what counts as asian/pacific islander?

Applying to College
41

<p>"Actually, I'd like to ask how long you've been living in the States? If your father grew up in the States, and so did you, I don't see how you can speak for the Filipinoes. ..however you spell that lol. From where I live, we've got plenty of Filipinoes coming here for jobs and I've never, ever heard any identify themself as someone other than a Philipino."</p>

<p>Yes many of my friends choose to identify with their traditional Fillipino ancestry/ genetic lineage. I on the other hand, choose to identify with the culture I am most often mistaken as. There is nothing wrong with this. Oh, and I was born here in America. </p>

<p>"But yes I'd agree with others that it's a bit suspicious for you to mark yourself as a URM during college admissions. I'm Asian yet have been immersed in western culture since day one, do I count as white then? I'm just saying, if you mark yourself as African American, people will expect you to be black. Not just in terms of skin color. Besides, you might give a wrong impression to an interviewer if you put yourself down as black but when he asks you where your parents are from, you say Philipine."</p>

<p>It doesn't matter how much you are immersed or not, but whether or not you IDENTIFY with the white culture. If yes, then by all means, you are white. Anyone who sits there and argues with you that you are not white is a bit racist. </p>

<p>Hmm, when it comes down to the interview. I will say my parents are indeed from Africa. I will not be lying when I say this because all of mankind originated from the indigenous peoples of Africa. Case closed.</p>

42

<p>Lol, that was a fast reply.</p>

<p>I can see some of your logic, but think that most people would call you a big, fat liar. Ah well, you should consider law school. You'd be a perfect lawyer for the defense of OJ Simpson. =P</p>

43

<p>"Lol, that was a fast reply.</p>

<p>I can see some of your logic, but think that most people would call you a big, fat liar. Ah well, you should consider law school. You'd be a perfect lawyer for the defense of OJ Simpson. =P"</p>

<p>Let them call me a liar have you. I am not going to argue with them about whether they are gay or not. </p>

<p>The last line was a bit uncalled for. Are you implying OJ Simpson was guilty because he was African American?</p>

44

<p>urmnigga, if you really identify yourself with African-Americans and get offended at racism, why the username?</p>

45

<p>what about my username?</p>

<p>Meh, people just don't understand. I'm trying to change the way people view that 'n' word. Because I am far from the typical African American, I am trying to bring a good connotation to this slang.</p>

46

<p>I know many African-Americans that would be completely offended at that.</p>

47

<p>"Hmm, when it comes down to the interview. I will say my parents are indeed from Africa. I will not be lying when I say this because all of mankind originated from the indigenous peoples of Africa. Case closed."</p>

<p>"By your logic, you are saying the only people that qualify as "black" are "African-Americans" who may not even have African ancestry (think some of the French colonies and Haiti)"</p>

<p>Firstly, please don't contradict yourself in such a blatant fashion. It makes rebutting you just not fun.</p>

<p>Secondly, regardless of whether or not any argument you've made is true or false, the simple fact is that the admissions officers aren't going to buy it. You're not going to persuade an admissions officer who frequently deals with people trying to beat the system. And whether or not you are trying to beat the system, it's clear from the responses you got here that you run a huge risk. Not one argument you've thrown at us will result in anything but a rejection if you were to propose them to the admissions officer. You're judged by people, not by machines, and technicalities aren't going to get you admitted. </p>

<p>Let's go for some examples. If you tell the admissions officer your parents are from Africa, and (s)he finds out they're Filipino, (s)he will reject you, no questions asked. As far as the admissions officer is concerned, Filipino is not black and you lied. You're not going to be afforded the opportunity to defend yourself.</p>

<p>Let's say they don't ask about your parents. Let's say you get accepted. They find out later that you're Filipino. They ask you for an explanation. What are you going to tell them? You're unable to even persuade us, and we have nothing to gain or lose by denying you. All colleges, especially the ones you seem to be planning on applying to, value integrity greatly, and if you're unable to persuade them that you didn't lie on your application, you're sunk. They're not going to think "well, he found a technicality, I guess there's no harm in keeping him." If you want to come up with a plausible explanation, then maybe you've got a shot.</p>

<p>No system works perfectly. Even if you consider yourself to be technically correct, thinking that being technically correct will make them accept the claim that you are black is simply naive, because sometimes technically correct just isn't enough.</p>

<p>We have no means of stopping you from marking that you're African-American on your application, but I'm warning you now (and I'm sure everyone else here will agree) that you're putting your college career in jeopardy by doing so.</p>

48

<p>Wow...I wasn't aware that we could just up and change our race whenever we felt like it.</p>

49

<p>"I know many African-Americans that would be completely offended at that."</p>

<p>Tell that to my numerous black friends who treat me like own of their own. They are like second family to me basically.</p>

<p>"Firstly, please don't contradict yourself in such a blatant fashion. It makes rebutting you just not fun.</p>

<p>Secondly, regardless of whether or not any argument you've made is true or false, the simple fact is that the admissions officers aren't going to buy it. You're not going to persuade an admissions officer who frequently deals with people trying to beat the system. And whether or not you are trying to beat the system, it's clear from the responses you got here that you run a huge risk. Not one argument you've thrown at us will result in anything but a rejection if you were to propose them to the admissions officer. You're judged by people, not by machines, and technicalities aren't going to get you admitted."</p>

<p>Everyone makes it sound like I've been identifying myself as black for my personal and professional advancement. WRONG. I've been marking myself as black since about sophmore year (long before we were even thinking of college applications). I shouldn't have to change my cultural identity now just because you assume the worst intentions in me. </p>

<p>"Let's go for some examples. If you tell the admissions officer your parents are from Africa, and (s)he finds out they're Filipino, (s)he will reject you, no questions asked. As far as the admissions officer is concerned, Filipino is not black and you lied. You're not going to be afforded the opportunity to defend yourself.</p>

<p>Let's say they don't ask about your parents. Let's say you get accepted. They find out later that you're Filipino. They ask you for an explanation. What are you going to tell them? You're unable to even persuade us, and we have nothing to gain or lose by denying you. All colleges, especially the ones you seem to be planning on applying to, value integrity greatly, and if you're unable to persuade them that you didn't lie on your application, you're sunk. They're not going to think "well, he found a technicality, I guess there's no harm in keeping him." If you want to come up with a plausible explanation, then maybe you've got a shot."</p>

<p>You make it sound like being of Fillipino genetics is some dark secret that adcoms will magically discover. Let me tell you this: It is not. I look and identify with my black culture for a reason. Both my parents look black and sadly they have been called the 'n' word and faced racism on numerous counts. They are cool with me putting down I am black on my apps (I mean who do you think encouraged it in the first place) If pressed for answers by an adcom (though I doubt it), my parents will say we are of African heritage (as we are). In any case, I fail to see why we should not hold the benefits of AA if we are facing the same daily troubles (prejudices, stereotyping) that people of direct black heritage are facing? Catch 22 I suppose. </p>

<p>"No system works perfectly. Even if you consider yourself to be technically correct, thinking that being technically correct will make them accept the claim that you are black is simply naive, because sometimes technically correct just isn't enough.</p>

<p>We have no means of stopping you from marking that you're African-American on your application, but I'm warning you now (and I'm sure everyone else here will agree) that you're putting your college career in jeopardy by doing so."</p>

<p>I doubt it. I can't get dinged for telling the truth.</p>

50

<p>I think you really should not have publicized your actions and feelings. Stanford/Yale/MIT/Cal kids/officers have been known to visit CC and it might raise awareness of this year's prospective students with respect to African American applicants.</p>

<p>If you really want to go through with this kind of thing just stop bringing so much attention to yourself because honestly I don't agree with you and neither do a lot of other people. Some people on CC might be angry that you would be getting this advantage.</p>

<p>Just some honest advice.....</p>

51

<p>no...oj simpson was guilty b/c he killed nicole brown...don't play the race card</p>

<p>I really find it funny that alot of filipinos dont identify themselves as asian. I have several flip friends that say they're "not asian but pacific islanders" and whenever I ask them why they never have a good explanation. I always thought that pacific islanders were like islands in the middle of nowhere...say places near guam and such. the phillipines on the other hand are right of the coast of asia (would taiwan be considered a pacific island...would japan?)</p>

<p>On another notes, urmnigga, if ur filipino and u mark the black/african american box, wouldnt the admissions officer question that since u do have a spanish/asian last name (assuming since most filipinos do)? I see this as very immoral. And also, if u truly do have competitive stats u wouldnt check any box at all since nowadays that section on the app is optional (at least on the common app). consider reading hunger of memory by richard rodriguez</p>

52

<p>Oh and I forgot to mention: </p>

<p>Think about what you are doing. You are a strong applicant and you may be seeing an autoreject which would be a shame because you would probably have a good chance on your scores/stats alone. All your parent's info and your info can be found out through taxes, social security number, last names, your high school, and the interview which are all used in College Applications. </p>

<p>I know I would be very angry as a college admissions officer if you tried to explain a Pacific Island nation (as you stated yourself) to be African American. It would seem like you were insulting my intelligence.</p>

53

<p>urmnigga,</p>

<p>As a Filipino-American, I think you're being, with all due respect, very irrational. You're free to be that way, I'm just speaking from a rational point of view. You consider yourself black because of your skin color? You're talking about the Philippines here! Most of us are dark-skinned! </p>

<p>I am a light-skinned Filipino, (meztiso) and have some Latino friends who are light-skinned as well. We're not now going to call ourselves white, even if for some oddball reason, we mentally "identify" ourselves as white, ...simply because....WE'RE NOT WHITE! </p>

<p>Using the "state of mind" argument is, in a sense, a denial of where you come from, no matter how black a state of mind you have. Your blood runs deeper than your "state of mind". You could have had a white, black, brown, or red state of mind if circumstances would have led you so. But you would have been a Filipino in blood, in any one of those "states of mind".</p>

<p>By the way, if you want to identify yourself as Pacific Islander and not Asian...hey, that's where the category of Asian/Pacific islander comes in. Or do you think calling yourself Pacific Islander is a stretch as well?</p>

54

<p>I'm asain but I got white skin , I wear polos, all my friends are white, but do I call myself white? No because I not white, just because I look the part doesn't mean I am. So can albino blacks can also call themselves white?</p>

<p>BTW urmnigga, what do you do to identify yourself as black?</p>

55

<p>"I think you really should not have publicized your actions and feelings. Stanford/Yale/MIT/Cal kids/officers have been known to visit CC and it might raise awareness of this year's prospective students with respect to African American applicants.</p>

<p>If you really want to go through with this kind of thing just stop bringing so much attention to yourself because honestly I don't agree with you and neither do a lot of other people. Some people on CC might be angry that you would be getting this advantage."</p>

<p>Why do you think have I refrained from posting my 'stats' on here? Even if I did give out some information to identify myself, don't you think giving a background check for each African American applicant would be a strain on university resources? </p>

<p>"I really find it funny that alot of filipinos dont identify themselves as asian. I have several flip friends that say they're "not asian but pacific islanders" and whenever I ask them why they never have a good explanation. I always thought that pacific islanders were like islands in the middle of nowhere...say places near guam and such. the phillipines on the other hand are right of the coast of asia (would taiwan be considered a pacific island...would japan?)"</p>

<p>Heh, its complete different. It'd be akin to calling someone from Mexico a Columbian. Offensive and completely ignorant at the very least.</p>

<p>"On another notes, urmnigga, if ur filipino and u mark the black/african american box, wouldnt the admissions officer question that since u do have a spanish/asian last name (assuming since most filipinos do)? I see this as very immoral. And also, if u truly do have competitive stats u wouldnt check any box at all since nowadays that section on the app is optional (at least on the common app). consider reading hunger of memory by richard rodriguez"</p>

<p>It actually works out because my sirname is racially ambigious. What book is that? </p>

<p>"Oh and I forgot to mention: </p>

<p>Think about what you are doing. You are a strong applicant and you may be seeing an autoreject which would be a shame because you would probably have a good chance on your scores/stats alone. All your parent's info and your info can be found out through taxes, social security number, last names, your high school, and the interview which are all used in College Applications. </p>

<p>I know I would be very angry as a college admissions officer if you tried to explain a Pacific Island nation (as you stated yourself) to be African American. It would seem like you were insulting my intelligence."</p>

<p>If I told you I was gay but you argued it was not possible because I seemed like a ladies man, would I be insulting your intelligence as well? Think about it. Please. </p>

<p>"As a Filipino-American, I think you're being, with all due respect, very irrational. You're free to be that way, I'm just speaking from a rational point of view. You consider yourself black because of your skin color? You're talking about the Philippines here! Most of us are dark-skinned! </p>

<p>I am a light-skinned Filipino, (meztiso) and have some Latino friends who are light-skinned as well. We're not now going to call ourselves white, even if for some oddball reason, we mentally "identify" ourselves as white, ...simply because....WE'RE NOT WHITE!"</p>

<p>Just because my opinion is not in the majority, it does not qualify my mentality as irrational. In fact, most forward thinking people were disregarded as irrational in their hayday but later accepted as 'thinking ahead of our time'. I believe I belong in this category as the definitions of race will grow more and more fluid as more of the population intermarries. </p>

<p>"Using the "state of mind" argument is, in a sense, a denial of where you come from, no matter how black a state of mind you have. Your blood runs deeper than your "state of mind". You could have had a white, black, brown, or red state of mind if circumstances would have led you so. But you would have been a Filipino in blood, in any one of those "states of mind"."</p>

<p>Tell this to someone who is adopted. </p>

<p>"By the way, if you want to identify yourself as Pacific Islander and not Asian...hey, that's where the category of Asian/Pacific islander comes in. Or do you think calling yourself Pacific Islander is a stretch as well?""</p>

<p>No it is not a stretch. But I DO NOT identify with my Fillipino counterparts as much as I do my black culture. </p>

<p>"I'm asain but I got white skin , I wear polos, all my friends are white, but do I call myself white? No because I not white, just because I look the part doesn't mean I am. So can albino blacks can also call themselves white?</p>

<p>BTW urmnigga, what do you do to identify yourself as black?"</p>

<p>Please refrain from the extreme examples. Heres why I identify myself as black:</p>

<p>1.) I LOOK BLACK! Sadly, this also means I face the same problems they do (racism, stereotypes...like people assuming I'm dumb/ lower achieving).
2.) Majority of my friends are black. We share many similarities, music, taste in women, clothing styles, television shows, things to do for fun.</p>

<p>Though this may seem miniscule to you guys, if any of you would meet me in person you would little dispute that I am in fact black.</p>

56

<p>Buddy, just cause you wear Sean John does not mean you are "black". I know plenty of wannabe "black" indians out there and I would not mistake them for "black" any day despite their poor attempts at streetballing or battle rapping. </p>

<p>Anyways, regardless of how much you enjoy the company of blacks or appreciate their culture, the application asks RACE as in BLOOD. Unless you have African blood in you, you cannot honestly put black.</p>

57

<p>Just to let you know: Only a handful of African American kids are accepted each year to top schools so it is not like huge numbers we are talking about. It wouldn't be hard to raise awareness of such things such as looking at last names or the interview + social security number which happen anyways. </p>

<p>"If I told you I was gay but you argued it was not possible because I seemed like a ladies man"</p>

<p>You can't be serious. Homosexuality is an individual preference. Your COUNTRY and BLOOD is not. The Phillipines is a Pacific Island. There is a box saying Pacific Islander. You don't have to call yourself "Asian" but you are a Pacific Islander at the least. Your Mexican/Columbian example is also an example of erroneous logic. It would be like calling a Filipino a Japanese; not like calling a Filipino an Asian or Pacific Islander. Finally, the question is based on blood/originality and not on whatever race you "feel" like or "identify" with.</p>

<p>"1.) I LOOK BLACK! Sadly, this also means I face the same problems they do (racism, stereotypes...like people assuming I'm dumb/ lower achieving).
2.) Majority of my friends are black. We share many similarities, music, taste in women, clothing styles, television shows, things to do for fun."</p>

<p>You're hilarious. Sharing the same taste in women definitely qualifies you as African American. Make sure to get yourself some permanent black paint before your interview!</p>

58

<p>"Just because my opinion is not in the majority, it does not qualify my mentality as irrational. In fact, most forward thinking people were disregarded as irrational in their hayday but later accepted as 'thinking ahead of our time'. I believe I belong in this category as the definitions of race will grow more and more fluid as more of the population intermarries."</p>

<p>So I guess you're the Galileo or Copernicus of your day....give me break! </p>

<p>I was going to let you off easy dude, since your were a fellow Filipino, but this "thinking ahead of your time" crap convinces me that you are pretty detached from reality....I'm sorry, but you just can't be taken seriously...</p>

59

<p>I want to unsubscribe from this thread because of the crazy amount of emails, but this is great entertainment.</p>

60

<p>"Buddy, just cause you wear Sean John does not mean you are "black". I know plenty of wannabe "black" indians out there and I would not mistake them for "black" any day despite their poor attempts at streetballing or battle rapping. </p>

<p>Anyways, regardless of how much you enjoy the company of blacks or appreciate their culture, the application asks RACE as in BLOOD. Unless you have African blood in you, you cannot honestly put black. "</p>

<p>None of your mockery or radical examples will sway me from changing my mind. Ethnicity boils down to more than just blood. Anyone who tells you otherwise, needs to check out wikipeida.</p>

<p>"Just to let you know: Only a handful of African American kids are accepted each year to top schools so it is not like huge numbers we are talking about. It wouldn't be hard to raise awareness of such things such as looking at last names or the interview + social security number which happen anyways."</p>

<p>But how many apply? Many....</p>

<p>"1.) I LOOK BLACK! Sadly, this also means I face the same problems they do (racism, stereotypes...like people assuming I'm dumb/ lower achieving).
2.) Majority of my friends are black. We share many similarities, music, taste in women, clothing styles, television shows, things to do for fun."</p>

<p>You're hilarious. Sharing the same taste in women definitely qualifies you as African American."</p>

<p>ha, you are very blind my friend. I did not just offer that one extreme example but a multitude of factors that clearly contribute to me being black. Cheers to selective copying and pasting!</p>

<p>"So I guess you're the Galileo or Copernicus of your day....give me break! </p>

<p>I was going to let you off easy dude, since your were a fellow Filipino, but this "thinking ahead of your time" crap convinces me that you are pretty detached from reality....I'm sorry, but you just can't be taken seriously..."</p>

<p>The mockery does little to sway my beliefs. It just makes me reflect on my heritage more and feel more closely attached to my black heritage.
Peace and good day.</p>