Unsung Heroes

Dr. Romeo Munoz - author of Filipino Americans: Journey from Invisibility to Empowerment. He, himself, is an example of his own book (whether he knows it or not). First I would like to say how kind and welcoming he and Mrs. Munoz was to myself and the Wayne. Dr. Munoz was very accomodating and assisted in anyway that he could - to which I greatly appreciate his help.

Thank you so much Dr. & Mrs. Munoz!

Here are some points we touched upon:

--Acceptance. To go along with my documentary and the backroot of how teenagers persuade the masses into what becomes the mainstream, there is a force of acceptance that has to be made. Acceptance in all aspects. There is the acceptance of what teenagers think is cool. The acceptance of people - to have friends and to be welcomed into a group. Then there is the acceptance of recent immigrants who want to be part of this American lifestyle in full nature. They want to be accepted by American society and to receive the same opportunities as everyone else. However, how can you be accepted as another face in the crowd without standing up for yourself through sticking out?

--Education. Dr. & Mrs. Munoz hold workshops for under privileged adults and children that are willing to learn language, history, and culture. There isn't enough Asian American history in the schools to help relieve the ignorance that grabs a hold of people when it comes to purchasing Asian American entertainment. Sadly enough, some people are just not willing enough to open their minds to different cultures and when an Asian American artist tries to nurture their unknowing mind, it becomes very difficult to overcome an invisible barrier. More Asian American education in the high schools can help children of all races get some sort of starting point or new understanding of the "rice culture." Dr. Munoz believes that there should be some sort of bill passed to alieviate this problem.

--Parenting. Dr. Munoz is a very proud parent. He is going against the grain of most Asian parents who have children born in America. He son, Stephen, is someone "That Asian Thing" knows well - he is a musician/singer. His daughter is a filmmaker. Thus, he is the father of a couple of 2nd generation Asian American artists. He and Mrs. Munoz show nothing but support, even if they worry about money matters. Of course, money is always a factor in our American culture and art gets a shaft when it comes to talented people that aren't greatly recognized for it. So I commend these parents for supporting their children and breaking that model minority myth.

I must say - these 2 people are VERY active within the filipino community. Mrs. Munoz even said that they have dinner gatherings for nurses that recently arrive to America. They teach and try to make a difference. Please applaud these two for their efforts and grace....

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