This week I've already ran into three situations of the "racial" biases here in the Philippines.
Here's a TV show I happened to fall upon this afternoon
NITA NEGRITABARIBE FORTEZA aka NITA NEGRITA
Think back to 19th century. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that remind you of Blackface? If you don't know, Blackface was used in the nineteenth-century to exaggerate stereotypical features of blacks, propagating racist attitudes and stereotypes.
The show definitely proves the reality of racism in the Philippines. It's ironic that it's such a problem in this country because the Filipinos themselves were victims of racist ideologies and beliefs brought about by centuries of colonization. Colonial mentality is soooo overwhelming that people are blind to it. (Google colonial mentality :) )
First, you have to understand the history of the Philippines. For 300 years it was colonized by the Spanish. As you can assume with much of European colonial history, these years are characterized by racist and discriminatory attitudes and social policies.
The Filipinos were regarded by the Spanish as “indios” meaning stupid, uneducated people. The Europeans dominated the country in every aspect in politics, education, religion, economy --- everywhere. Filipinos were raised to believe that the Spanish “race” was more dominant and “better” than their own.
The Philippines was also colonized by the Americans, the Dutch and the British (and apparently the Portuguese too). That’s a lot of colonizers telling the country that its people are inferior and ignorant!
So to make this story short, the mainstream culture in the Philippines is characterized by this invisible idolization of “whiteness”. However Filipinos don’t want to admit it, or maybe they don’t know it, but they actually think that being “white” is better. If you are fair-skinned, you are regarded as beautiful, maybe “better”.
Take a glance at their media and entertainment industry. Most of the actors and actresses are fair-skinned and have European/mixed Asian features. Classmates want Philippines not too long ago and was told that he should become a model in the Philippines just because he is white. He said he's never laughed so hard.
In fact, this is a trend in the Philippines. If you are Filipino and something (perhaps European or Asian as long as you are "white"), you will most likely get a job in commercials and movies. (Gabriela was telling me about the same thing in Mexico. Everybody in the media apparently is "white, fair-skinned" etc. )
How hipocritical for a show "teaching" tolerance!
How hipocritical for a show "teaching" tolerance!
Apparently, the show is “teaching” its viewers about how it’s ok to be black and that your skin color should not be taken as a bad thing, etc. That’s really great. That’s awesome. But what I found really disturbing is the make up is really really bad. It’s almost caricaturist. In fact, it is caricaturist!
How does it “teach” the people that it’s ok to be black when you can’t even cast a black person to portray the main character? And everybody in the show is using derogatory words, expressions and attitudes towards the “black” character, reinforcing stereotypes and racist attitudes. And the main character doesn't even do anything to fight. She doesn't even have a Rosa Parks sort of attitude. She just sort of let the people be mean to her. It's kinda like Cinderella, only this time, she's got black make up smeared on her face. How pathetic it would be if this black Cinderella magically turns white when she sees her prince charming! Ugh.
The Philippines has, I believe, 90 million people and is one of the most diverse countries in the world because of the many indigenous and aboriginal groups that make up its demographics. And there's so many people from other countries that go to the Philippines, to study, work, etc. Definitely a lot of dark-skinned Filipinos who can pass as the "black" character. Of the 90 million people, they couldn’t find someone who is black who can better portray the main character?
I wonder why? Maybe because even the creators of the show themselves think that black actors are not worthy for tv that they have to cast someone and just literally paint her black.
I wonder why? Maybe because even the creators of the show themselves think that black actors are not worthy for tv that they have to cast someone and just literally paint her black.
They can't even hire a better make up artist.
I find the show really offensive and inappropriate. The Philippines (as with many colonized countries) has this stupid colonial mentality issue and sadly, because of centuries of oppression and colonization, they don't know about it.
Actually look everywhere around the world and the way beauty is portrayed in global media. Try going to the nearest grocery store where they sell magazines, etc. How many black or brown people do you see on the covers? Probably 1 or 2 or 3... out of hundreds.
It's sad.
Actually look everywhere around the world and the way beauty is portrayed in global media. Try going to the nearest grocery store where they sell magazines, etc. How many black or brown people do you see on the covers? Probably 1 or 2 or 3... out of hundreds.
It's sad.
Anyway, I found this documentary online. You should try watch it. It's pretty interesting.
