Before World War II, villages (barangays) were spread out and very small their remoteness from each other created an emphasis on sovereignty and family, as many small communities had to work together in order to survive. During this time, there were many social changes that came as a result of the United States' occupation, and the influence of its culture on the Filipinos. At the same time, Bulosan is optimistic about the real American Dream, and calls for everyone to accept all who live and work in America as brothers and fellow citizens.ĭuring World War II, Japan had occupied the Philippines at war's end, however, the country was occupied by the United States until 1973. In Bulosan's book, the harsh reality of Filipinos living in America is detailed, and it indicates an insidious brand of American colonialism and exceptionalism that borders on xenophobia. Moving from there to America in 1930, he hoped to find work and a new life there what he found was much uglier. During this time, Bulosan worked in the Philippines, working hard and pawning personal items in order to help Macario, his brother, finish school. This was a time when racial segregation, particularly of Filipinos, was rampant, and becoming a profitable, hard worker was difficult if your skin was the wrong color. Analysis - America Is In The Heart by Carlos BulosanĬarlos Bulosan's 1946 book America is in the Heart is a hard-hitting, revolutionary and eye-opening work that examines what it meant to be a Filipino in early-to-mid 20th century America.
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