12/08/2023
Whispers of Separation: Challenging the OFW Hero Narrative
In my childhood, shaped by the absence of a parent working abroad, there's a feeling that stirs inside me whenever I hear the saying: 'OFWs are the new Heroes'. This saying is all over TV, plays, and school, but it doesn't feel right to me. People don't go to other countries just to be heroes; it's because those places pay more money and they can help their families back home.
But it's strange to suddenly think it's great to leave your home to help your family. Is it really a brave thing to leave your kids behind and go to another country all by yourself? Is it a brave thing for parents to not see their kids for many years? They leave them with grandparents or aunts and don't know what's happening in their lives. Is it brave for nannies to go to another country to take care of someone else's child while they don't take care of their own?
I really don't like that idea. I haven't seen my mom for a long time when I was a teenager. I felt alone and like nobody cared about me. We were both hurt. It was like being in a scary movie, not having a parent to hug or say "hi" or "bye" when you go to school.
And now, a part of our country's money comes from people who work abroad and send money back, just so their families can have a bit of a better life. It's not nice. My mom wasn't a hero. She was in a tough situation. She couldn't find a good job here that paid enough for me to have a better life. She didn't want to leave me, but she had to. It's not a brave or patriotic thing. It's sad. I just hope more people can understand that.
-Credits to the owner of the story-
