Why Include This Unit?
This unit tackles questions of what it means to be American and who gets to be American through the lens of Filipinos during the Commonwealth Era.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and Manuel L. Quezon at the Constitutional Convention
Theme
Language had a large effect on identity during the transitory Commonwealth era. The introduction of English, the lingering effect of the Spanish language, and the many native languages presented not only a communication issue, but also an issue of privilege, politics, and especially identity as Filipinos explored what it meant to be American and if they themselves were American.
Extending Understanding
While the current syllabus has considered US territories like Guam and territories-turned-states such as Hawai’i, the syllabus has not looked at a former territory turned independent country. This unit delves into how living in a US territory offers opportunity and also imposes itself on the indigenous population.
Why Is It Necessary?
This unit is necessary as it looks at how a former US territory and a formerly Asian-American people dealt with the repercussions of US imposition and the issue of language as a tool and an institution, as well as questioning who gets to be American.