Following Donald Trump’s election victory, Filipino American families find themselves grappling with an unexpected divide. For some, Trump symbolizes a return to conservative values, championing religious freedom, economic stability, and strong leadership. For others, especially younger generations, his policies and rhetoric clash with progressive ideals, creating tension. The result? Silence at family gatherings, strained relationships, and even outright conflict. This article explores why Trump’s platform resonates with many Filipino families, especially those with traditional values, and suggests ways to bridge these divides through mutual respect and understanding.
Why Many Filipino Americans Feel Aligned with Trump’s Leadership
- Shared Values: Faith, Family, and Stability
- Faith-Based Conservatism: Many Filipino immigrants grew up in a deeply Catholic society where family, faith, and tradition are core values. Trump’s stance on religious freedom and opposition to certain progressive policies resonate with those who prioritize these beliefs.
- Economic Stability and Law and Order: For first-generation immigrants who value hard work and security, Trump’s emphasis on economic strength and law enforcement aligns with the values that helped them build successful lives in America.
- Appreciation for Strong, Decisive Leadership
- In the Philippines, leaders are often valued for strength, and Trump’s assertive style appeals to those who prioritize decisive governance. His strong stances on issues like immigration and economic self-reliance resonate with immigrant families who feel his platform reflects their values of lawful citizenship and self-sufficiency.
Generational Gaps and Cultural Challenges
- Younger Generations’ Progressive Values
- Filipino American youth often lean toward progressive values shaped by diverse perspectives in schools and workplaces. They prioritize issues like LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and racial justice, finding Trump’s policies at odds with a multicultural society.
- Older generations may view these issues as secondary to family unity and security, creating a generational divide.
- Cultural Conflict: Respect for Elders vs. Political Expression
- Traditional Filipino culture places high value on respecting elders, which can make it challenging for younger family members to voice political disagreements. Elders may see dissent as disrespectful, while younger relatives may feel pressured to suppress their views.
Impact on Family Dynamics: Silence, Strain, and Division
- Avoiding Political Conversations
- Some families sidestep politics to maintain peace, though this silence can lead to resentment as unresolved feelings linger beneath the surface. For families who value unity, this can create a sense of distance in previously close relationships.
- Emotional Distance and Isolation
- In extreme cases, political differences have led family members to avoid each other, which runs counter to the Filipino cultural norm of closeness and community, leaving individuals feeling isolated or even betrayed.
Finding Common Ground: Putting Family Above Politics
- Emphasizing Shared Values Beyond Politics
- Filipino families share strong values that transcend political views, such as family unity, hard work, resilience, and faith. Focusing on these common bonds can help families reduce tension and foster harmony.
- Practicing Respectful Communication
- Listening First: Taking time to listen without interrupting or arguing can reduce defensiveness and promote mutual respect.
- Setting Boundaries: Agreeing to leave politics off the dinner table or keeping discussions respectful can help families enjoy each other’s company without conflict.
- Recognizing the Influence of Media
- Media often reinforces polarized views. By sharing balanced sources of information and discussing media’s role in shaping opinions, family members can better understand each other’s perspectives and reduce the impact of misinformation.