America is in the Heart

“This crime is that I am a Filipino in America.”

The traditional idea of The American Dream is implausible for people whose race or appearance gives American society a reason or impulse to resist them. Not only are Filipinos distasteful to many Americans in the book, they are detested and sought out for eradication. Being a Filipino is a crime on par with theft or murder. The attitudes of the time stifle nearly all attempts at social progress. 

“For a time, it seemed that the younger generation, influenced by false American ideals and modes of living, had become total strangers to the older generation.” 

The book points out the growing rift between the old and young Filipinos, and the old and new traditions. Ethnic solidarity would greatly help the situation of the Filipinos in America, but their factions and differing ideas render them strangers in many cases, making it challenging to pursue a common cause. This quote also reflects the extent to which American mythmaking influences the young.

“They were like two strong walls protecting me from the attack of an unseen enemy (moving into my life to give me the warm assurance of their proximity, and guiding me into the future that was waiting with all its ferocity).” 

Even though they are not overtly affectionate and they are often living far from each other, there is always a sense that Allos relies on his family members. When he arrives in America, he seeks them out again, both as protection and as guides, although he will eventually serve that role for them. Because institutions are also hostile to Filipino Americans, they must rely on family units to survive.