A Hybrid Sense of Self

Juan Miguel Bugayong, a name that epitomizes an increasingly globalized world, and an ongoing movement of international connection. With my first name originating from Spain, and my last name from the Philippines, I have always seen myself from a conglomerate of cultures, a melting pot of ethnicities that transcends a nation’s borders. Everytime I introduce myself as Filipino, I have always gotten the response of “Oh… the Mexicans of Asia.” From being colonized by Spain from 1565–1898, to being colonized by the United States from 1898–1946, to finally gaining independence, my nationality continues to be questioned. Being born in the Philippines and moving to America at three years old, I constantly questioned if the origin of birth defines my ethnicity and where my roots lie. But today, I find myself from the Philippines and the United States, a hybrid of nations, and an explorer of more. Thus, I am Juan Miguel Bugayong, a hybrid citizen moving vastly towards a globalized world. Some may argue that a globalized world brings forth the loss of individual identity and in turn loses our roots as unique people. However, I argue that the more hybrid we are, the more we grow as global citizens, bringing forth a stronger, deeper understanding and connection between all humans on an equal scale.

In accordance with this hybridity, we begin to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us, and gain empathy for our connections towards each other. By recognizing our own hybrid identities, we can begin to learn that the world doesn’t need to be divided by origin, race, or color, but rather the hybridization of society that continues to push us towards connection. Concurrently, I believe that today’s world represents the epitome of a hybrid state. For example, I wake up in my room with bed sheets from China, eat a Filipino breakfast with American made plates, put on my Vietnam made shoes, and leave. That is a normal morning in my hybrid home. But how does this bring forth deeper connections? How does having different cultural influences in one’s life bring forth true change? Though I look towards a global mindset and globalized world, I would argue that we are still in a process of globalization, a state of hybridity that stands in between a nationalistic and globalistic mindsest. If actions and experiences are what details our own identities, it would be impossible to ever identify ourselves as only national. We live and breathe in a world that continues to open towards a fusion of ideas, foods, products, and experiences around us. The idealistic life cannot be possible with the seclusion of a country, and a divisive mindset that continues to diverge our own identities. Therefore, even though we have our own nationalistic identities, one can begin to recognize and understand the fusion and integration of countries and products that bring forth this hybrid state. A nationalistic mind can be exposed to globalistic customs, and thus, evolve the hybrid world that we live in today. This integration of countries and products sets aside the labels of our divisive nations, and continues to promote hybrid versions of ourselves that moves towards more understanding of the world around us.

However, aren’t our inherent differences of religion, sects, gender, race, etc. the very values of what makes us unique? Do we in turn lose our own distinctive values because of a world geared towards each other? While there may seem to be a loss of individuality that comes with globalization, I believe that our own freedom and choice to hybridize our lifestyles and values brings on that own sense of self. Our own distinctive and proactive choice to continually depict our own values creates a sense of uniqueness one can’t achieve with a national, divisive mindset. In fact, I would argue that choosing to be a national citizen causes one to assimilate into a selective lifestyle, rather than the open, limitless world around them. Of course, we cannot truly be global as of yet, but hybridity continues to progress this avenue towards globality.

Then why do we continually grow into a world that denies this hybridity? A world that produces nationalistic education that rejects a globalistic world and hybrid identity? Yet, I would argue this still stems from a nationalistic mindset. Coming from an American public education, I have witnessed nationalistic education that continues to move towards a contemporary, biased view of the world. For example, at the start of the day, students stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance — an acknowledgement of some sorts towards nationalistic ideals. However, this is followed by rather nationalistic topics. Nationalistic ideals stem from a nationalistic education, and students are only exposed to a finite system that proves patriotisim over a globalist mindset. From political education, or patriotic education, to the American language itself, the biased views of this system restricts the ability for one to think critically and freely about the world. More importantly, my personal experience of public education limited the topics of racial discrimination, LGBTQ+ visibility, gun control, etc. Nationalistic education stems from a seclusive view of an everchanging world, and forces one to think in a “correct” manner than the question “why?” Rather than discovering more about an increasingly connected world, public education limits a mindset on solely nationalistic strata. Therefore, countries and nationalistic communities lack a sense of community because of the building blocks of division instilled within education itself.

Therefore, humanity must turn to see the hybridization that leaves not a national identity, but rather an increased connected world. One must recognize the ability to think beyond divisive structures and physical borders in order to freely connect with the world around them. This state of globality is not just what we are moving towards, it is the beginning of how we choose to assimilate in the world today. To prove this, we look towards the global movement of #StopAAPIHate. With the origin of Covid-19 originating from China, the coined term “Chinese Virus” instigated a surge of violence specifically aimed at Asians throughout the United States. However, humans with a sense of hybridity pushed for empathy that stood united against the rise in violence. The global cry of racism continues to be answered with a global movement of vigils, peaceful protests, attention, relief, and marches. This sense of global solidarity cannot be because of a nationalistic, or divisive state of mind. Reaching beyond towards a hybrid mindset enforces a level of respect and connection that proactively acts towards the equality of all people in spite of differences. Therefore, hybridity stands as not only a term describing an increased globalized state, but rather a state of mind that pushes for a deeper connection beyond nationalistic borders. This divisiveness then becomes a celebration of cultural diversity, societal differences, and loosened borders. Consequently, we must represent the hybridity of humanity, and the continuous connection of who we are revolving around our unique connections.

Thereby, I continue to choose a global mindset, a hybrid citizen moving towards an ever changing identity. To take things from another culture or perspective with a level of respect brings forth a new foundation of humanity itself. Only then can we create a new world built on the level of connection we seek so highly of for the past centuries. Only then can we create a new world that is not divided by the imprints of our ancestors, but by the world that precedes us. I am Juan Miguel Bugayong, a hybrid human being.