Coming clean ... a Biutiful thing

Jose Antonio Vargas' first-person account, essentially a "coming out" tale explaining his 30 some-odd years of keeping his illegal U.S. status under wraps, was many things. I commend him for bravely stepping forward and spilling it all, knowing he would lose the Washington Post reporting gig he had worked so long and hard for. And more than that, for giving voice to so many people in his same position who are still dodging corners with their dark secret.

But I also have to wonder, was it worth it? Was living a half-true life in the United States better than returning to the Philippines, where his original roots are tied? Yes, he arrived in the U.S. at a young age and sees it as his home, having grown and assimilated into its culture. But he recognized as early on as the first time he went to the DMV to get a driver's license that it was going to be lie after lie after lie in order to continue playing out his hastily concocted American identity.

This week, I watched Biutiful, the Javier Bardem film that gained some attention at the Oscars. It also dealt with a character who, accidentally and not, found himself carrying deceit and guilt like a heavy load on his back. Bardem's character ends up getting diagnosed with prostate cancer (I'm not giving away any spoilers by stating that), so he physically starts to weaken, but the secrets he lives with every day transform him as well. The film takes a really interesting look at the black market and what decisions are made out of greed and self-interest and fear.

It's amazing what people can endure and how long they can live keeping things locked inside. I don't know what will happen to Vargas now or if any exceptions should be made simply because of his honesty or the fact that he's lasted an extended amount of time beating the system.

Knowing his background, it is sad that he may not be allowed a place in this country any longer. I would hope that even if he isn't able to live in his desired country working his dream job, his life will be exponentially happier and more free now that he has come to terms with his true self.