The value in being politically aware

As a voter, you have direct influence on who will make decisions for the future. You currently have the power to control what will affect your family’s future.
Many people believe the voices of Asian Americans are not heard. We sometimes complain that Asian Americans are not noticed in the media, have a lack of presence in power positions in industries, and argue that our needs are not met, especially when compared to other races such as Latinos or African Americans. Though there are multiple reasons why Asian Americans may lack in these areas, one of the reasons could be that we show disinterest in those matters and do not care for exercising our rights as citizens.
How will our future leaders decide to help out a group of people who show no concern for the politics?
Nearly 3.8 million Filipinos reside in the U.S., with close to 3.2 million who are U.S. citizens, according to the 2014 U.S. Census estimate.
Of the Asian American population, Filipinos make up the second largest group, after the Chinese population. Therefore, statistically, we do have a critical impact on the election.
We must learn to be open and cooperative with one another about it.
When we avoid politics, it avoids us. It is a topic often least favored at the dinner table, one that will get people into trouble. However, it will never work in our favor until we take the time to make it work the way we want. America is a country that gives us the opportunity to do so, and we ought to be thankful for the choice to do so through civic duty.
Most Filipino Americans brought their family to the United States for one united goal: to allow their children to grow up with better opportunities that may not be commonly found in the Philippines. Filipino Americans moved here with the hope for a successful future and to leave a dynamic legacy.
That goal has and can still be achievable. However, we must understand that the journey to reach our goal also begins with how the U.S. government controls its people, and we do have a say in what they allow or not allow us to do.
Besides voting for a presidential candidate, you will have the chance to vote on California’s 17 propositions. These propositions have an effect not only in your own life, but more significantly on the future of your family, such as our children and grandchildren.
For example, Proposition 51 deals with education. It offers $9 billion of school bonds to fund improvement and construction of school facilities for K-12 schools and community colleges.
Proposition 63 deals with the Second Amendment and public safety. It would increase the requirements for gun ownership, require background checks and for the Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition.
Proposition 64 deals with the possession of marijuana. It would allow people over 21 years old to grow up to six pot plants at home, possess up to an ounce of marijuana and use it for recreational purposes. This legalization would allow the state, along with cities and counties, to regulate and tax the growing and sale of non-medical marijuana.
Once approved, these propositions will go into effect soon after. You have the power to decide whether or not you decide to support these propositions.
We can determine who gets elected. We have the power to change how our state controls or doesn’t control our laws. We have the power to prove to the United States that Filipino-American voices are as equally important as everyone else’s.
Heather Domingo was born and raised in Bakersfield, California and is currently a senior political science major at Loyola Marymount University. Her mother is from Oas, Albay in Bicol, and her father is from Carosucan Norte, Asingan in Pangasinan. She is an only child raised to value her Filipino heritage and is interested in attending law school.