tales about Filipinos tearing down one another are not rare in this side of town. It is in fact as common as help wanted ads asking for Filipino domestics. Though most of these tales are petty, some manage to grow and become headlines.
It is such a pity to see ourselves gnashing our teeth at the sight of our fellow FilAms' successes. More often, we are so driven to compete with our own kind that even if we know that our efforts are lost causes in the end, we still do it just for spite.
Such is the case of some group of Filipino Americans that are known to organize happenings for the community. As soon as they discovered the perceived prestige and treasure chest in these events, they began to guard it like lions guarding their prey. They fight for bragging rights of who has the best happening in town.
These competing groups would go as far as mudslinging, back stabbing and even direct confrontations just to draw the line and impose their wills on each other. Horrendous. Why can't we just get along?
Could it be that it is in our very nature as Filipinos to be paranoid when it comes to our fellows' achievement?
We often go like: Family this or that became prosperous; perhaps the father is a corrupt official. Or like this: Their event is very successful perhaps because of their dirty tricks. It is depleting to see all these unfold before everybody, especially non-Filipinos. To think that the very purpose of FilAm events is to show the world how Filipinos are.
But wait.
Now it is clear. If these happenings are meant to show how Filipinos are, then it follows that our crab mentality is just part of these happenings’ offerings, like the lowly puto bumbong [rice cake] or OPM [Original Pilipino Music]. Where else could we expose this trait than in FilAm these happenings.
Nevertheless, however grim this trait is, it is not too late for us to change. There is still time to unite and think good thoughts about our fellow Filipinos. We just have to do it.
If only we could muster all our wills and grab this crab by the neck, it would be better for all of us and our children’s children. If only we can steam this crab and eat it until it’s gone, it would be delicious.
