Crazy and rich

As one of those people who read the books of Kevin Kwan and its sequels, I made my way to the cinema upon the release of its film version, “Crazy Rich Asians.” It was a rather lonely theater, considering being there at the first hour of the mall opening. The movie was very oriental, portraying the structured operation of a traditional Singaporean family. It featured several pop songs sung in Mandarin. I could say it was colorful and touching at the same time.

Kwan made his way into the silver screen by winning the hearts of the audience by having an all-Asian cast. As it was supposed to redeem the already trampled reputation of immigrants to other parts of the world, it showed a different story; the ones the most of us already know. It is the typical story of how the rich becomes richer and how the poor are degraded. The damsel works her way up the ladder gaining the respect of the parents to be accepted in the already crazy family.

I don’t know if the same crazy dynamics work in the Philippine setting. As far as I know today, there is no expensive dowry for one’s partner to be part of the family. Even when there is a baby conceived, cohabitation is optional. Ours may not be as colorful as the traditions played in the movie but there seem to be a disconnect --Philippine culture does not have its own distinctive identity.

We have customs that were not made by our ancestors. There are practices now that have lost touch with the new generation because of how we tend to forget things and who we really are. The value of creating a family has degraded slowly. Not that raising kids alone is ugly, but the point to raise is that the typical Filipino is now facing shaky family ties which are totally different from before.

Despite having money, it will not buy happiness and the drive to pursue a passion. We are all bound to be great in many areas and there is always a thing or two that gives us a spark. The generation today will never understand passion and the fulfillment it gives if parents keep on dictating their child’s future. It is important to raise individuals, especially in this country, whose goal is to become the best version of themselves and not some copycat.

Kwan may have made his point in the movie, striking all the stereotypes and discrimination that this world may offer. His vision to eliminate these ills in society is far from being done, as there are still those with a closed mind. As the movie continues to raise numbers at the box office, I hope that many will realize that culture may give us a sense of identity but it is and will never be a basis for judgment. Whether you are white or black, with kinky hair, or with almond eyes, character withstands the outward appearance.