ABSTRACT
A lot of times when I am around men, especially those who are not Pilipino, I am very self-conscious of how I might appear to them. It's not that I fuss over my looks or feel I should alter them in any way. I am concerned by how they perceive me as a Pilipina. I can't help but feel as if I'm being seen as exotic. And with exotic, the idea of being erotic. I am very aware that I am seen as foreign in this country, despite the fact that I was born and raised here. I am seen as an Asian girl as opposed to being seen as American. I am always afraid of being solicited like my mom and aunt when they were coming home from a movie… And it is upsetting to think that so much can be determined about me without my having to say anything.
