Aspiration Quote by James Fenton
“Some of my educated Filipino friends were aspiring poets, but their aspirations were all in the direction of the United States. They had no desire to learn from the bardic tradition that continued in the barrios. Their ideal would have been to write something that would get them to Iowa, where they would study creative writing.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Philippines and the United States, 1970s
Filipino poets prioritize foreign literary prestige over local traditions, neglecting barrio bardic heritage.
In simple terms: Filipino writers chase US recognition, ignoring local culture.
Key Takeaway
Value and preserve native artistic roots.
Themes
cultural identity
literary ambition
colonial influence
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
cultural
literary
When to use this quote
- academic discussion
- creative writing programs
- community workshops
- literary festivals
Key Concepts
cultural preservation
postcolonial critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can local literary forms gain international respect?
- What incentives encourage writers to stay rooted?
A Different Perspective
Local traditions may lack resources and global visibility.
![“One of the great crimes of the Bloomberg/Klein administration [in New York City] is that they've removed themselves from communities, as if communities have nothing to say about what their needs and aspirations are for themselves and for their children.” quote by Bill Ayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfb/bill-ayers-1848_administration_one-of-the-great-crimes-of-the-bloomberg_36172.jpg)
