Research Question

How are Filipino women and allies motivated for social justice work within the realms of San Francisco at SOMA Pilipinas? How do competing stakeholders challenge these roles? 

Thesis Statement 

Working with SOMA Pilipinas, the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in the South of Market, San Francisco I recognize the tension between San Francisco Racial Politics and Filipino Advocacy when the Filipino Activist displays notions of perseverance and resilience when holding hierarchical systems accountable as a means to overcome political barriers. These stakeholders who challenge the power dynamics of the city contribute to the shared trauma of historical displacement, traditional marginalization, and racial stigmatization within the Filipino Community of San Francisco. Through historic insights and personal reflections, my research addresses the brutal conditions of colonialism and migration while also illuminating how SOMA Pilipinas is a leader in championing racial recognition, systems of care, and shared identity. In this way, my thesis seeks to demonstrate Scott’s theory of Colonial Governmentality to study the postcolonial modern state of San Francisco's Racial politics. While identifying patterns of kinship and familism, I will also connect Francisco’s concept of Community of Care and Desai’s Critical Kapwa Pedagogy as motives linked to notions of meaningful solidarity work.