During the last week, I have had the privilege to be gathered with all of my fellow Volunteers in Philippines Batch 267 to celebrate our half-way point of service. Because of the timing of MST (mid-service training), many of my friends are excited to return to their families and friends in America to celebrate the holidays. Whether they will be visiting for two weeks or five, they will all be able to spend quality time with their loved ones and unashamedly join in the traditions that they have grown up with.
While I didn’t think that I would be sad to be away for the holidays for yet another year, being around many people who will all be experiencing an American Christmas this year has made me realize that yes, I do miss some things. My Grandmothers’ cookies, our family gatherings, and the smell of a real Christmas tree cannot be replaced by a package in the mail or by a Skype conversation. Sleeping next to the Christmas tree and waking up to a blizzard outside will not happen here. I can’t hug my nieces and nephews, my grandparents, or my aunts and uncles. Watching my puppy rip apart Christmas wrapping paper from gifts just isn’t the same through the computer.
Despite being away, I feel really fortunate to be able to create new traditions in a faraway land. Spending Christmas with my host family is not the same, but it is special and rewarding nonetheless. It brings a smile to my face when we can just enjoy each other’s company, with the aid of some videoke, delicious food, and red wine. I will spend a day and a half baking hundreds of cookies with some really wonderful friends, all in an effort to create the feeling of Christmas-at-home-away-from-home. Hopefully when it is done, we will have plenty of cookies to eat and to share. I will undoubtedly talk with family members in the US while they are preparing for family gatherings, church services, and overall chaos.
Yes, it is not the same. But sometimes life is not about doing Christmas how we have always done Christmas. Being away has helped me learn to appreciate those special moments so much more than I did, and so I know that when I have the chance again to see my family and to celebrate the holidays like we have done together for so many years, I will be truly grateful to be there. For now, I also appreciate the incredible opportunity that I have to be a part of another family, who were strangers to me just over a year ago. While there may be short moments of homesickness or general wonder in the next two weeks, I am looking forward to celebrating the holidays in a place where I am also loved and that I can, for now, call home.
12 December 2009
06 December 2009
04 December 2009
Toto, we're not in the Phils anymore...
This next week finds Batch 267 Volunteers at Mid-Service Training, which is the midpoint of our Peace Corps training cycle. Along with three days of training, the days are accompanied also by doctor and dentist appointments, catching up with other Volunteers, mustache competitions (or, as some have interpreted it, hairy mole competitions), and some downtime away from site. Being opportunists, my sitemate Angela and I decided to take advantage of the paid flight to Manila and vacation for a week before in two of the must-see destinations here.
Last Friday, we took the last flight to Manila and wound up at the bus station at 1 AM. Excited to take a night bus and arrive in Baguio in the morning in order to give us a full day of sightseeing, our hopes were dashed when we found out the first bus we could get on was at 6 AM. So, what to do in Manila overnight when you don’t want to pay for a pension house? Well, you can catch the tail-end of live music, go on a search for your favorite flavor of ice cream at one of the 24/7 mini-stops, wander the streets, or make skype calls, since 4 AM in the Philippines turns out to be an ideal time for much of the world. When the time rolled around, we returned to the bus station, very tired and only slightly annoyed that our bus left a half-hour after the scheduled time. Without much sleep, we were able to take in the beauty of the Cordillera Mountains as we drove.
Our two days in Baguio proved fruitful both for recuperation and time with friends. With good timing, some other Volunteers and our great friends were spending time there after their Thanksgiving celebration in more northern Sagada. We ventured through the 100-year-old city that was designed by Americans as a mountain retreat and health center. Nestled at 1500 meters above sea level, the cold air was refreshing as we hiked around the city and created our adventures—getting lost on a hike only to be saved by a Filipino with a bamboo ladder to help us down a wall of rock, enjoying delicious meals while wondering if our waiters even worked at the restaurant at all (or which drugs they were on), and traversing historical areas and museums and wondering why they were even turned into museums at all. Baguio, as a city, is certainly different than much of the Philippines—people are extremely (genuinely) friendly, English skills are impressive, and the city is both incredibly lively and safe. It is no wonder why it is officially the “Summer Home of the Philippines”.
With our satisfaction in Baguio, we ventured next on a very curvy 6 ½ hour bus ride around the edges of mountains to the town of Sagada. Looking forward to the cooler weather, we discovered that a cold front had come in the same night that we arrived—meaning we spent days in long underwear, gloves, scarves, and hats. Temperatures dipped perhaps into the 40s (4-10 degrees Celsius), which amplifies its edge when houses are not insulated and there is no heating source. Nighttime was spent huddled under the covers in almost all of the clothes that we had packed—FYI, sleeping in a raincoat makes every toss and turn pretty noisy. Additionally, showers were few and far between since the cold breeze in the open-air shower room counteracted the only slightly lukewarm water. Fortunately, Sagada makes up for the cold with its general enchantment, incredible sights, and delicious food.
On our first full day, we set out to meet up with our guide to take us on a 4-hour caving expedition. We were both excited and nervous as we headed out of our pension house. The first sign of a challenging day, though, came when I slipped on the stairs and tumbled to the bottom, like the occasional klutz that I am. In a combination of laughter and pain, I announced to the several people in the restaurant that had seen my fall that I was okay. I rose to my feet like a tough kid and brushed myself off with an embarrassed laugh. Unfortunately, though, I knew that I had hurt myself a bit when I had reached for the railing with my right arm and my shoulder sustained an unexpected yank. But I can tackle a cave, right? We met our guide and hiked out of town to the trailhead and the opening of the cave, complete with stacks of hanging coffins that are part of the local cultural burial practices. We climbed over a few boulders towards the entrance, and I noticed that I was unable to put pressure on my right arm without pain. So, the decision had to be made. The caving included intense climbing, crawling, maneuvering, and hanging from ropes. My arm definitely wasn’t going to make it. Angry at myself for being such a klutz, I headed back to town to wallow in cups of lemon tea and internet. A few hours later, Angela returned and the pictures looked amazing. Maybe someday, I can go back and tackle that cave once and for all.
The next day, we ventured out on two hikes to a waterfall and a lookout with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. Both were stunning. The highlight of the day was trying to find our way on a return “trail” through fields and rice paddies. More of a guessing game, we found ourselves balancing along the edges of terraces, climbing rock walls, getting our feet stuck in the mud, crossing rivers, and getting lost in gardens. We returned to our pension house for a refreshing nap.
Meals were also the highlight of our days spent in Sagada. According to Lonely Planet, there are two restaurants worth a visit—and we did visit them, again and again. Homemade yogurt with granola, French toast soaked in maple syrup, homemade spinach fettuccine, tomato soup, cheese sauce, zucchini, fresh vegetables, lemon tea, chocolate chip cookies, strawberries—it was all a delight. Sagada has by far the best food that we have eaten in the Philippines in the last year and four months.
All in all, the pine trees, cold, fireplaces, and general goodwill of the people put us in the Christmas mood. If we had to create a soundtrack for the week, there is no doubt that it would contain nothing else but Christmas carols. Personally, this getaway was just the refreshing push I needed to get me through the holidays in the Philippines.
While we are heading back to Manila on Friday, it is by no means the end of our vacation. Before training begins, we get to spend the weekend relaxing with other Volunteers, getting our teeth cleaned, seeing The Christmas Carol, enjoying Dairy Queen Blizzards, and skyping with loved ones. The conference itself is also bound to be enjoyable—sharing ideas and experiences with other Volunteers always proves to be therapeutic and energizing.
Last Friday, we took the last flight to Manila and wound up at the bus station at 1 AM. Excited to take a night bus and arrive in Baguio in the morning in order to give us a full day of sightseeing, our hopes were dashed when we found out the first bus we could get on was at 6 AM. So, what to do in Manila overnight when you don’t want to pay for a pension house? Well, you can catch the tail-end of live music, go on a search for your favorite flavor of ice cream at one of the 24/7 mini-stops, wander the streets, or make skype calls, since 4 AM in the Philippines turns out to be an ideal time for much of the world. When the time rolled around, we returned to the bus station, very tired and only slightly annoyed that our bus left a half-hour after the scheduled time. Without much sleep, we were able to take in the beauty of the Cordillera Mountains as we drove.
Our two days in Baguio proved fruitful both for recuperation and time with friends. With good timing, some other Volunteers and our great friends were spending time there after their Thanksgiving celebration in more northern Sagada. We ventured through the 100-year-old city that was designed by Americans as a mountain retreat and health center. Nestled at 1500 meters above sea level, the cold air was refreshing as we hiked around the city and created our adventures—getting lost on a hike only to be saved by a Filipino with a bamboo ladder to help us down a wall of rock, enjoying delicious meals while wondering if our waiters even worked at the restaurant at all (or which drugs they were on), and traversing historical areas and museums and wondering why they were even turned into museums at all. Baguio, as a city, is certainly different than much of the Philippines—people are extremely (genuinely) friendly, English skills are impressive, and the city is both incredibly lively and safe. It is no wonder why it is officially the “Summer Home of the Philippines”.
With our satisfaction in Baguio, we ventured next on a very curvy 6 ½ hour bus ride around the edges of mountains to the town of Sagada. Looking forward to the cooler weather, we discovered that a cold front had come in the same night that we arrived—meaning we spent days in long underwear, gloves, scarves, and hats. Temperatures dipped perhaps into the 40s (4-10 degrees Celsius), which amplifies its edge when houses are not insulated and there is no heating source. Nighttime was spent huddled under the covers in almost all of the clothes that we had packed—FYI, sleeping in a raincoat makes every toss and turn pretty noisy. Additionally, showers were few and far between since the cold breeze in the open-air shower room counteracted the only slightly lukewarm water. Fortunately, Sagada makes up for the cold with its general enchantment, incredible sights, and delicious food.
On our first full day, we set out to meet up with our guide to take us on a 4-hour caving expedition. We were both excited and nervous as we headed out of our pension house. The first sign of a challenging day, though, came when I slipped on the stairs and tumbled to the bottom, like the occasional klutz that I am. In a combination of laughter and pain, I announced to the several people in the restaurant that had seen my fall that I was okay. I rose to my feet like a tough kid and brushed myself off with an embarrassed laugh. Unfortunately, though, I knew that I had hurt myself a bit when I had reached for the railing with my right arm and my shoulder sustained an unexpected yank. But I can tackle a cave, right? We met our guide and hiked out of town to the trailhead and the opening of the cave, complete with stacks of hanging coffins that are part of the local cultural burial practices. We climbed over a few boulders towards the entrance, and I noticed that I was unable to put pressure on my right arm without pain. So, the decision had to be made. The caving included intense climbing, crawling, maneuvering, and hanging from ropes. My arm definitely wasn’t going to make it. Angry at myself for being such a klutz, I headed back to town to wallow in cups of lemon tea and internet. A few hours later, Angela returned and the pictures looked amazing. Maybe someday, I can go back and tackle that cave once and for all.
The next day, we ventured out on two hikes to a waterfall and a lookout with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. Both were stunning. The highlight of the day was trying to find our way on a return “trail” through fields and rice paddies. More of a guessing game, we found ourselves balancing along the edges of terraces, climbing rock walls, getting our feet stuck in the mud, crossing rivers, and getting lost in gardens. We returned to our pension house for a refreshing nap.
Meals were also the highlight of our days spent in Sagada. According to Lonely Planet, there are two restaurants worth a visit—and we did visit them, again and again. Homemade yogurt with granola, French toast soaked in maple syrup, homemade spinach fettuccine, tomato soup, cheese sauce, zucchini, fresh vegetables, lemon tea, chocolate chip cookies, strawberries—it was all a delight. Sagada has by far the best food that we have eaten in the Philippines in the last year and four months.
All in all, the pine trees, cold, fireplaces, and general goodwill of the people put us in the Christmas mood. If we had to create a soundtrack for the week, there is no doubt that it would contain nothing else but Christmas carols. Personally, this getaway was just the refreshing push I needed to get me through the holidays in the Philippines.
While we are heading back to Manila on Friday, it is by no means the end of our vacation. Before training begins, we get to spend the weekend relaxing with other Volunteers, getting our teeth cleaned, seeing The Christmas Carol, enjoying Dairy Queen Blizzards, and skyping with loved ones. The conference itself is also bound to be enjoyable—sharing ideas and experiences with other Volunteers always proves to be therapeutic and energizing.
22 November 2009
Published.
Last night, I received a text from my great friend Angela - "Lynn! Did you read the new PC Times yet? You're in it! Yeah! So exciting." And so it turns out, an article that I had been asked to write about six months ago has finally surfaced and is floating around in the world of Peace Corps Volunteers. The PC Times is published four times per year and serves as one way to get news out about big changes in PC or about what other Volunteers are doing. In April, I had received an email asking me to write something about my experience in the Master's International program and doing youth work here in the Philippines. Always willing to write about my experiences, I gladly obliged. While the current edition of the paper has not been uploaded on the Peace Corps website yet, I'll share with you the text of the article...
Working with Youth and (Hopefully) Changing the World
While riding through the Philippines in a jeepney, it is impossible not to notice the overwhelming presence of children here. The population in the Philippines has been and continues to grow at a significant rate, which means that more and more children are flowing into the basic family unit, school systems, clinics, and the streets. Just taking a walk through larger cities, the presence of children living or working in the streets is a heartbreaking reality.
As a Children, Youth, and Families Volunteer, I have to constantly remind myself that I may not be able to change the world as a whole, but I can have a part in changing the world of a child. The same is true, though, for all Volunteers, whether you are working in Coastal Resource Management, Education, Agriculture, or Health. No matter what we are all doing on a day-to-day basis, we are ultimately hoping to make the world a better place for the next generation.
During my graduate studies at The University of Montana in Intercultural Youth and Family Development (a Master’s International program), we talked endlessly of the issues that children and youth face around the world. In our coursework, we analyzed existing programs targeting specific populations, discussed the psycho-social ramifications on children due to traumatic events, researched different strategies of sustainability, looked at various models of youth development that are successful, and on and on. We asked questions that brought out emotions and personal values about such issues that, in the end, resulted in no exact right or wrong answers at all.
What I have learned outside of the classroom, though, is that in the day-to-day business of CYF work, it does not matter if you know the best and most comprehensive way to conduct a needs assessment, or if you have studied endlessly about children who have been trafficked, or if you have the skills to develop an annual fundraising plan for an nongovernmental organization. It does indeed help, but as Volunteers, we all have access to such resources. What matters is that you are willing to get your hands dirty in the messy job of a youth worker—put your heart into it and jump right in. In the end, it’s those relationships, smiles, and moments of connection that may ultimately make a larger impact than anything else.
Debilzen is participating in the Master's International program. She is from Francis Creek, Wisconsin, and is serving as a youth, children, and family services Volunteer. She is scheduled to complete her service in November 2010.
Working with Youth and (Hopefully) Changing the World
While riding through the Philippines in a jeepney, it is impossible not to notice the overwhelming presence of children here. The population in the Philippines has been and continues to grow at a significant rate, which means that more and more children are flowing into the basic family unit, school systems, clinics, and the streets. Just taking a walk through larger cities, the presence of children living or working in the streets is a heartbreaking reality.
As a Children, Youth, and Families Volunteer, I have to constantly remind myself that I may not be able to change the world as a whole, but I can have a part in changing the world of a child. The same is true, though, for all Volunteers, whether you are working in Coastal Resource Management, Education, Agriculture, or Health. No matter what we are all doing on a day-to-day basis, we are ultimately hoping to make the world a better place for the next generation.
During my graduate studies at The University of Montana in Intercultural Youth and Family Development (a Master’s International program), we talked endlessly of the issues that children and youth face around the world. In our coursework, we analyzed existing programs targeting specific populations, discussed the psycho-social ramifications on children due to traumatic events, researched different strategies of sustainability, looked at various models of youth development that are successful, and on and on. We asked questions that brought out emotions and personal values about such issues that, in the end, resulted in no exact right or wrong answers at all.
What I have learned outside of the classroom, though, is that in the day-to-day business of CYF work, it does not matter if you know the best and most comprehensive way to conduct a needs assessment, or if you have studied endlessly about children who have been trafficked, or if you have the skills to develop an annual fundraising plan for an nongovernmental organization. It does indeed help, but as Volunteers, we all have access to such resources. What matters is that you are willing to get your hands dirty in the messy job of a youth worker—put your heart into it and jump right in. In the end, it’s those relationships, smiles, and moments of connection that may ultimately make a larger impact than anything else.
Debilzen is participating in the Master's International program. She is from Francis Creek, Wisconsin, and is serving as a youth, children, and family services Volunteer. She is scheduled to complete her service in November 2010.
31 October 2009
Tough (Gender) Issues.
This past week, I returned with Angela to our training site for the first time in a year to help another volunteer with a gender issues camp. It was strange going back to this place that I called home for three months and realizing just how much happens in a year. Sure, it may have been the differences in the city—the road construction in the downtown area was finished, some of the streets seemed to be more lit up, and one of our favorite hang-outs was closed down—but I am pretty sure that has nothing to do with it. Last year, the streets of Dumaguete seemed so foreign, scary, and dark. Everything was completely new and there was a feeling of vulnerability that accompanied it all. At the time, of course, I didn’t realize it. Now, though, it seems incredibly different. The whole city was so friendly and safe, causing me to wonder why I ever thought it was a bit scary to walk around after dark. The reason is because I am the one that has changed, and not the city. This time, we walked those streets with confidence, as much is different now. There we were—poised with accumulated knowledge and experience, ready to take on anything that landed in front of us. It makes me wonder…if returning to Dumaguete (which can serve as a baseline) makes me realize how far I have come after a year, what will returning to the U.S. after two years be like? It is both exciting and scary at the same time, and it is something that I would rather worry about later rather than sooner.
Overall, the youth camp was a success. We brought together about 40 teenagers from five different centers in the area to discuss anything relating to gender issues. The kids seemed to catch on, but I wish I could say the same for the adult facilitators.
There are a lot of topics here that are very sensitive, and that I just won’t offer my opinion on unless I am specifically asked for it—religion, family planning, the education system, fidelity, cultural beliefs in general, etc. For the most part, it is easy to stay quiet, unless I am with a trusted Filipino friend who I can have a mutual conversation with, or if I feel like something is completely unjust (like the race-centered jokes that are told all.of.the.time). Gender, though, is one of those topics where it is just very difficult to stay quiet.
I have heard so many times the phrase “gender sensitive” being thrown around, by NGOs and government organizations, trying to claim their level of “progressiveness”. It is supposed to impress people. Not me. From what I have observed, being “gender sensitive” means that women and girls are taken into consideration, not as equals but almost as if being a woman is a disability. By being “gender sensitive”, many organizations simply make an attempt to show that women are participating. In reality, though, at least in my observations, this is very much still a man’s culture and society. Yes, there is a female president, but that doesn’t exactly make us “progressive” by any means.
There was a moment during the camp that really caused all of the Peace Corps Volunteers to have to pick up our own jaws off of the ground. During one of the large group sessions, this statement was read, “If a woman dresses provocatively and walks around at night, it is her fault if she is raped or sexually assaulted.” Participants had a choice of Agree, Neutral, or Disagree. The group was split—about 50% in the Disagree, 10% in the Neutral, and 40% in Agree. There was even a male house parent from one of the centers that was agreeing to this statement! When asked to express his opinion, he shared that women who look sexy are responsible for putting bad thoughts in men’s heads. Umm, I’m sorry, when did humans revert to simple animals, who don’t have the ability to think logically or make their own decisions? What was equally sad was that those in the Disagree section were arguing for reasons that I wouldn’t even think of—“What if the woman is coming home from a party?” Well, what if she is not? What if she just likes to wear tank tops? By the way, the term “provocative” is pretty subjective, but I am not talking about anything slutty.
Now, I am not about to put you through a venting session on my blog. In the last few weeks, though, I have noticed a pattern when talking with other female Peace Corps Volunteers. With over a year finished in our service, the question of extension often comes up. It says something when the ONLY reason not to extend amongst other female PCVs is because they cannot stand the men. Now, we are not talking about wanting to date the men—we are talking about simply co-existing with them. Walking down the street here is never a leisurely stroll. It is usually not joyful by any means. Yes, there are times when you can walk down the street and make it to your destination without being noticed. That is usually at 5:30 AM, when no one is around. Otherwise, the walk involves men staring at women (especially foreign women), men hocking loogies, men urinating on the sidewalk, men drinking, men sticking their stomachs out with their shirts up, and most annoyingly, men randomly saying comments such as “Hello” or “Good morning, beautiful” after you pass them, since they are too “shy” to say it to your face. Two weeks ago, I visibly lost my temper for the first time, when an older man thought he had the right to grab my shoulder and slowly drag his hand all the way down my arm—as I was walking past him. Apparently, the fact that I was wearing a sleeveless dress was too tempting, and his ability to control his actions was thrown out the window. It is very much a man’s world, and to be a strong woman in a place that is constantly trying to shove you back down is a challenge.
With that said, there are definitely some Filipino men that do not fit this description at all—they are nice, respectful, and treat you as an equal. Yes, they are out there, I am sure of it. I have met a few, and I see a lot of potential in the male youth that I have worked with—they are thinking critically about their world, and hopefully gender and the dynamics within the Philippines has entered into their thoughts. At the same time, I have met so many young, strong women here, and I know that they will take a stand and demand a change in the way that society treats them and what is expected. My two closest Filipina friends both have boyfriends and both insist on delaying marriage until the time is right and they have accomplished some of their personal goals. Both being mid-20s, with a very young average marriage age here, this says a lot about where the trend is going. The key demographic factor of these two friends though, I believe, is that they are both college-educated. Most of the population is not.
One thing that has also come up within the past few weeks regarding gender is how American women are seen around the globe. I have had several great conversations with co-workers recently, most notably in our taxi rides home after long days of training or in the community. The most common question that comes up is, “Lynn, is it true that women in the US are liberated?” While I have many ways that I want to answer this question in my head, my boilerplate response is, “What is your definition of ‘liberated’?” This question is usually responded to with something along the lines of, “Well, is it true that American women have sex at a very young age?” To which I respond, “What age do you think that American women have sex at?” The response. “Well, they say that girls in the US have sex starting at the age of 9 or 10.” To which I calmly respond, “Who is ‘they’ that is telling you this?” Usually with no idea of who this mysterious ‘they’ is, we launch into a mutual conversation about the similarities between women here and women in the US. One thing I make sure to point out is that everyday I see at least a handful of girls (not women, but girls) who are pregnant and who are somewhat forced into a marriage that they do not want and into a family that they are not mature enough to handle. We eventually arrive at a conclusion involving something along the lines of all women, no matter what nationality, are individuals but that they actually have a lot in common. If we are lucky, we delve into the portrayal of women in the media and the difference between television and real life. If we are lucky. And don’t worry—I definitely dispel the belief that American girls are having sex at age 9.
So, are women in the US “liberated”, you ask? Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we are encouraged to follow our dreams and have the ability and social support to do so (usually). Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we can find good jobs and be successful in our careers, while simultaneously being girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers. Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we have control over our own bodies and the knowledge (hopefully) to make decisions as our maturity allows us. Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we can wear clothes that are flattering and not be stared at or reduced to feeling like an object as soon as we walk out of our houses. Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we pursue higher education, global experiences, and professional advancement, all because we can. So, I guess the answer is yes, we are liberated.
Gender everywhere seems to be a complicated issue, and with only being here a year, I am only beginning to understand. Like many things, it is a dichotomy. But alas, I will leave you with some pictures of our camp—which again, was a total success, thanks to how awesome our fellow volunteer, Elizabeth, is!
Overall, the youth camp was a success. We brought together about 40 teenagers from five different centers in the area to discuss anything relating to gender issues. The kids seemed to catch on, but I wish I could say the same for the adult facilitators.
There are a lot of topics here that are very sensitive, and that I just won’t offer my opinion on unless I am specifically asked for it—religion, family planning, the education system, fidelity, cultural beliefs in general, etc. For the most part, it is easy to stay quiet, unless I am with a trusted Filipino friend who I can have a mutual conversation with, or if I feel like something is completely unjust (like the race-centered jokes that are told all.of.the.time). Gender, though, is one of those topics where it is just very difficult to stay quiet.
I have heard so many times the phrase “gender sensitive” being thrown around, by NGOs and government organizations, trying to claim their level of “progressiveness”. It is supposed to impress people. Not me. From what I have observed, being “gender sensitive” means that women and girls are taken into consideration, not as equals but almost as if being a woman is a disability. By being “gender sensitive”, many organizations simply make an attempt to show that women are participating. In reality, though, at least in my observations, this is very much still a man’s culture and society. Yes, there is a female president, but that doesn’t exactly make us “progressive” by any means.
There was a moment during the camp that really caused all of the Peace Corps Volunteers to have to pick up our own jaws off of the ground. During one of the large group sessions, this statement was read, “If a woman dresses provocatively and walks around at night, it is her fault if she is raped or sexually assaulted.” Participants had a choice of Agree, Neutral, or Disagree. The group was split—about 50% in the Disagree, 10% in the Neutral, and 40% in Agree. There was even a male house parent from one of the centers that was agreeing to this statement! When asked to express his opinion, he shared that women who look sexy are responsible for putting bad thoughts in men’s heads. Umm, I’m sorry, when did humans revert to simple animals, who don’t have the ability to think logically or make their own decisions? What was equally sad was that those in the Disagree section were arguing for reasons that I wouldn’t even think of—“What if the woman is coming home from a party?” Well, what if she is not? What if she just likes to wear tank tops? By the way, the term “provocative” is pretty subjective, but I am not talking about anything slutty.
Now, I am not about to put you through a venting session on my blog. In the last few weeks, though, I have noticed a pattern when talking with other female Peace Corps Volunteers. With over a year finished in our service, the question of extension often comes up. It says something when the ONLY reason not to extend amongst other female PCVs is because they cannot stand the men. Now, we are not talking about wanting to date the men—we are talking about simply co-existing with them. Walking down the street here is never a leisurely stroll. It is usually not joyful by any means. Yes, there are times when you can walk down the street and make it to your destination without being noticed. That is usually at 5:30 AM, when no one is around. Otherwise, the walk involves men staring at women (especially foreign women), men hocking loogies, men urinating on the sidewalk, men drinking, men sticking their stomachs out with their shirts up, and most annoyingly, men randomly saying comments such as “Hello” or “Good morning, beautiful” after you pass them, since they are too “shy” to say it to your face. Two weeks ago, I visibly lost my temper for the first time, when an older man thought he had the right to grab my shoulder and slowly drag his hand all the way down my arm—as I was walking past him. Apparently, the fact that I was wearing a sleeveless dress was too tempting, and his ability to control his actions was thrown out the window. It is very much a man’s world, and to be a strong woman in a place that is constantly trying to shove you back down is a challenge.
With that said, there are definitely some Filipino men that do not fit this description at all—they are nice, respectful, and treat you as an equal. Yes, they are out there, I am sure of it. I have met a few, and I see a lot of potential in the male youth that I have worked with—they are thinking critically about their world, and hopefully gender and the dynamics within the Philippines has entered into their thoughts. At the same time, I have met so many young, strong women here, and I know that they will take a stand and demand a change in the way that society treats them and what is expected. My two closest Filipina friends both have boyfriends and both insist on delaying marriage until the time is right and they have accomplished some of their personal goals. Both being mid-20s, with a very young average marriage age here, this says a lot about where the trend is going. The key demographic factor of these two friends though, I believe, is that they are both college-educated. Most of the population is not.
One thing that has also come up within the past few weeks regarding gender is how American women are seen around the globe. I have had several great conversations with co-workers recently, most notably in our taxi rides home after long days of training or in the community. The most common question that comes up is, “Lynn, is it true that women in the US are liberated?” While I have many ways that I want to answer this question in my head, my boilerplate response is, “What is your definition of ‘liberated’?” This question is usually responded to with something along the lines of, “Well, is it true that American women have sex at a very young age?” To which I respond, “What age do you think that American women have sex at?” The response. “Well, they say that girls in the US have sex starting at the age of 9 or 10.” To which I calmly respond, “Who is ‘they’ that is telling you this?” Usually with no idea of who this mysterious ‘they’ is, we launch into a mutual conversation about the similarities between women here and women in the US. One thing I make sure to point out is that everyday I see at least a handful of girls (not women, but girls) who are pregnant and who are somewhat forced into a marriage that they do not want and into a family that they are not mature enough to handle. We eventually arrive at a conclusion involving something along the lines of all women, no matter what nationality, are individuals but that they actually have a lot in common. If we are lucky, we delve into the portrayal of women in the media and the difference between television and real life. If we are lucky. And don’t worry—I definitely dispel the belief that American girls are having sex at age 9.
So, are women in the US “liberated”, you ask? Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we are encouraged to follow our dreams and have the ability and social support to do so (usually). Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we can find good jobs and be successful in our careers, while simultaneously being girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers. Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we have control over our own bodies and the knowledge (hopefully) to make decisions as our maturity allows us. Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we can wear clothes that are flattering and not be stared at or reduced to feeling like an object as soon as we walk out of our houses. Yes, if by “liberated” you mean that we pursue higher education, global experiences, and professional advancement, all because we can. So, I guess the answer is yes, we are liberated.
Gender everywhere seems to be a complicated issue, and with only being here a year, I am only beginning to understand. Like many things, it is a dichotomy. But alas, I will leave you with some pictures of our camp—which again, was a total success, thanks to how awesome our fellow volunteer, Elizabeth, is!
MassKara Rocks.
Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to visit some friends in Bacolod, a city in a neighboring province, to attend their 30th annual MassKara Festival. The city-wide festival gathers together people, colors, masks, and dancers for an explosion of a celebration. It was so great to get together with other volunteers, some of whom I hadn't seen for six months. Enjoy some of the pictures!
09 October 2009
Height Matters.
“Helper Wanted: Male, 15-18 years old.”
“Hiring: Store Managers – 2 Female, 1 Male: 25-28 years old.”
“Job Fair: Hotel Employees. Preference goes to graduates of University of ______. 20-23 years old."
“Waitress Needed: Female, 18-20. Symmetrical Features.”
Finding a job in the Philippines is not only difficult because of the lack of jobs here, but also because job openings usually have very narrow requirements. These specifications are very different than in the US, and it has been difficult to adjust to this. Not that I am looking for a job, but I do know a lot of people that are. Most employers look to fill their openings with someone of a specific gender, age, look, or alma mater. Although I have heard that discrimination (whatever that means) is supposedly illegal, I often wonder which definition of discrimination is used.
A resume in the US is pretty basic—it includes your name, contact information, objective in seeking this particular position, education background, work experience, and any other relevant information. A “biodata” sheet here contains the same information, as well as such things as a picture, your religion, birth date, physical description, and even your father’s occupation. When all this extra (and one could say irrelevant) information gets thrown into the hiring process, is it a wonder why it is difficult for some to attain employment? For example, an employer might be much more likely to hire someone whose father is a sales manager than someone whose father is a trike driver. This piece of information actually has nothing to do with the skills and abilities of the applicant that sits down for the interview, but nonetheless, the fact that it is on the biodata sheet probably weighs into the decision. The same goes for religion—if an applicant lists Born-Again Christian on their biodata sheet, they are probably not likely to be hired by a Catholic organization. After all, it might interfere with their work.
Imagine my surprise the other day when I found out that in many positions, there is even a height requirement. Yes, whether you are tall or short may determine your hire-ability or even your chances of continuing on to further education. One of our youth (and I must say, one of my favorites) is 4’11” and a high school graduate. He took and passed the entrance exam to get into one of the best technical training programs here, but because of requirements of employers (who have heavy influence over the students who are accepted into the program) that their employees must be over 5’0” tall, he was turned away. In the discussion with my supervisor, I must have repeated several times, “A height requirement?!?” in several different grammatical forms in both languages. She was equally shocked when I said that this sort of discrimination is illegal in the US. “Oy, illegal?”
While no place is perfect, and I suppose I am not in any position to say what is right or wrong, it is little pieces to the puzzle like this that help to explain the persistence of poverty. Even if a youth from an indigent family is lucky enough to receive a college scholarship or sponsorship and eventually graduate, the fact that their biodata lists their father’s occupation as “standby” or their picture shows that their teeth aren’t all present might influence their chances at finding a job. Those people who choose to cross-venture into a traditionally male- or female-gendered career, or those who are in a religious minority, might be put at more of a disadvantage. Depending on the job you are looking for, being a short male, single mother, married woman, gay man, non-religious person, man with long hair, woman with short hair, Muslim, someone in your mid-40s, someone with a disability, a fresh graduate, etc. might determine your success.
Word on the street is that the height requirement for this specific technical training program has been lifted, which is great news for this particular youth. It is also great news for me, as I don’t have to consider lending him my favorite high heels to trick the system anymore. Fortunately, while some “flaw” on your biodata might determine your job prospects, it does not have to decide everything, as the sign I saw along the road the other day clearly demonstrates:
“Wanted: Asawa (wife). Any kind. Call # ________________”
28 September 2009
Storming, Adopting, Goodbye-ing, Hump Day-ing, etc.
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of a schedule at work! This past Friday, along with another Peace Corps Volunteer and two staff members of International Justice Mission, we did a presentation for the American Chamber of Commerce on human trafficking and the current situation here in the Philippines. The presentation went pretty well, and there was a great response afterwards in talking to members of the audience. On Saturday, we held a full-day toy-making training for our supervised neighborhood play teachers and mothers in the community. The mothers got a lot out of it, and I think it was a good bonding time for them—I just hope they use what they learn once they are back at home! While it was all something to smile about, I was a ball of stress for about an hour since the training went really late, transportation options were limited where we were, I was supposed to be at a going away party (despedida) of a good friend that night, and I still had to pack for my 7 AM flight.
While riding in a trike, I received a phone call though from my training manager, who informed me of the horrible weather in Manila and that I was not supposed to travel the next day. Whoo, one thing off my plate. It wasn’t until the next day, though, that I realized how big this storm actually was. The metro Manila area basically received a month’s worth of rain within a 24-hour period, causing flooding and landslides. The last number I heard was that 79 people were dead. Please keep those affected and the Philippines in your thoughts and prayers, as it is a difficult time now for many.
And, on to the despedida…this weekend, I had to say goodbye to one of my site mates, who is heading for the US this week. Due to unfortunate circumstances, her departure is both premature and unexpected. Over the past few months, we have grown close and learned to use each other for support when it was most needed. We have also had a lot of fun! I am sad to see her go, and she will truly be missed. Loren, I hope there are plenty of pleasant surprises and equally-fulfilling challenges down the next journey…and I will see you on the flipside!
This week, I am heading to do my CYF duty as “Adopt-a-Cluster Extraordinaire”. There will be no real adopting—this just means that I will lead trainings for one of the clusters in our new batch of Peace Corps Trainees. I am excited to meet them and share the experiences of our batch! Plus, I have stocked up on some American goodies for them—I can’t wait to see their reactions. Last year, it seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere and had no access to any of our comfort foods—when gifts arrived from our training manager, I don’t even think we breathed during inhaling all the food. Although I am arriving two days late (due to the storms), I am excited to be there. My travel plans have changed, though, and I won’t be making it up to Vigan where I was hoping to vacation for a few days. I will be heading back to site next week!
One fun piece of news is that my time in the Philippines is 50% complete, as of yesterday! Another CYF volunteer and all of his amazingness occasionally sends texts to all of us, congratulating us on our one-month, six-month, one-year anniversaries, etc. The text we received yesterday went like this:
“365 days a year times 2 years + 84 days of PST = 814 days of Peace Corps Service divided by 2 = 407 days. August 16th, 2009 (day 365) + 42 days = September 27th, 2009 (day 407). . . So Congratulations and Happy Hump Day! You are officially halfway completed with your Peace Corps Services : ) . . . And there’s not much 2 say on your Peace Corps Hump Day, it’s more of a day for thoughtful thinking they say. . . Some might say the glass is half empty, and some might say that it’s half full. . . I say, if you’ve still got something in your glass, then you’ve still got something 2 cheers! . . . So let the fun continue and congratulations 2 you awesome Peace Corps Volunteers, because “The hardest job you’ll ever love” isn’t an empowering advertising slogan for you, it’s your lifelong slogan for a period of time when you faced unforeseen challenges in an effort 2 help : ) . . . Keep up the good work!”
It is hard to believe how quickly the time goes, and looking forward at a calendar, the second half will seem to fly by twice as quickly as the first. Thanks to all my fellow PCVs for keeping the days bright!
While riding in a trike, I received a phone call though from my training manager, who informed me of the horrible weather in Manila and that I was not supposed to travel the next day. Whoo, one thing off my plate. It wasn’t until the next day, though, that I realized how big this storm actually was. The metro Manila area basically received a month’s worth of rain within a 24-hour period, causing flooding and landslides. The last number I heard was that 79 people were dead. Please keep those affected and the Philippines in your thoughts and prayers, as it is a difficult time now for many.
And, on to the despedida…this weekend, I had to say goodbye to one of my site mates, who is heading for the US this week. Due to unfortunate circumstances, her departure is both premature and unexpected. Over the past few months, we have grown close and learned to use each other for support when it was most needed. We have also had a lot of fun! I am sad to see her go, and she will truly be missed. Loren, I hope there are plenty of pleasant surprises and equally-fulfilling challenges down the next journey…and I will see you on the flipside!
This week, I am heading to do my CYF duty as “Adopt-a-Cluster Extraordinaire”. There will be no real adopting—this just means that I will lead trainings for one of the clusters in our new batch of Peace Corps Trainees. I am excited to meet them and share the experiences of our batch! Plus, I have stocked up on some American goodies for them—I can’t wait to see their reactions. Last year, it seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere and had no access to any of our comfort foods—when gifts arrived from our training manager, I don’t even think we breathed during inhaling all the food. Although I am arriving two days late (due to the storms), I am excited to be there. My travel plans have changed, though, and I won’t be making it up to Vigan where I was hoping to vacation for a few days. I will be heading back to site next week!
One fun piece of news is that my time in the Philippines is 50% complete, as of yesterday! Another CYF volunteer and all of his amazingness occasionally sends texts to all of us, congratulating us on our one-month, six-month, one-year anniversaries, etc. The text we received yesterday went like this:
“365 days a year times 2 years + 84 days of PST = 814 days of Peace Corps Service divided by 2 = 407 days. August 16th, 2009 (day 365) + 42 days = September 27th, 2009 (day 407). . . So Congratulations and Happy Hump Day! You are officially halfway completed with your Peace Corps Services : ) . . . And there’s not much 2 say on your Peace Corps Hump Day, it’s more of a day for thoughtful thinking they say. . . Some might say the glass is half empty, and some might say that it’s half full. . . I say, if you’ve still got something in your glass, then you’ve still got something 2 cheers! . . . So let the fun continue and congratulations 2 you awesome Peace Corps Volunteers, because “The hardest job you’ll ever love” isn’t an empowering advertising slogan for you, it’s your lifelong slogan for a period of time when you faced unforeseen challenges in an effort 2 help : ) . . . Keep up the good work!”
It is hard to believe how quickly the time goes, and looking forward at a calendar, the second half will seem to fly by twice as quickly as the first. Thanks to all my fellow PCVs for keeping the days bright!
11 September 2009
Happy Birthday, Dad!
I wanted to send a public shout out to my Dad, who is celebrating 55 wonderful years of life this weekend! Thanks Dad, for being who you are, for our weekly phone calls, for always being there, and most especially, for putting up with me when I was a teenager. Cheers to another healthy and happy 55 years of life!
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