From the Central Illinois redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
Racist TV Show Nita Negrita has Philippines Blackface!
Nita Negrita, a new Philippines television drama on GMA, is a blatantly racist show where the lead, Barbie Forteza (shown without blackface in photo below), undergoes 1 1/2 hours of makeup daily to put on what is essentially Philippines blackface. The program manager, Regine Alba, states the makeup is applied to exaggerate Barbie's skin to emphasize that her character is of African-American descent. What a total load of CRAP! 
Regular readers of PhilippinesPlus.com know that this is not a politically correct site. Come on! Just check out the voluptuous videos of Fil-Am Weather Girl, Elita Loresca (and the fact I use the term "weather girl.") But I personally find this show offensive and I'm a white-skinned, Kano redneck. Well, check out the video and see what you think. I first came across this show when I saw full page ads for this drama displayed in newspapers in the Philippines. Sometimes living in the Philippines is like taking a time machine and going back 50 years to life in America. I just don't get it.
WANT TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS SHOW? CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE THAT IS FIGHTING PREJUDICE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- DUDE WTF ASIA: “Nita Negrita” TV Series does Blackface | Discrimination | 8Asians.com - [...] Show” and “Nita Negrita is Offensive. Duh” as well as some websites and blog posts angry with the show. ...
Strange Dave…..but then seems some strange things there..Like those Fillipinas that don every thing under the sun to try and be white. This is how ever 1st time I have seen where they are trying to be black…
I often say one of the reasons I like living in the Philippines id that muchof the overall environment and the way people are treated reminds me of my boyhood in the USA 50 or 60 years ago.
Sadly, that includes the blatant racial discrimination I lived with while growing up. Racial and ethnic discrimination is not only a fact of life, it’s still considered acceptable humor.
It hurts when I see my two dear little nephews come home from pre-k and kinder telling me how they got into a fight becuase other boys were picking on them becuase they’re ‘Negroes” (pronounced with a sort of ‘spit’ or derision at the end of the word). Their dad is Sudanese, with quite dark skin. Their mom is known around town, behind her back, of course, as ‘the one who married the Negro’.
Every mall is filled with beauty stores who specialize in ‘skin whitening’. Every part of the body has special treatments up to, and including the ‘singit” (inguinal crease).
There’s a lot more to cultural differences than a fondness for duck embryos and fish heads, believe me … it is -_not_ Kansas with palm tress, that’s for sure
Dave, so sad to hear your story, but unfortunately the example you give is so common in the Philippines. I’m probably repeating myself, but I saw a very dark skinned man at SM City in Iloilo with his Filipina wife several weeks ago. As he walked by, a nearby security guard just looked at a worker in the store he was in, and pointed towards the couple and laughed. Everyone’s head at the mall was turning and just staring at them. And yes, much like America was 50 or 60 years ago. That’s the way it is.
You’re right, Dan, there is so much emphasis here to be white. So many skin whitening products sold, it’s unbelievable.
I grew up in Kansas. Remember Brown vs the school board? That was in Kansas. Kansas came into the union as a free state but that was in name only. Blacks were not allowed to be inside the city limits after dark. I would get into some terrible fights with my mom and dad over race. They both didn’t think that blacks were human but were monkeys.
Even here if you are dark they say things behind your back. If a man has the name “boy” I refuse to call him by that name. If they only knew where that name came from they would not be so proud to name their children “BOY.”
@Dave Starr: I tried the palm trees in Kansas. They all died, too much heat in the summer and too cold in the winter. I do have a friend back home in Kansas that has banana plants…in the house. Yes he got fruit…once. I saw a photo of it and yes it is a full size plant. Tall ceiling.
I grew up in Mt. Olive, Illinois, during the 50′s, Gary. My father was a police officer. The standing law on the books before the 1964 Civil Rights Act was that any blacks inside the city limits after sunset were put into jail overnight. I never saw a person of color in person until I reached the age of seven when my family visited nearby Litchfield, Illinois, which had a few black families.
I am reluctant to call anyone in the Philippines “Boy”, also. Our driver when we went to Manila last May had the nickname of “Boy,” and I had a difficult time with that.
This is the most racist show on Philippine TV- it teaches black/dark skin is ugly and that white/fair skin is preferable. They even showed this blackface on primetime news on how they painted this underage girl in black make-up. See the photos here http://nitanegrita.blogspot.com
Case in point, the culture here has a preference for white Americans, but a total disrespect for black Americans. I dunno I just wish there was no such thing, but there is, and BTW blackface soap operas are common themes here… where the black folk turn white in the end.
I completely agree with you indaysminday. The racism against dark-skinned people of all races is quite evident in the Philippines. Until I moved here in July 2009 with my Filipina wife, I had no idea how ingrained it was in the culture, and this blatantly, racist, offensive show is further proof. Thanks for your input.
Dave…I also my self am surprized that there is racism against dark-skinned people there……all Fillipinos are not white, but brown ( maybe different shades of brown, but not white )…so I am surprized of the racism….but to me if Fillipinos were white, then they would not be Fillipinos..they just be white and have to get a fake tan and risk getting skin cancer when they get old……
Thats interesting Dave……Now I am sure if a white Kano pointed at the brown colored Fillipino security guard and laughed it up heavy,,,the kano may be…..in deep Do-Do…
The 1st time I saw a black person for real was on a train ride back to Ill. and Iowa on Union Pacfic…..I think they were called condutors…….that was a long time ago….belive I was 8…I remember the guy was nice…..to me…..had the most white teeth ever seen when smiled and he let me sit up in the dome car in the middle of the nite and watch all the lights when train rolled by a town or city, so maybe that is one reason grew up with really no racist feelings towards black people or any others of color….
I’m a dark-skinned African-American who recently traveled to the Philippines in January. Even though my experience there was fine overall, I also suffered from the same comments, stares, pointing, and laughing. I’ve traveled quite a bit, and I’ve never encountered treatment such as this. While I was in PH, most people were kind, courteous, and curious about me, but the occasional bad treatment left a very bad taste in my mouth. My experience in PH is noted in the following link:
http://nitanegrita.blogspot.com/2011/02/nita-negrita-from-african-american.html
That’s because white superiority was emphasized by the Educational system established by Americans during the 49 years that the US ruled the Philippines. Since then, Superiority meant white and inferiority meant black. The foundation was laid by the americans and now, Filipinos are hardwired on this idea of cultural superiority.
Hi Dan, the first black person you saw on the train was a porter. Blacks were not allowed to be conductors at that time. When my dad was a conductor on the railroad there were certain cities they stopped at that they had to hide the porters so the white folks in town wouldn’t drag them off the train and hang them. Wasn’t fun to be black then, maybe not even now.
Sorry Daizuke but the white being better comes from the Bible. You can blame Spain for bringing the Bible to the Philippines.
Another note, Gary. My Mom was a waitress at a restaurant on Route 66 outside of a town many decades ago. Any black people were not served, but my Mom would take their order anyway and bring it out to them to their car. Of course when my folks went to high school in the late 40′s there were no black children in attendance. We had no African Americans in our small town. One day two black girls came to the high school. They didn’t last the day. All my father told me was that the girls were taken to the girl’s restroom, and they were assaulted. The assault involved a broom stick. Tough times, indeed.
Kojo:
I’m really sorry that you had to tolerate that type of crap here. As you stated, most Filipinos are very kind-hearted and it does not matter. I think that the show was trying to make some sort of statement… The whole country is largely racially mixed. It would have made a far better statement to find an appropriate actor instead of a cariacature. It really perplexes me why it goes on here. American blacks and Filipinos both came from the ranks of the oppressed… There should be a kinship of sorts. Mestizos comprise maybe 5% of the population, at most. Colonialism alone does not explain it… It has been almost 70 years since the RP was a colony. That is over three generations, and a cop-out.
If it is any consolation, there are people here, generally a very small group, that dislike ALL foreigners… white, black, brown, or any shade in-between.
That ideal mestiza is often copied by so many women here, slapping white goop on their faces until they look like ghosts. I tell Rebecca that American women pay big money to become tan with her skin color… She doesn’t believe me.
Unfortunately, in as much of the world that I’ve seen, there are very few places on Earth that can truly be called racially integrated. (Perhaps Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, or a few Caribbean islands, but in those countries, whites still hold most power)
Kojo:
Furthermore, as a white American, I also am stared at on occasion, and Rebecca has heard comments before about her “selling out her people” or “marrying for money”. In many people’s minds, any foreigner would be fair game. When she was in the Middle East, some of her friends who married Indians or Arabs would hear the same thing.
None of this excuses the show. Whatever statement they were trying to make was really botched.
Interesting to compare this to the uproard a couple of years ago when Little Britain did the episode about Filipina maids and mail order brides.
I’m also stared at constantly, too, as a white American in the Philippines, John. My Filipina wife has also endured dirty looks and stares from other Filipinas, and even was the victim of an attack from a Filipina at McDonald’s at Iloilo City that called me “just a foreigner.” I’m sure what I’ve experienced is nothing close to what Kojo experienced, but it’s interesting and sad to see such behavior here.
Meriam was called a whore because she had a white husband. She had the trike stop and walked back and went up one side of that guy and down the other. She let him know that she wasn’t a whore. All his friends would not stand up for him and laughed at him. He hasn’t done that since. The trike driver said the guy was stupid. I agreed with him.
As Meriam and I were going into the mall last year we were walking along a line of parked trikes. One of the drivers said “I wonder if he can take care of her” and he didn’t mean money wise. Not being sure which one it was she chewed them all out. Not even the guard would get close to Meriam. You just don’t make Meriam mad. I sure try not to…:-)
My brother in law asked me how I handle all the stares I get. We were at a large mall in Davao at the time. I told him it doesn’t bother me. I enjoy people watching. Cheap thrills.
I can’t believe the rudeness your wife has to go through, Gary. Unbelievably stupid people. My wife has never heard the remarks that Meriam has, but I guarantee you, just like your asawa, you DO NOT want to be around my wife when she gets angry, either. Good for your wife for standing up to the morons!
Dave,
Joy and I also got some stares in Iloilo, but not in Cebu or Boracay. What was Manila like?
Dave, you had a beauty pageant video a while back and one of the ladies seemed to be a Filipino and African American mix. It was from somewhere near Subic or Angeles. I remember that she was one of the prettiest of the ladies in the pageant.
No stares in Manila. Melinda will go with me to Cebu this May when I go to the Immigration office. We’ll see how it goes there. Iloilo has been the place where we get the most stares.
At the advanced age of 59 I barely recall that, Lance. Funny story happened at SM City the other day when a male SM associate pointed out a Morena sales associate to me. She was no more a morena than I was, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. The guy’s name was “Randy”, his full name, not a nickname, and he has a brother named “Randall.” Go figure.
I guess the Ilongos are just not used to seeing a good looking Kano like yourself.
Yep, it’s just a curse I have to live with, Lance.
Aling Jolson
Absolutely right, Miguel.
I just left the PH a few days ago. i saw the posters of this show and i did not get a chance to see it when i was there. So i started checking it out yesterday. I was very angry at first it was adding to the long list of things i have been noticing about the Filipino media against dark skin. The show seems to be trying to deal with real issue. But like you, i had to ask why not go with a black filipino actress or the many mixed filipino kids that lives in the Philippines. I think this show would have been better. The other thing that is wrong is they make black skin as the problem when it is not the problem it is those people who have the problems. The whole country is self hating they import mixed filipinos actors from all over just to convince themselves they are part spanish, the white face actors represent the Filipino much like the girls who cake their face up with baby powder even when it clearly doesn’t match there skin. They stare a lot and always ask my wife questions like does he hit you?, how big is his penis? he is cute for a black! It amaze me many of these question comes from strangers. But if you ask me i feel more sorry for them, sorry for there ignorance, their self Hate for when the spain came they treated Filipinos like dogs, when the American came they did not see any difference from the Filipino and the Black Americans. Maybe that is why they hate dark so bad the a country of uncle toms they feel that if the push the dark people away maybe they will be accepted by the white. I use to ask why the network does not stop this constant brain wash well it does not take long for that to be answered by just watching the networks. skin product companies pay a lot of money to the those networks. The more the people think black is ugly, brown is ugly, they will keep buying crap to make themselves feel better and make these companies money. At the end it is business.
I use to enjoy it too when i was not dating my now wife, most of the stares was women anyway but once you are married it gets on my nerve at time, i find the best thing is to continue your day. The stares may not stop but you start not noticing them.
I seen that maid clip, i thought it was funny how the Filipino’s called out bloody murder when they do 100 time worst on the networks. Many Filipinos are very ignorant to many things. I think that is why they stare so much.
SC, I really appreciate your input on this. You make so many valid points and point out a glaring problem I have seen in the Philippines since moving here in July 2009. I’ve covered it several times in my past blogs and this website. The blatant racism against people of color and dark-skinned Filipinos is absolutely appalling. The looks and reactions that any dark-skinned foreigner gets in the malls here is amazing. And I whine because some jeepney drivers have been trying to stiff me for change because I’m a kano. I cannot believe the stupid questions your wife receives.
I don’t know if attitudes here will ever change. Laws can change like they did in America, but no legislation can remove racism from a person’s heart. The emphasis on white skin and the skin whitening products is disgusting. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Philippines, but there so much ignorance and hatred. Very sad.
SC, I’ve heard that Gary Wigle is one of the best looking seniors in all of the Philippines, might be another reason he gets all those stares!
Senior???
Hi Dave: Just information from a Filipina-American about the issue of skin color. My father was also a Filipino-American of mixed race and fair-skinned. My older sister is very fair-skinned and I am medium-brown. Cousins refer to my sister as the “American Beauty” and yours truly as the “Mexican Beauty”. I believe that this preference for the fair skin is associated with wealth. Fair-skinned Filipinos are descendants of Europeans who are usually associated with wealth. This is reinforced by fair skinned expats who settle in the Philippines and with them their assets. There is no excuse for discrimination however.
As for the cat calls and insults of Filipina wives, there are no explanations for this behavior. I can only attest this behavior to jealousy. This is often referred to by natives as the “crab mentality”. It is a sorry behavior that I detest.
Thanks for the information, Roselyn. I’ve always thought of medium-brown ladies, or the “Mexican Beauty,” to be very attractive along with many Latina ladies. Plus, Native American women (and obviously Filipinas since I married one.) I’ve heard that the fair skin is associated with wealth since that means a person wasn’t out in the fields working.
Yes, the “crab mentality.” I’ve seen that phrase before. Very appropriate. I believe it is jealously on the part of those people insulting Filipinas married to foreigners. Too bad some people have to act so stupidly. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Sorry, Gary, I meant to say, middle-aged!
I’m Chinese-Filipino born in the Phil.& I have first-hand experience about racism since I can remember. I remember walking to & from school & hearing racist comments from people along the way. Those cpmments were truly hurtful & made me ashame of my looks as a child. It’s quite scary being exposed to racism at such young age— Filipinos have a deep hatred or disrespect for the Chinese. Yet, when they see somebody who has fair “white” skin & doesn’t look Chinese at all, they’re so full of awe & admiration.
Sue, I’m very sorry to hear about the abuse you experienced as a child from such ignorant people. My wife is also Chinese-Filipino, born in the Philippines, and many people in the Philippines think she is Chinese. I love living in the Philippines but this blatant racism towards those with fair “white” skin is very disturbing to me. I plan to explore that topic more in this website, and I appreciate your comment and sharing your personal experience. Thank you so much.
I understand the message behind this show. What I don’t understand is how black they made the character. Nita’s deceased dad had a dark brown color, her mom has light brown skin & Nita turned out to be charcoal black?????
You’re exactly right, Sue. Why in the world did the producers of the show think they had to make Nita’s skin charcoal black? Unbelievable! And stupid.
I don’t think the everyday people are the ones behind this. Yes, I know they are the ones that stares when we foreigners are on the streets. But i notice that if you confront a person one on one about their actions they usually will apologize quickly and sometime ask for correction as if they did not even know it was inappropriate. The people are not to blame, yes the actors who picks these roles make poor choices however what if they don’t even know it is wrong. They are just tools. We all know many Filipinos are extremely naive. They are being controlled. You may ask by whom? Well ask your self who would benefit if every one thinks Black is ugly? The companies that sells the skin whiting product of course. The T.V. station that sale them the advertising space, the producers of the shows that gets a big check when rating is High. I started a web site called Pinoys Stand Up. com. I myself am not Pinoys in anyway or form, however my wife is. So I began to adopt the culture. I am a black Haitian American. I know I can turn around and stay in my home here in U.S.A. and simply avoid Philippines like many has done in the past. However i do love the country and the people. I know that the Filipinos are very warm and sweet people. Yes, we all know that some time it seem like they act like teenagers when we walk buy pointing a laughing, or saying slick remarks but they are just being used as tools. Why? Well 1st Philippines has the 7th largest population in the world they tell you the country is poor, but ask your self a question why are there Mega size Mall being built every year. The crazy thing is they are all pack. The money is there maybe not in one guys hand but together they are rich. 2nd, How many of you know Filipinos that can not handle money very well, they buy on impulse. They get the money and it is gone the next day. I am sure you know one are two people who is like this. The reason I mention this is to show why the philippines is important. 3rd, The key to advertising is to make people feel bad. As if life will end if you don’t have this product. This happens everywhere however the difference between let say U.S.A. and PH is in U.S.A. you have lots of companies competing with each other. In the Philippines you have a few families who hold all the cards. Most of the T.V. Station is owned by the same one of two companies. So don’t be fooled it is the Pinoys they are after and their money the black people is just a casualty of war. So on behalf of making a difference maybe a small one maybe a big one. I have to beg you, all you Americans, all you Australians, all you Europeans, Asians, and Filipinos lets stop this now. Sitting on forums will not stop this kind of thing, driving by a monster size billboard humiliating your fellow man and just shaking your head is not enough. We need to tell the stations that this is wrong and not acceptable. We need to tell the Filipinos, all the Filipinos wether light or dark that they are special as they are and there difference is what will make their country special. For it is a deep brains wash that has gone for too long. Who in the hell would identify with a weak character like Nita always apologizing for being black. We all know what racism has done in our countries it turn good people bad on both sides. It created groups of people who accepted the false idea that they where naturally bad so they continued on that path. It made people with money close doors to others in order to keep themselves safe from the so called bad people . However in this country the Republic of the Philippines it can all be stopped. This is your chance to make a difference. Join me and lets fight together as fellow humans.
I don’t think it is the bible that says white is better, the bible says Jewish is better it was white painters who painted Jesus white. And yes spain brought the concept and the painting with them to the Philippines. The idea of jesus being white was great all they had to do is teach religion. And the people would know that white people is Gods to be worshiped! This is why filipina cake up their faces with Baby powder in the Malls. PinoysStandUp.com
There is a way to fix this. First it is important to know why it is being done. Second it is important to know how it is being done in order to change the people that it is being done to and the people who is doing it. in America racism was important because the plantations owners needed cheap labor, it continued after for the same reasons. The everyday person hated people of color but never really knowing why nor having any personal reasons to do so. In fact some whites never even met a black person during those time. But the hate was there and it was real. This allowed for the plantations to flourish. Later after slavery it ensured that the white people did not have to compete for good jobs. This is what is going on in the Philippines most of the darker people are generally poor and/or work lower level jobs. But here there is a big difference we are not talking about race we are talking about skin tones. Many filipinos have both light and dark skin people in their families. This makes it easy to fix. If they know that they are hurting someone or some there for will get hurt they. This may change there views on the topic. 2nd There are a lot of people around the world that knows this is wrong. We have to help educate the Pinoys about this. The hard part is even a dark Pinoys will admit they are ugly because of the skin tone. This is where we have to start. They have to realize that is not true! It is a lie! a trick! a mass hypnotism of sort.
I think the reason they made her so dark is to send subliminal message to Filipinos. The messages is if you have relations with an African American there is no telling how dark your kids will be. He can even be fair skin himself and your kids will come out charcoal dark also your kids will have a miserable life. No one will want them. Another words they are cursed from your choice. One other thing, the way he died. He was expecting a baby about to get married who in their right mine would do that, well apparently an African American, cause they are violent and love to fight. These are the hidden messages. When i am in the Philippines my wife always gets asked if i beat her. I think the people who has been pushing the darker Filipinos down fear the African Americans that comes to the philippines. They are more educated, they have money, and they know what racism is.
hey check out this gallery http://www.wix.com/s_c_p_1978/brown-and-itim-pinoys-stand-up there are some filipino/Afro mix people on it Cassie and Sharon Leal are both fil/afro-Am
SC, thanks again for your input. There is no way that a white guy from Illinois can begin to even understand what people of color go through and endure. You make some valid points about who really is behind this promotion of the white-skinned culture in the Philippines and stands to gain the most financially at the price of promoting their racist ideas. I’m going to put up a link to your website so that my readers can check out what you are doing to try and put an end to this. Thanks for your comments and your input.
Yep, SC, Jesus was Jewish and certainly not white-skinned. And I relate to the baby powder make up in the Malls. See it every time I go the the SM City Mall in Iloilo.
SC, I never actually met or spoke to a black person until I was 13, when our family moved to the big city of Springfield, Illinois. It was quite an experience for a young teen, but though unfavorable remarks were made about people of color in our household, I didn’t seem to have the same prejudice in my heart. I can’t really explain why.
And you’re right, there are so many dark Pinoys who will say they are ugly. And it’s just not true. Hope you can make a change with your website. I have the link posted now and put a link on this story.
I have no idea what this melodrama is trying to convey other than that Black Americans and our offspring are looked down upon by the poorest of the poor. Yet the vast majority of Filipinos have no idea of their ethnic or cultural make up. They have no idea that there are books being written now in America why Filipinos are on the bottom of the economic ladder among Asians in America and abroad. The people and/or TV station that is producing and/or broadcasting this show should be ashamed.
Amen, Sharif! Agree with you 100%! The producers of this show and the network carrying it should absolutely be ashamed.
I think what I find particularly offensive about the show, DUDE, is the overly dramatic black face makeup used on the lead character. Just don’t understand that at all.
Is this show supposed to teach us anything positive, because I haven’t seen anything positive so far aside from Nita’s extremely positive(or should I say naive?) attitude despite the harsh treatment she gets. The writers can’t even squeeze in a few good words like, “Don’t hate her because she’s black”(or something to that effect). Even the teachers in school don’t do much to stop the bullying & name-calling—-this is one place where it’s very rampant & actually happening in the real world. Instead, everday we get the same old nasty stuff–how many times is the word negrita uttered in each episode?
I haven’t watched the show, Sue. Too bad that it emphasizes the negative and doesn’t even pretend to have any redeeming social value. I just hope the show fails miserably in the ratings and gets yanked off. Thanks for giving your perspective on it, I appreciate it.
The people behind the Philippine media should be hanged. They’re feeding the public with so much poison on a daily basis. Not even the young are spared. Not only with this particular TV show, but the Philippine TV in general. Filipino parents, please keep a close eye on what your children are watching or listening to. I myself have been a victim of this madness. I’m a brown Filipino man. Here, for your reading pleasure: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Filipino. Most of them are true. Possibly written by a local. Every ignorant Filipino should read this link to awaken them. It’s carefully written for those ignorant Filipino fools. (I’m only writing in English for the sake of being understood, I love my native language. It’s just so ridiculous that some schools in the Philippines penalise their students for speaking in Tagalog!)
Another related link written by Morgan Johnson: http://www.helium.com/items/600557-racism-in-the-philippines
Well, this is for Sue. I am a Filipina and all throughout my childhood, did you know I wanted to be ‘Chinita?’ I don’t think there is racism in the Philippines against Chinese because many Filipino men even like the ‘Chinita look’ on girls, or ‘Chinese girls’. They think they’re pretty. As for myself, even if other Filipinas wanted to whiten, I wanted to tan and would try tan sprays at beauty stores but even my Mom discouraged me. She said most people were whitening, that it was the ‘latest’, even one of my cousins. The only ever once time I tried whitening was when I had scars on my face because of popping out acne. The acne wasn’t so bad, but I was conscious of them, and when I got scars for them, I was more conscious, so this is the only time I tried whitening. It is true, though. The paler you are here in the Philippines, the more success you have, with what I see on Philippine TV. I don’t consider myself lucky or anything because most people also like my complexion here. I was even surprised when I saw Nita Negrita on GMA TV here, I told myself, they shouldn’t be doing that. Whenever I see black foreigners here, I just, oh okay. We are all God’s creatures and we are all equal in his eyes, so we should not treat others bad.
Tent, I would also put most of the mainstream American media in the same noose. I have to tell you, I checked out that link you posted. Some very interesting stuff there, indeed. I recommend my readers check it out, but only if you’re not offended by a bit of obscenity. Thanks for your viewpoint and your input. Very enlightening for this kano mind.
Good article, “The Tent.” Thanks.
Thanks for your viewpoint, angelstar. I have to agree 100% with your statement, “We are all God’s creatures and we are all equal in his eyes, so we should not treat others bad.”
Since I have joined this blog it has really proven my ignorance on how ignorant people can be. Here is a quick history/biology lesson for all. Science has already proven that we all originated from Africa. We all carry the DNA/GENES to make every one of our people on our world. I would like to also point out our worlds scientist have also proven that “WHITE SKIN” is an actual mutation. Now for the history part. Most in the Philippines are not aware of their history. The Spanish were conquered by the Moors who were various mixtures of Africans and Arabs. When Spain finally reconquered their country they went to conquer other lands which led them to the Philippines. They intermarried with the native population bringing their already intermingled blood of the NEGRO and ARAB. If you believe in “GOD” then he created the man of color first. All others as the cliche goes “Pale in comparison”.
TO ALL PLEASE READ, LEARN AND EXPLORE. THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HUMAN TRAIT.
Thanks for the information, Sharif, and thanks for reading this website. I’m a white-skinned kano that believes in God. Doesn’t matter to me what the color of someone’s skin is, but unfortunately it does influence how some people in the Philippines (and all over the world) thinks about the person next to them that might have a different shade of skin. I’m going to treat you the same no matter what. Great comment and thanks for your input.
Thanks for the reply Dave and FYI I am a multi-racial U.S. citizen of Black/Native American/Irish blood. I believe in a creator(GOD) and he has blessed all of us on this Earth. My wish is that we become one people as GOD intended. As God said to Abraham “I have made you the Father of many nations” God also said “All nations will be blessed through you”. Paul/Saul also wrote in a letter to Rome “Is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles to? Indeed, since there is only one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
You’re welcome Dave. You know, with all of mankind’s sins (racism included), no one can stand up before God. With the uncyclopedia, it’s ok. It’s primarily for amusement and they’re making fun of everybody and anything in this universe. I just visit that site whenever I want some serious laugh.
Personally, I think God made various races to kill boredom just like food itself. It would be very boring if everything tasted sweet. Sure, we’d still survive but life would be very dull if everything were the same. God wanted us to have the “Feast of the Senses” by giving us a variety of things to see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
Well said Sharif. And I might add that men like me are portrayed in a negative way in Filipino films. Most of the time, I’m portrayed as a robber, kidnapper, murderer, child molester, rapist and the likes. Is this somehow related to “Lookism” or something?
By the way, to be fair enough, there’s racism in every country and it has been existing since time immemorial. They just come in different shapes and sizes.
True enough The_Tent. I cannot understand why in this age of information and communication there remains to be ignorance in our world. I am a person who takes joy in the human struggle for survival and progression. We as a people have done terrible and remarkable things. Maybe when aliens invade earth we will realize that we are one people.
lol
Too true Dave. Maybe they didn’t have enough shit to shovel onto the actress to give her the proper color. It also depicts what their vision of us black Americans are. Their vision works well with alot of the southerners of my country. To bad they have a word for Filipinos as well LBM. That is what the majority of white Americans think of southern Asian countries as sex tourism.
You’re welcome, Sharif. You have quite an interesting background. Yes, indeed, God is also the God of the Gentiles. I completely agree with what you’re are saying. Thanks again for your comment.
What bothers me the most is that most Filipinos are not the “whites” they never had to depend on slaves, they never had to compete with newly freed slaves taking their “jobs”. They never felt threatened that the male x slave was going to steal or rape their women. In fact Filipinos are more like copy cats it sad to say but it is true. Their copying what they perceived to be the way of white American behavior. However this is a big mistake They assumed that all white people was and is racist. This is a second racist way of thinking. I have white friends who tell me that they feel racism in the Philippines. This is true, at the same time many see black as poor, violent, people with a big Penis. Before all Black guys get happy many Filipinas don’t want a big penis assuming it is not natural and it would hurt them.
Also keep in mind from a filipino point of view the most they know about the Afro-American is the American military. Many men both Afro and Euro left many unclaimed mixed kids behind. The Euro- mixed kids could easily blend in with the rich Euro mixed kids (example Angelica<<>>
SC,
I am going to pretend that you have no knowledge of the history of the United States of America. What you just posted on this website is more offense than the show itself. Do you have any idea how many Black women and men were beaten, raped, mutilated, etc. How about my native Indian population which was systematically nearly wiped out of existence. And let us not forget my Irish brothers who were considered lower than shit when they arrived in America. Please do not pretend you know anything in any regards about the United States unless you have your facts correct.
Great insight again, SC. Thanks for your contribution to this issue. It’s so true that not all white people are racist. I experienced some racist behavior to a small degree from a woman that attacked my wife at McDonald’s at Iloilo after the woman said I was “just a foreigner.” By her words and her actions, she clearly demonstrated a racist attitude towards me. Racism is racism. It’s intolerable in any form.
Why don’t you guys Google Sharon Leal and see what a true Black/Pinay looks like.
Very beautiful lady, Sharif. I’ll have to do a post about her in the near future. Thanks!
Iloilo–I had an ex-girlfriend near that place. In the light of what Dave said, (“It’s so true that not all white people are racist”) it’s always best to look at people, NOT AS A GROUP, BUT AS INDIVIDUALS.
And no legislation could eliminate racism because it is something that resides in a person’s heart. The most that can be done is to sack racists from the workplace.
I can remember an incident in our office when one of my co-workers sent a racist joke to one of our customers. He was fired. Good for him.
He’s responsible for this. CHECK THIS OUT:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1089533/Muslim-students-outrage-118-118-text-gag-service-sends-racist-reply.html
I should know. I’ve worked for this company. The story spread in our 2 Philippine branches just minutes after he sent the joke.
Some say beauty is defined by symmetry and how masculine or feminine a person is, depending on one’s gender of course. Sharon Leal–> A very pretty lady
“Maybe when aliens invade earth we will realize that we are one people” — Sharif
Only when the earth experiences a near death miss, I think that’s the only time people will realise that we’re one and HOW SMALL WE ARE. Something like a near collision with another planet or being dangerously near a black hole.
What are you talking about. tell me what I said wrong so i can either explain my point or be corrected. Also This is not the whole thing i said it was cut of this is what i said in full:
What bothers me the most is that most Filipinos are not the “whites” they never had to depend on slaves, they never had to compete with newly freed slaves taking their “jobs”. They never felt threatened that the male x slave was going to steel or rape their women. In fact Filipinos are more like copy cats it sad to say but it is true. Their copying what they perceived to be the way of white American behavior. However this is a big mistake They assumed that all white people was and is racist. This is a second racist way of thinking. I have white friends who tell me that they feel racism in the Philippines. This is true, at the same time many see black as poor, violent, people with a big Penis. Before all Black guys get happy many Filipinas don’t want a big penis assuming it is not natural and it would hurt them.
Also keep in mind from a filipino point of view the most they know about the Afro-American is the American military. Many men both Afro and Euro left many unclaimed mixed kids behind. The Euro- mixed kids could easily blend in with the rich Euro mixed kids (example Angelica Panganiban) that already exist however the Afro-mixed kids stands out. The other Filipino’s Afro- American experiences are Rap music and i guarantee you conscious rap doesn’t make it to the Philippines. Last but not least the movies. Although there are great Afro-American stars. But not many in comparison to euro-american actors. Not only that but pay close attention to the movies. Most of the time when you see the black character he/she is either a gangster, loud, rude, a slut, baby producing and unsupportive father, comic, an athlete or musician making it out of the hood with the help of a white angel person, the first to dye in the most horrible way, and if they are normal they are probably dating a European descendent.
Now for the European American they see them as financial prince charming. Some Filipinos will date all ages, weights, etc…just as long as they are white. This is what i like to call positive racism. It first sound cool to be thought of as successful and rich but i am sure many of the european descendent who go to the Philippines are not that rich. So at first it is cool until you start noticing you are picking up all the bill for everything. Even though the U.S. dollar is more then the PHP things start to add up. The amount of people around you add up. Everyone smiles and is always happy to see yooooourrrr pocket. Your not Jim or john a good friend or the husband of my Aunt instead that is the kano, the foreigner that married my Aunt.
The times has changed and the most Filipinos seems to be late cause the are still copying trends from 50 to 70 years ago. They do this thinking they will be accepted and perceived as upper class society. Keep in mind when the Euro- Americans first encounter the Filipinos they where not even consider asian they just consider them as nxgxxr. and was treated the same as Afro-American in USA. They where not allowed in white only establishments. Euro-American saw them as they did with many people of color as savages people that needed to know the white way.
This was easy since the image of a white blue eyes Jesus was already popular in the Philippines, thanks to the Spanish. So when the Filipinos where giving the chance to run their own country they use the USA system as a way to establish there new white way of life. In the Philippines Afro-Filipinos don’t get the best jobs. In fact if you see them in a movie it is shocking and most likely the character will be a maid, loud, rude, a gangster, etc.. It is much easier to get a good paying job if you are Euro-Filipino. In fact the only good thing that comes with being Afro-Filipino is no one cares to kidnap you. So to all the African and Dark Skin people i would say look at the bright side at least when you go to the Philippines you know Terrorist are not looking for you. But i don’t it will be that way for long.
I believe there are many enlightened Filipinos they may now be small in number but they are there. They are the Filipinos that love being Brown and Black. They are the ones that knows they are more then just maids and gangsters, they are the Euro-filipinos that do not look down on anyone but embrace every one as their equal. This group of Filipinos can not be fooled. They don’t fall in love for money or a color. They fall in love with the person that moves their hearts. This group of Pinoys Stands up for what they believe in, they have courage, they know when wrong is being done to them and their fellow man, they are proud of all the good that is in the Philippines and want to fix the wrongs of their nation. These people can not be fooled by racist propaganda, These people have their eyes open and now we are waiting for their voice Pinoys Stand Up .com!
Dude did you even read what I wrote in my first response? You wrote
“they never had to compete with newly freed slaves taking their “jobs”. They never felt threatened that the male x slave was going to steel or rape their women”.
Do you have any idea how many black women were raped by the White/Europeans during and after slavery? Do you also know that before Spain colonized the Philippines they themselves were conquered by ARABS and AFRICANS? During that time there was much intermarriage with Spanish/Arab/African.
Everything you stated in your post is based on your limited knowledge of american culture. You believe all of what you see and read in the paper and TV. Do you realize according to the United States “ONE DROP RULE” that mostly all Americans are black? Do you know that there are people who appear to be white but are actually black?
Here is an interesting article to start you on your way:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/jefferson/mixed/onedrop.html
My first Question is when did i say that black women did not get rape by their master? This is irrelevant to my point. Second I am not talking about spanish history. This too is irrelevant to my point. You have to focus on what i said. What i was trying to establish is why racism existed in america and why the white Euro American felt threaten by the Afro-Americans. I was showing that these situation was not present in Philippines since Philippines in history did not have much relations with Afro-Americans. and that they must of simply got it from what they heard from the media, or racist whites. So for them to adapt such a racism view toward Afro-American would mean they are copying something they don’t fully understand. Again the “One drop rule” is also irrelevant to this topic. If you want to present another topic i will answer and then we will see how “limited” my Knowledge is of american culture.
I never said you did say that. I asked you did you have any idea? Dude we do not have to go back and forth. What you wrote was offense just like the show. Maybe you are not fully aware of what you wrote. You wrote “They never felt threatened that the male x slave was going to steel or rape their women.” This implies that black slaves were going to steal or rape white women. That is a racist statement period. Maybe you did not understand what you were writing. I am not trying to offend you or make bigger than what it is. I agree with some of your statements but others imply a lack of knowledge in regards to U.S. history and culture.
Guys (SC & Sharif),
Both of you take a breath and calm down. I’ve read some of your previous posts with regards to Nita Negrita, and both of you have brought up very compelling points and points of view – much food for thought. I also discussed my experience as a black male in the Philippines in an earlier post. There is more strength in unity than division. Do not fall into a position of attack, anger, and the defending of one’s point to the death. It will not get you anywhere – simply veer out of control. It’s alway fine to disagree, but do not attack one another. No one will win that way. I say all this because I value both of your insights and opinions.
“They never felt threatened that the male x slave was going to steel or rape their women.” This implies that black slaves were going to steal or rape white women. That is what i said but you are taking wrong, Maybe it is you that needs to look into US History. it does not imply anything like that. Here, after slavery white american people were brain washed to be scared by the media of the newly freed slaves. They were told the blacks would rape, kill, and take there jobs. In fact this kind of brain washing continued for many years and some may say it still continues today. Please tell me what else do you think imply a lack of knowledge in regards to U.S. history and culture.
Kojo thanks for your kind words, But i don’t think we are fighting to the death, LOL i think he may have misunderstood what i said and shot to quickly. But i will clarify so that he understand what is said.
If I am taking it wrong than watch how you write in this discussion group. Also the majority of white Americans were not brain washed they were already believers. You also have no idea the mentality during those early days of freedom. Whites were not scared of blacks. Black were scared of whites.
Then you wrote “Before all Black guys get happy many Filipinas don’t want a big penis assuming it is not natural and it would hurt them.”. You have no idea what all Filipinas want. This is what I mean. Either your English usage is lacking or you’re speak sideways.
So let me get this straight how do you think they became believers? Do you think they naturally hated blacks? Many of them never even seen a black
“Whites were not scared of blacks. Black were scared of whites.” i never said blacks was not scared of whites, Number 2 how do you know whites was not scared of blacks too? How do you know all those stories of blacks being violent, killers, black magic devil worshipers, and etc… did not get to the people’s minds and created fear? Do you think when whites did/do not want a black person to move to the neighborhood it is only about white skinned or is it the fear that trouble will come too.
“You have no idea what all Filipinas want ”
#1 i never said “all” but i did say many read what i said right #2 Have you ever been to the Philippines ? If you have and have a friend who speak the local dialect ask them to translate what people are saying around you. Black men penis is a big subject when they see a black guy some will even ask you bluntly. If you are with a girl they will ask the girl how can she take such a penis. If you don’t believe me become friend with a filipino ask them what is the common belief about black men. In fact many other places in asia is like that too, do you remember the movie full metal jacket when the hookers refuses the black guy cause she felt he was too big.
Dude this is not a me against you contest. We are both here talking about this wacked out show. And yes I have been to and lived in the Philippines. My wife is a fair skinned Filipina and I have many friends from the Philippines and had a few of them read the statements on this discussion group. I am well aware of the stereotyping of black Americans in the Philippines. All I intended to do was inform you of the lack of accuracy in your statements. If anyone were to read what you wrote it would be taken in the wrong way because of how you worded it.
And tell me one more thing. How can the enslaver be afraid of the enslaved? We had no guns? The women and men were being raped/beaten/murdered. Also at what point in history are you referring to?
Great statement, “Tent” “It’s always best to look at people, NOT AS A GROUP, BUT AS INDIVIDUALS.”
Glad your co-worker got fired. Got what he deserved. I had a fellow co-worker that got fired for passing around a photo copy of racist jokes about blacks. Excuse my language, but he was a complete dumb ass and got what he deserved, too.
Thanks for your input. The ongoing debate on this topic is quite interesting and has really enlightened me. That’s always a good thing.
Very true, Tent, very true.
SC, thanks for your continued input on this. I note that you stated your previous comment was cut off. I apologize if that happened because I will not shorten or edit anyone’s comment in any way (aside from occasionally correcting a misspelled word if I’m in the mood.) Interesting exchange of opinions. Thanks to all for their remarks.
very simple if you was a guard at a prison and you treated the prisoners bad, the next day they all escaped how would you feel.
“A great man will see the truth in all side even if it does not make him happy.” SC
i never thought it was you against me. I read your comments before. so i knew from the beginning you were not against me and may not have been sure what i was trying to say. I understand why you are bothered like you i have a Filipina wife. And i know my kids will be mixed and i want to make sure that i make it as easy as i can for them. So that when they have to face shows like nita negrita and the many comments that maybe said they will know what to do and know that not everyone feel this way. But i believe that it takes more then just sitting in forum like this one to pave the way for our future.
http://flic.kr/p/9ucAoW
I just saw the face of Lita on TV today ..As a black American that has been coming to the Philippines off and on for the last 25 years. I wasn’t surprised. Just glad my 2 daughters left here when they were infants. My son would have done fine growing up here, he is handsome and smart and could have overcome the treatment kids get when they are growing up in this enviroment. This is a complex issue, when I first heard a lady say how proud she was of her boyfriend ,because he was “pure Tagalog” it made me think WOW lots of people have self-hate.. I was in Visayas at the time ,, Or the first time I saw a employment Ad in Manila , that said one of the qualifications was “light skinned ” .. But the answer about why they show such a Racist T.V. program here is easy ,,MONEY,, they are selling alot of skin- whitening products to the viewers(sad),, but true,, And I to have experianced the same treatment as all the other black guys here ,, “lol, had girls say , I think your handsome in your country. Or had others ask my wife “is he mean”,, or the one that is so funny “how big is he”,,,but getting back to the show it is a teachable moment, hopefully the population is getting SMARTER,,??
SC this is what I mean by your statements. Are you equating the U.S. policy on slavery to prison. Did the Africans imported to american commit a crime? I am not sure I am following your chain of thought.
I would also like to give thanks to Cecilia Marshall who by her words and actions helped progress the NAACP. She is truly a human patriot.
Thanks, Patrick, for your input. As an old white guy from America, there is no way I can begin to understand how someone of color might feel. I don’t pretend to. I’m just glad there are readers like you and SC and others that can give me some perspective on the whole issue of racial intolerance in the Philippines. Good thing you got your daughters out. My wife and I were dining at a local Chowking in Iloilo (Western Visayas) the other day, and a young Filipina with dark skin came in to eat with some friends. The looks and stares she got from the other Filipinos at the food court were sickening.
But you’re right about the selling of white-skinned products and the employment ads for “light skinned” employees. I’ve seen those ads. I’ve written about this issue before, and the blatant discriminatory hiring practices of SM Department Stores. Prospective employees have to be a certain age and height, and sadly “light skin” is also a requirement. I sincerely appreciate your insight. Thanks again.
I married a pinay who had 1 child by her ex who abandoned her and his son. I care for this child as my own. I have legally adopted him and he has my last name as well. We have been married 3 years. Her ex wanted to see his son. She asked me if that was ok. Being the kind hearted man that I am and also having never seen my father I said yes. After they met she told me that he was angry because she married a negro. She replied that she fell in love with me because I am a good man and really showed her love when she felt the world was against her and that he abandoned her and his son.
What gets my blood boiling is that this is a typical situation there in the Philippines. Many pinoy abandoned their wives and girl friends with kids. This of course happens all over the world. What kind of man abandons his child? We are about to have our first child together and maybe I am wrong but I will not allow that man to interact with us on a regular basis. I don’t want any poison in our harmonious home.
I am not saying any of those things. What i am saying is this. When the Filipinos are racist towards the Afro American it seems that they are going by what they saw and have heard form Racist whites, filipinos love to copy. Further it seems that many think if they insult the Afro-American maybe they can gain the favor of the All powerful and wealthy whites and maybe they will go up a class. This is obviously silly. But This is what it seems to me. The mistake they are making is that they think all white people still feel this way towards black people. Today that is not fully true. If it was true you would not have people like Dave and other who has started this topic here. So in sadness by putting a show like that on the air they are making themselves look uneducated and ignorant to many world issues since they are promoting out of date beliefs.
It seems that most Filipinos don’t seems to care, with so many dark Filipinos you would think there would be a boycott protest right out side the studios. These actors would be black listed (no pun intended) . The show would get pulled. But instead no one says a thing. I have spoken to Filipinos online who were against the show but it seems they were from US. I have seen posting of many filipinos from the PH saying that Nita negrita is their new hero. Like i said before i understand that many are brain wash but come on it can’t be everyone. When i read that light skin is a qualification for a job, you think wow this is crazy. No one says a thing. What kind of president do they have that allows such things, what kind of laws do they have to protect the people from these things?
Sharif, I can tell by this comment and previous remarks that you do have a good heart. Too bad the ignorant ex could not see how much you cared for your adopted child but could only focus on the color of your skin. My wife and I provide for a teen-aged niece and nephew that live with us. Their mother works as an OFW, in Kuwait. There “father,” a piece of crap drug dealer and addict abandoned them over 12 years ago. Unfortunately as you state this is a typical situation in the Philippines.
Congratulations on the new upcoming arrival. Good for you and your wife! Thanks so much for your comment.
I have to agree with a lot of what you say, SC. I have no doubt that many Filipinos have been influenced by racist whites, and that is extremely sad and unfortunate. As a guy that grew up in the 50′s there was plenty of racism and Afro Americans were insulted, spit upon, denied basic civil rights and even murdered. I grew up in a family where a derogatory term for people of color was often used. It was a term I never used. America still has a long ways to go as does the Philippines in its racist attitudes. This ignorant TV show is so unbelievably ignorant and offensive. I just can’t believe they would even show such trash.
“That’s just the way it is” is a classic phrase I hear a lot in the Philippines, SC, whenever I question why someone does not do something whatever the subject might be. I don’t know if its just abject apathy or a willingness to just “go with the flow.” I just don’t understand.
I’m afraid the new President is too concerned about driving around in his Porsche. And laws to protect the people? If they exist, I’m not aware of them, but the practice I have mentioned before about the SM Department Store mega chain only hiring light-skinned employees in their Department Stores has been verified to me by present employees and past managers. It still exists. Walk into any SM Department Store (not the Supermarket area or other retail stores in the SM Mall, if you are 5’4″ or shorter you can work in the grocery store and be over 30 years of age) and look around.
My understanding is that many cultures prefer light skin because traditionally poor people had to work outside in the fields and got darker skin from the sun. Only the rich could afford to stay indoors and avoid the sun. Also traditionally many cultures preferred overweight people due to food shortages and only the rich could afford to eat a lot and get fat. People often desire what is difficult to get. There has been a reversal now in modern Western culture, where darker tanned skin became desirable once most people moved from farms to cities and started working working indoors in factories and offices, and skinny fashion models and fitness models are considered beautiful due to the abundance of food and significant amount of overweight people.
I’ve heard that reasoning, too, Lance. Light-skin has been a sign of wealth and the upper class structure for centuries. And yes, I move from the States where many prefer the deep tanned-look, and now my pale white skin is suddenly fashionable in my new home in the Philippines. Go figure! Thanks for your input, Lance.
Do you really know why they stare so much when white skinned is married to Filipina? They looked down the Filipina as a prostitue getting hooked by GI. They view an american or foreigner as marrying a slaves not a wives. Thats whats really on the mind of Filipinos if you really want to find out.
I’ve heard that prostitute angle before, bonn jovi, and know my wife has been the recipient of some of those stares as we travel around the Philippines. My asawa has been known to stare back and ask the person what they are looking at. Thanks for your input.
I was just browsing online when I came across this site. I was in Philippines very recently. I am a black man from the US. I remember this show on TV when I was channel surfing last month while there. I had to do a double take when I first saw it. Me and my friends were shocked (one hispanic (35) and a white male (50). We thought more about it and then looked at all the skin whitening lotions we saw in Cosmopolitan there and all the advertisements in the SM mall in Angeles for skin lightening aids. Me and my friends then looked in a Cosmopolitan magazine just observed that most of the celebrities and tv stars there are mixed with caucasian and not full blooded pinoys. Native people are relegated to being in the background mostly.. It makes me understand more why Manny Pacquiao is so celebrated by the masses, he is native, darker and successful without the help of the elitist who use color and other things to fragment the people all the while cementing their control over politics, land, jobs and all finances there. That show speaks more to a deeper problem there. For me it was like a time warp to a time before I was born. I only read of such things but never seen it live and blatant before “Nita Negrita”. I am 38.. I am also engaged to a darker pinay and I had to talk her out of using vaseline whitening.. I told her that her golden brown is the envy of many and don’t ever change that!!
Thanks for your insight, Drew. It is amazing to see all the skin whitening products and advertisements, here, isn’t it. The show does indeed speak to a deeper problem, and you’re exactly right. It does seem like you step into a time warp when you visit the Philippines or live here for awhile. I’m an old geezer of 59 that lived in a small town in Central Illinois. No people of color were allowed in our small town after the sun set. My father was a police officer at the time that enforced that law. I was seven years old when I saw my first African American in a nearby bigger town that had a few families of blacks. So much racism that I saw in the 50′s and 60′s back in America is still so prevalent in the Philippines, sadly.
The word “defend” seems to be a positive word. But the trouble with some
Filipinos is that they keep on defending what is disgustingly sick and wrong
instead of finding the proper medicine to cure the problem. Or maybe, they don’t even see it as a problem at all, and this would be the worst case scenario. They think that just because the disease is asymptomatic, they aren’t sick and everything is perfectly okay. And I might add that I’ve tried to talk with some of my fellowmen in the past about this, and for some of them, it disturbs me to find out that it doesn’t ring their bell. I find it hard at times to talk with even some of my relatives because they do have the same pattern of thinking. It just drains my emotional energy dry.
Here (in the Philippines), you’ll still find yourself in a country still sniffing the hot vapors of several centuries of imperial oppression and tyranny. Some Filipinos got so addicted and intoxicated with this Imperial Tea Set. Call it “Malware” in today’s internet age.
So unfortunate, Tent, that so many of your fellow country men don’t get it. Sadly, I think you’re right when you say that many don’t even see the problem. I’m sure it must be extremely frustrating for you.
Your comment is articulate and brings up many valid points. “Malware,” indeed. Very sad.
…most urban centers like Manila and Cebu are more willing to accept interracial marriages than rural areas, plus there is more approval if the Filipina marries out than a Filipino male.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscegenation
============================================================================
You see, it’s confirmed. Filipina women in those places see me as unworthy and inferior. Just how insulting this whole thing is…and how far stupidity and ignorance can go…
Checked out the link, Tent, thanks for the information. I did notice that in Manila and Cebu there does seem to be much more acceptance of interracial marriages, as you state, than in the rural areas, such as where my asawa and I reside. My wife has received many an ignorant look when we go shopping in certain sections of Iloilo, but do not encounter such stupid behavior when in Manila. While visiting Cebu last December and January, on a solo trip for some business I had to care for, I saw numerous interracial couples at the Cebu SM City Mall. Did not seem to be drawing any extraordinary attention as far as I could tell. Stupidity and ignorance? Yeah, you bet.
Joy and I also got some bad looks in Iloilo. I didn’t notice any bad looks in Cebu or Guimaras. I understand that Cebu is more cosmopolitan, but I am not sure why no bad looks in Guimaras if we got them in Iloilo. Maybe they are more shy in Guimaras or more used to tourists.
We usually do not get any evil looks in Guimaras, either, Lance. I say “usually” because I want outside where my asawa is sweeping the grounds, a daily ritual at “The Compound,” to tell her about your comment. She informed me last year that there was a young girl on the pump to Guimaras who kept staring at her. My wife had her shades on and stared back. It never escalated to fisticuffs, and I was unaware of the incident until today. However, certain portions of Iloilo, especially the downtown Delagado, area, is where we have had countless such incidents. If I notice it, you can bet I stare back or say something. It really angers my wife, too.
Maybe the girl on the pump boat staring at Melinda was from Iloilo and just visiting or working in Guimaras, lol. I wonder why the dirty looks just happen in certain areas of Iloilo, I noticed that too. We also stared back at them and that was the end of it.
Yep, could be the girl on the pump boat was from Iloilo, Lance. We never have a problem at SM City as far as the dirty looks go, but as you probably know, the Delgado area is a dirtier, grittier, poorer section of the city. I don’t know if that has any correlation to the dirty looks, however.
Yeah, we didn’t notice anything bad at SM City, just in some other areas but I don’t remember which. The few dirty looks I noticed were from older women. We got a bunch of stares from younger women too but they just seemed to be curious not malicious, there are not a lot of expats in Iloilo.
Yep, the looks we got were from the older women, Lance. I get a lot of stares from the younger women, but I guess that’s just due to my Kano good looks, LOL!
Melinda is one lucky woman to have a good looking Kano like you!
Told Melinda that, Lance, and she is STILL doubled up on the floor laughing!
i would have to disagree with you.. The show is about a “negrita”, an aeta (not african-americans).. Her struggles to fight racism because of her dark skin is the main storyline.. All of you here are just fan boys and girls.. This is a new low in publicity.. nakakahiya kau..
Martin, I think the bulk of the disagreement with this program comes from the fact that the producers of the show used what many, myself included, “blackface” makeup on the lead actress. Why was this necessary? Why not hire an actual Negrita actress?
Thanks a lot Dave. Frustrated, I really am. This is what I’m talking about Dave. Here, let’s take a slice of the general population of the Philippines:
http://www.starmometer.com/2011/01/22/barbie-forteza-is-nita-negrita/?cp=all#comments
Most of them are written in Tagalog. But I’m sure you can understand some of
them, being here in the Philippines for quite some time. Only a few of them say that such a show is racist. But I think, this can also be blamed due to the lack of awareness. If they can only see how monstrous those Nazis are, Filipinos will realise how evil the Nita show is. The Nazis are the wildest of racists. And we know that they still operate today in many parts of the world. I just came across one of their evil agenda: “Wir machen die ***** platt.” They say they’re going to kill Nita, and that includes me and all Filipinos and non-whites. Of course, not even those Filipino actors and actresses, worshipped by most Filipinos, will be spared. We know how intolerant Nazis are. It’s both chilling and frightening. I just can’t stop thinking how some people can be so evil. It’s so sad that the scars of racism still subtly appear today in ways that are acceptable to many. Neonazis still are an issue especially in Germany. Still, this question is being asked in this forum: Wie umgehen mit den Neonazis? (How are we going to deal with the Neonazis?)
http://forum.spiegel.de/showthread.php?t=1459
Here are some Philippine job listings. They were even written in all caps for maximum visibility:
“…LIGHT COMPLEXION IS A MUST…”
“…At least 5’2 in height with LIGHT COMPLEXION…”
I’ve found the above job listings on the following links:
http://www.allarabia.com/index.php?option=com_tpjobs&task=detailjob&id=47303&Itemid=15200
http://www.bestjobsph.com/bt-jobd-qdhr-135812.htm
The job listings above look like another Nazi formula. If you have some spare
time, please watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxc52JhOgEA
It’s a documentary divided into six parts. I’ve already saved it a long time ago for future reference. I will never forget this line in this documentary: “It’s racial science from a monster’s picture book.”
I remember watching the 2004 film Der Untergang (The Downfall). One of the questions asked during a wedding is: Are you of an Aryan descent? Mr. Toothbrush himself was asked this question during his wedding with Eva. And by the way, I’m also flat-out pissed off by the lack of representation of the “Real Filipino” in Philippine media. All of these things will make one weep for the future of humanity.
Since I had an ex-girlfriend in Iloilo, I can say that some of them can be quite rude to outsiders. They define outsiders as anyone who isn’t native of Iloilo. I still can remember the day when I overheard my ex-girlfriend’s parents saying that I am a bad person and not worthy of being a husband because I grew up Manila.
PREJUDICE AGAINST ANYTHING DARK EXTENDED TO CARS AND FOOD ITEMS:
It’s also quite interesting to note that the number of black cars here in the
Philippines aren’t that many. You’ll be quite lucky to find one. I was talking to my mom the other day about this whole Nita thing, and she told me that here in the Philippines, about 50 years ago, the brown and the black varieties of rice are a frequent sight. But because Filipinos thought of these varieties as unclean, rice merchants responded to such a market demand by offering the white one instead–at extortionate prices. This might be the rough explanation as to the reason why black and brown rice varieties aren’t so easy to find these days. I reckon that brown people like me will be heading the same direction as the brown rice did (heading towards extinction), and this might be seen in the next few centuries because of this prejudice, given the fact that women have the final say in mate selection. I’ve already given up the hope in finding a woman who’ll like me back.
Well, “Tent,” it is extremely scary to know that Neonazism and that whole racist culture is still alive. I come from a family where my relatives were all German on my father’s side. While no one was a member of the Nazi Party, to my knowledge, I was raised in a home where racist comments were quite the norm. Even as a young child I did not use any of the common terms used to insult people of color. Just wasn’t in my heart. Never felt right to me. And still this culture exists and wants to continue their quest to destroy any person of color, whether it be African, African American, Filipino, and all Asian people. Calling such people “morons” would be an insult to morons everywhere.
I have seen some of those same job listings in newspapers in the Philippines. Quite shocking. I did read about a month ago that some Filipino lawmakers were going to make such advertisements illegal, but haven’t heard anything more about that. I’ve mentioned it many times, but SM Department Stores in the Philippines have an extremely discriminatory policy. See how many dark-skinned and Filipinos under 5’3″ tall you see in the actual SM Department Store itself. Doubt if you see any. However, they “graciously” allow shorter people and those with somewhat darker skin other than “lily white” to work in the Supermarket sections.
And you’re right. Don’t see many black cars here and mainly white rice. But don’t give up on your search for someone that will like or love you back. There’s still hope my friend.
I’m really scared Dave. It’s the main reason why I refuse to visit white countries. I have nothing against these countries or the people living in it and their governments, I just have a dreaded fear of being treated with scorn or being beaten or even getting murdered by a racist skull. I’ve heard that about a month ago in California, a 10-year old boy shoots dead his neo-nazi father. Maybe he could no longer take what his father is teaching him. It’s just my calculated guess. The authorities haven’t revealed much about the case. Dave, do you think those newspaper ads, GMA and the rest of the Philippine media should apologise just like Microsoft did with its edited ads for the Polish market? What these job listings are doing are just a few steps short of hitler’s schools. But I’m glad to hear that some of my fellowmen have started to open their eyes to the bare truth behind all these things. I just can’t wait for these racist ads be made illegal.
Speaking of morons, the mentally ill and those with genetic defects, well, the stronger ones should instead be thankful that they aren’t. I’m not a strong person myself by they way. I’m just amazed those zombies don’t feel an ounce of pity for them. I know that there are people who want to make this world more barbaric than ever, more of that “dog-eat-dog” mania. Pity, empathy, love and dignity take the hyper-nominative case in the languages of these sorts of people. These are just some of the words they despise. Being brought up as a Christian, I was told to treat everybody with dignity and to care for those people in need, within my means and whenever I can.
Dave, with what you’ve told me about SM’s extreme discriminatory policy, I’m tempted to distribute leaflets. I feel that SM is even worse than GMA. And it’s so sad that most Filipinos are behaving like it’s okay. This country badly needs some serious shower of white roses. The Philippines is stinkingly racist. It’s so easy to get rejected by other countries, but by your own? This would be unthinkable. I just feel betrayed by my own country, being seen as a “sub-human” even by my own fellowmen. SC is so right. These are the copycat racists. Looking back, as a child, I didn’t have a single idea why I was treated with less favor by my peers. Adulthood came and I’ve just opened a can of worms. But this can of worms told me volumes and explained to me everything.
@martin
Please don’t beat around the bush by making some lame excuses. It’s downright offensive in whatever place on earth you take that term and whichever way you look at it. You think, the word Negrita is one of ours? It isn’t. It’s an Italianate word from the Roman world brought to the Philippines by Spain, which was once a Roman colony herself. My dad knows Latin. It just spread to other Romance languages and other language families. It’s a word carrying a negative meaning RIGHT FROM THE VERY START. Just think of Nero. And of course, Spain at that time didn’t use such a term on us in an affectionate way. Negrita is just a milder form of “Untermenschen”. Remember that. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that Nita isn’t a wholesome show. And as I type this post, I just
feel so sad and disturbed by the fact that children can watch it with no let up at all because their parents told them that there’s nothing wrong with it. I beg you, don’t put the world in more pain than it’s already in, you have to remember that there’s more than enough racial hatred or just plain unjustified hatred even without this Nita show. Unless you want to burn in hell together with those SS zombies, you should stop condoning the hatred this Nita show teaches. I have nothing against you. I’m only against evil. Filipinos need to be more sensitive with regards to these things.
The problem with distributing leaflets, Tent, is that the vast majority of the people you would be handing them out to would have no idea what you would be talking about. They don’t see any problem. However, if it would open the eyes of even one person, it would be worth the effort. This discriminatory policy of SM is one I would really like to explore more. I often talk to managers at SM and would like to see what kind of response I get from them on this issue. Would they even admit to such a policy? Regular employees that I talk to acknowledge it. So sad that you have been subject to such ignorant behavior from your own peers. I just can’t comprehend such prejudice.
Hi Dave. Have you seen these videos?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU5bg8nobmk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHmpZXISdYk&feature=channel_video_title
Lots of angry Filipinos in the building. But some opened their eyes to the truth and listened to the sound of reason.
Checked out the videos, Tent. Some pretty hard-hitting stuff. Unfortunately, racism is rampant in the Philippines, and I’ll be doing a post sometime this week revisiting the issue. Read an interesting column from a Filipina who asks the question “How far would you go for whiter skin?” Thanks for the video links.
Hi! I’m a Filipina and yeah when I first saw the show I was shocked. The show was really racist. Their just making shows for money! and my brother has friends who are married to white guys. My mom has a lot black friends in Canada and she’s really proud of it because they are good people and she wants us to meet them someday. Here in Bacolod a lot people are doing the “staring thing” but not all. When my friends and i go to the mall and there’s a foreigner and Filipina couple we stare, but not at the girl. lol! We stare at the cute foreign guy. LOL! I really hate racist people. i grew up in a farm and there are people there who has ancestry of aetas and they are good people.
Hi, Raven, thanks for your insight. Unfortunately there’s racism in the Philippines just as there is everywhere I’m afraid.
So you check out the cute foreign guys, huh? Wait until Lance the Canadian, the best-looking guy in Canada comes back to the Philippines for a visit.
Hi SC, that was a very interesting observation on why Filipinos behave the way they do. The color of the skin has different dynamics to Filipinos. Negritoes are dark-skinned natives. Most Filipinos look at them as, you know more or less how. African descent expats in the Philippines are also viewed differently. Not necessarily as something to make fun of but simply because they are uncommon. I remember when I was a child I saw an African woman with an elaborate braid. She got a lot of stares. And when she stopped by at a santol vendor and bought some, people were still watching her. And that was Manila. So my best explanation about this is that Filipinos love to watch different people and african people do get more stares. But do Filipinos avoid them like plaque just like in the Kansas 50 years? I do not think so.
Yes Dave. I was shocked to see young men who may work as sales clerks in SM put baby powder in the mens room as if it’s the most natural thing to do. & no, they were not gays, I think.
Thanks for your observations, roy519. One of the most disturbing things I’ve seen since living in the Philippines was the attention a dark-skinned African man shopping at our local SM City in Iloilo drew. Security guards and store employees were pointing at him and making fun of the man behind his back. It was quite unsettling.
I grew up in a small town in Central Illinois way back in the 50′s. No black people, African-Americans, lived there. I was seven years old when I saw a black person in a larger city next to us. Is racism been eliminated from the United States? Absolutely not. I doubt that it will ever be wiped out.
Really? I haven’t seen that yet, roy519, but I’m not surprised. I do have to jostle for a spot to wash my hands when I use the CR at our local SM. Most of the young guys are standing in front of the mirrors primping and combing their hair. At times I have to wonder if I have accidentally stumbled into the ladies CR.