Ph ♡Us
Ph♡Us
Another factor that makes interracial dating is difficult is cultural differences. These differences come in the form of how love is expressed, food, and communication. Some couples must adjust their current ways of life to appease the needs and wants of both cultures. In Filipino culture there is something called “debt of the heart” or “puso ng utang”. The debt of the heart is the concept that after one has done something for you, you feel obligated to return the favor. You always return the favor to the ones you love as an expression of affection. Food is a love language in many cultures. If you reject food offered to you it is sometimes seen as disrespectful or rude. Some couples have difficulty sharing this integral part of their culture with their significant others. “My boyfriend is a really picky eater so it’s hard to bring him to events” Gerri Donnes says. Asian cultures for the most part are more conservative and do not really partake in much PDA. “When I grew up I was taught that women were supposed to be silent. Women don’t do anything or talk unless they are asked. When you do speak it’s very soft and in low tones. Whereas my boyfriend’s family is very loud and lively. When you don’t speak there’s something wrong. So I have to be more talkative” Angela Le says.
At the end of the day, who you choose to love should only be determined by you. “You marry someone for who they are and not because of their race” Abby Hamilton says. We must look past the surface and look within. Diversity brings forth uniqueness. It is what makes us different. Our differences must not be hidden. Instead, they must be celebrated. Our differences are what make life rich and colorful. So here is a word of advice for anyone wishing to pursue an interracial relationship but is holding back becasue of familial or societal disapproval: “Go for it, there’s no need to hold back. Society is only progressing, and you could be a part of this progress” Angela Le says.
“ D iv e rs it y b ri n gs fo rt h u n iq u e n e ss. It is w h a t m a ke s us d if fe re n t. O u r d if fe re n c e s mus t no t b e h id d e n . In s te a d , th e y m us t b e c e le b ra te d .”
29 | spring 2020