Filipino Attitudes

[CMAGR8DX 0]

I'm an American citizen by birth, but my parents are both Filipino, who immigrated to the U.S. many years ago. I'm fully aware of all the opportunities and privileges I've had growing up in this great country. My parents have always been humble and in turn, have also instilled in me humility, gratitude, and appreciation for those who struggle to make a better life for themselves and their family by experiencing first hand what my parents have gone through.

I love my Filipino culture and I've been to the Philippines many times throughout my life and lived there for 4 years. But there's one thing I've noticed that really bothers me… Why is it that after Filipinos immigrate to the U.S. and finally come back home to the Philippines… their attitudes change, and act like they're so much better than everyone? I'm not saying all Filipinos… but in my experience, I've noticed that many "americanized filipinos" come back with this arrogant, sometimes pompous, attitude like they are above everyone.

I'm curious to what others may think... Any thoughts?

Edited December 2, 2011 by CMAGR8DX

[Tahoma 2,292]

[TeapotGirl 66]

1. Arrogant, pompous or boastful is what you call someone you don't like. What arrogant to you maybe just be fine ok, fun, confident or simply intimidating to somebody else.

2. They may have been surrounded by "pompous" people too and kinda adapted that attitude.

3. Because when they come back to the Philippines, people here kisses their a$$.

4. It could be a defense mechanism because they avoid money bloodsuckers.

Unless your relatives are also well off, then there's not much to worry. When you come for a visit, they are really sincerely there to see you and not after your pasalubong but if you are the only loaded one, expect plastic people that if you are not giving them something anymore- you suddenly become arrogant but some months ago, you are their hero.

[Ban Hammer 13,692]

exactly

[rheanick 42]

I'm an American citizen by birth, but my parents are both Filipino, who immigrated to the U.S. many years ago. I'm fully aware of all the opportunities and privileges I've had growing up in this great country. My parents have always been humble and in turn, have also instilled in me humility, gratitude, and appreciation for those who struggle to make a better life for themselves and their family by experiencing first hand what my parents have gone through.

I love my Filipino culture and I've been to the Philippines many times throughout my life and lived there for 4 years. But there's one thing I've noticed that really bothers me… Why is it that after Filipinos immigrate to the U.S. and finally come back home to the Philippines… their attitudes change, and act like they're so much better than everyone? I'm not saying all Filipinos… but in my experience, I've noticed that many "americanized filipinos" come back with this arrogant, sometimes pompous, attitude like they are above everyone.

I'm curious to what others may think... Any thoughts?

1). Its the attitude that i call Nouveau riche or new money. This is from someone who financially in the lower status of the soceity and somehow gains money and perceive oneself higher that the rest of the humanity.

2). Its the discrepancy of the rich and the poor in the Philippines. If they think their richer that the rest of the population they would love to show it off.

Having a privilege mingling with the dirt poor and the super rich of the philippines,i observed that there are really big differences in attitude between the two. But you can bet there are lots of good people in both poor and filthy rich. But the one i find really fascinating are the poor people that suddenly gotten some wealth. Their attitude are very comical (in my opinion) towards their old friends who are still poor and they have this pathetic display of gestures trying to convey that they are from the old rich of the philippines.

My opinion...

[CMAGR8DX 0]

I couldn't agree with you more ... it sad to see when people forget where they come from...

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I'm an American citizen by birth, but my parents are both Filipino, who immigrated to the U.S. many years ago. I'm fully aware of all the opportunities and privileges I've had growing up in this great country. My parents have always been humble and in turn, have also instilled in me humility, gratitude, and appreciation for those who struggle to make a better life for themselves and their family by experiencing first hand what my parents have gone through.

I love my Filipino culture and I've been to the Philippines many times throughout my life and lived there for 4 years. But there's one thing I've noticed that really bothers me… Why is it that after Filipinos immigrate to the U.S. and finally come back home to the Philippines… their attitudes change, and act like they're so much better than everyone? I'm not saying all Filipinos… but in my experience, I've noticed that many "americanized filipinos" come back with this arrogant, sometimes pompous, attitude like they are above everyone.

I'm curious to what others may think... Any thoughts?

You noticed that too?

[CMAGR8DX 0]

1. Arrogant, pompous or boastful is what you call someone you don't like. What arrogant to you maybe just be fine ok, fun, confident or simply intimidating to somebody else.

2. They may have been surrounded by "pompous" people t oo and kinda adapted that attitude.

3. Because when they come back to the Philippines, people here kisses their a$.

4. It could be a defense mechanism because they avoid money bloodsuckers.

Unless your relatives are also well off, then there's not much to worry. When you come for a visit, they are really sincerely there to see you and not after your pasalubong but if you are the only loaded one, expect plastic people that if you are not giving them something anymore- you suddenly become arrogant but some months ago, you are their hero.

I agree... there's a huge difference between confidence and arrogance.... I just find that unfortunately many choose to be the latter.

[BobnCherry 10]

Can I have some popcorn?

[RenCor 2]

[CristiFur 15]

Arrogant yes, I admit there were times when my son and I had to go about without an escort that I was somewhat arrogant, but like CMAG said it was more of defense mechanism. I did not wanted to be taken advantage of or easily taken for a fool and being held up. This tactic worked great when I had to go through the airports, I did not give anyone the chance to hit me up..lol..

But all of my families and friends that I had a chance to visit and stay with said I had been one of the most modest and humble balikbayan they had met so far.

So when you see someone being arrogant or pompous as you say, it does not necessarily mean they feel they are better than the rest. Sometimes that's is just their attitude and sorry if it bothers you but again like CMAG said, "What arrogant to you maybe just be fine ok, fun, confident or simply intimidating to somebody else" but even better if the gurlz find it appealing..

Lets not make your personal dilema a Cultural issue.

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

Some develop a prima donna complex.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

The same thing happens in other countries as well including Belarus. My wife has friends who immigrated to the US well before she did, and she said they turned out to be complete pompous arses when they returned home for a visit. She got the feeling that they looked down on everyone like they were superior than other Belarussians.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Why_Me

[Psoas10 17]

You don't even have to go to the Philippines to see that syndrome. I see that all the time here, since half the state is Filipino. However not all Filipinos have this attitude.

[CMAGR8DX 0]

The same thing happens in other countries as well including Belarus. My wife has friends who immigrated to the US well before she did, and she said they turned out to be complete pompous arses when they returned home for a visit. She got the feeling that they looked down on everyone like they were superior than other Belarussians.

I guess it really depends on the person and their upbringing,.... when I was living there for a few years, I saw it quite a bit and found it silly... and embarrassing quite frankly, coming from the states myself. I understand some people want to keep their guard up from used... but you shouldn't be a jerk about it... just sayin'.

Edited December 2, 2011 by CMAGR8DX