Hope...

In my second visit to Historical Filipino Town it was extremely refreshing to see aspects of remembrance of culture and community that once existed in an area many regard as forsaken. In any situation, the mere sight of these cultural remnants that continue to stand stalwart amidst a sea of what can only be described as commercial decay (Johnny Rockets in J-Town anyone?), always gives me glimmer of hope in what many believe to be a losing battle against the backdrop of corporatism. But what is the purpose of this battle? Is there even a fight? Or do such relics exist only as hinders to the wave of modernization. In my opinion, it is this very wave that makes the preservation of these remnants even more imperative to a generation well established within the American mainstream. We take for granted the struggles that once existed. These cultural remembrances serve as reminders and as a generation we need to be reminded. Because the more we are blinded by the flood of commercialism, the more we lose sight of the fact that these struggles continue to exist…