Happy Scents

America is divided into majority and minority. Majority being the White American (privilege) and minorities including Hispanic, African American/ Black American, European, Native American and Asian. History tells that Native American (American Indian) ancestors was the first inhabitants here in America. Columbus and allies enslaved the Native Americans and took them out of their territories. Native Americans (indigenous people) discovered America but distinction was taken by the greedy and the people in power.

I am Asian American migrated here in America when I was nineteen. I came from the islands of the Philippines which I’m proud of until now. I will stay Filipino by heart and nationality wherever I go. I am working on my dual (Filipino) citizenship when Covid-19 is over. I still have the Filipino values and assimilate to few American values.

Before coming to US, the deep sense of nationality was engraved in me by the pastors and deaconesses in United Methodist Church. I will be forever grateful for those people who open my eyes to reality by learning the real history of the Philippines, scrutinizing news, go to picket lines and immersion. I am an activist. Activist wants social and political reform/change. Research before you say anything.

When I came here in the Chicago, I have experienced different jobs and was called different names. I have been called “China Chink, Oriental and so on and so forth” I wasn’t even Chinese and no Chinese deserve to be called like that! I’m not food either don’t call me oriental. Educate yourself! Men will come up to me, “Be my baby mama because I am so attracted to women with Asian affinity?” Why men have no manners in approaching women?! It is disgusting and appalling how men are blatantly stupid. First of all, “Don’t talk to me!” Second, “Don’t talk to me if that’s what you have to say!”

In school, “Do you know how to speak English in the first place?” because I was very quiet. The moment I speak, her mouth fell open. Don’t start on me. I don’t see the point on proving everybody that I can speak and write English better than they are. I have heard a lot of derogatory/racial remarks but I refused to view myself how others view me. One thing I know, you are racist because you have a problem. It has nothing to do with the people around you.

I scrutinize the news I read, preachers/mentors I listen to, go to forums if needed and listen to peoples’ personal stories before I even give my statements. I will always know there will always two sides to the stories. Behind the lies are the truth kept hidden. You have to be careful and read between the lines because NEWS hide facts and support people with money and power.

George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so on and so forth are human beings with families and their lives were cut short by violence, racism, white supremacy and police brutality. They will not become statistics again because their lives matter and all Black Lives Matter. I will always fight for human dignity. I will fight for/with the man I love because I have seen/experience things with my own eyes. Standing in truth and demanding justice no matter how long it takes. For when people become silent that their hands and feet become shackled again and history will repeat itself. Scream on top of your lungs with right fist up on the sky so people can hear it from back! I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe…

“I came to the conclusion that there is an existential moment in your life when you must decide to speak for yourself; Nobody else can speak for you.”- Martin Luther King Jr.