Glass Child: Unpacking Its Representation in Filipino Films
One of Gen Z’s unique traits is their knack for unpacking complex emotions and experiences. The term “Glass Child” is one example of how they give a name to overlooked narratives, redefining how we see human dynamics.
A Glass Child is a sibling often overlooked, and expected to be strong while another sibling demands more attention. Though they appear resilient, they often ignore their own needs and emotions, reflecting a silent sacrifice within the family dynamic.
The term Glass Child draws from the process of glassmaking—crafted to perfection, reflective yet fragile, and often hollow inside. To achieve this perfection, the glass endures immense pressure, shapes itself, gets displayed, and is ultimately ignored. Similarly, Glass Children carry this burden of appearing flawless while quietly bearing the weight of being unseen.
“Glass Child” in Filipino Cinema
Bobbie, the middle child in Four Sisters and a Wedding, perfectly embodies the role of a Glass Child. Always independent, she carries the weight of her struggles in silence, never asking for help. Caught between expectations and her own sacrifices, the quiet resilience of someone who feels the need to be strong while yearning to be seen is reflected in her.
Bryan in Seven Sundays also carries the heavy weight of unspoken expectations. As the shadow of his older sibling’s failures looms over him, he becomes the family’s silent pillar, striving to meet impossible standards. Yet, despite his efforts, he remains invisible—his sacrifices unnoticed, his struggles overlooked.
These characters each have their own unique traits and struggles. Yet they share one undeniable similarity—they are all Glass Children. They embody the fragile strength of those who strive for perfection but remain unseen, carrying silent sacrifices and unspoken burdens.
The perfect child
They are the hyper-independent, the overachievers, often overlooked. These are the children who, despite excelling at everything they do, go unnoticed—never needing attention because they appear to have it all together. Yet, in their pursuit of perfection, they silently carry the weight of being invisible.
Glass Children often experience emotional or psychological detachment from their parents, forced to be perfect and free from mistakes. This burden arises because their other siblings have already caused too much strain, or the family simply cannot bear another one. As a result, they silently carry the weight of expectations, distancing themselves to avoid further disappointment.
They are children too
No matter how strong and independent they seem, Glass Children are still just children, craving attention and validation. Often misunderstood as angry or distant, they are, in reality, just sad little ones struggling to express the emotions they carry inside. Behind their tough exterior lies a silent need for love and recognition.
No matter how strong or independent someone may seem, their need for love and recognition remains just as vital. No one should be forced to break in order to shine, nor should anyone have to hide their cracks to be valued.
Let there be no more shiny, fragile glass that must endure immense pressure to achieve perfection.
