Are Filipinos Racist? Racism in the Philippines (Xiao Chua, Angeli Dione Gomez, The Black Filipino)

Summary

This video explores racism in the Philippines through the experiences and insights of four diverse individuals. They discuss the country's colonial history, colorism, and the normalization of racist attitudes, including skin-whitening obsessions and derogatory language. The participants share personal encounters with racism and highlight how Western influences and deep-seated cultural biases affect Filipino identity. Despite challenges, they emphasize the importance of education, understanding, and inclusivity as steps toward reducing racism in Filipino society.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Racism is defined as judging or looking down on people based on their skin color or ethnicity.
• 🇵🇭 The Philippines has a history of racism influenced by colonialism and Western standards, which continues to shape Filipino perceptions.
• 👶 There's an obsession with being mixed race or 'Western' in the Philippines, and a preference for lighter skin tones in society.
• 📜 Some historical teachings in schools, such as origin stories of different races, were racially biased, though they have been removed from the curriculum.
• 🏝 The island 'Negros' in the Philippines, named by the Spanish colonizers, reflects a history of racialized naming practices.
• 🧴 Skin whitening products and advertisements in the Philippines normalize the idea that lighter skin leads to better opportunities, which reinforces discriminatory beauty standards.
• 👁 Some people don't see these issues as racism but rather as class distinctions or body shaming related to skin tone and social status.
• 💬 Individuals from diverse backgrounds shared their experiences of subtle forms of racism in the Philippines, including questioning someone's ethnic identity.
• 💡 Eradicating racism requires educating people on human rights, cultural understanding, and changing ingrained mentalities that are passed down through generations.
• ❤️ The only way to overcome racism is through love and fostering an inclusive attitude toward all people, embracing unity instead of division.

Q & A

What is the primary theme discussed in the video?

The primary theme discussed in the video is racism in the Philippines, specifically how it manifests in culture and society, and how it affects people's perceptions and attitudes.

How does the speaker describe the influence of racism in Philippine culture?

The speaker describes the influence of racism in Philippine culture as pervasive, citing examples like the widespread obsession with skin whitening and the use of derogatory terms in casual conversation.

What examples of racism are mentioned by the individuals in the video?

Examples of racism mentioned include the obsession with skin tone in relation to success, a racist creation story taught in schools, and the discriminatory attitudes based on ethnic background or physical appearance, especially towards those with darker skin tones.

What is the reaction of the participants when shown the racist creation story taught in schools?

The participants find the creation story shockingly racist and outdated, expressing disbelief that such a narrative was ever taught to children. They agree it reflects deep-seated racial prejudices.

What significance does the island name 'Negros' have in the context of racism?

The island name 'Negros' was highlighted for its potential racial connotations. Some participants suggest it may have been named by Spanish colonizers, reflecting colonial attitudes, but over time the name lost its direct association with racism for many locals.

How do the participants react to the billboard about skin tone and employment?

The participants agree that the billboard is racist, as it implies that lighter skin is necessary for securing employment, promoting a harmful standard of beauty and success linked to skin color.

What are the participants' thoughts on the obsession with mixed ethnicities in the Philippines?

The participants observe that there is an obsession with mixed ethnicities, often considered superior or more desirable than being purely Filipino. This mentality reflects colonial influence and a lack of pride in Filipino identity.

How has the colonial history of the Philippines influenced its racial attitudes?

The colonial history, especially Spanish colonization, has deeply influenced racial attitudes in the Philippines, leading to a preference for Western standards of beauty and success. This has created a colonial mentality that continues to affect how Filipinos view themselves.

What personal experiences of racism do the participants share?

One participant shares that people often doubt her full Filipino heritage because of her appearance, while another talks about being called out for his Chinese surname, which led to him being labeled as 'not fully Filipino.'

What solutions do the participants suggest for combating racism in the Philippines?

The participants suggest that proper education about human rights, cultural diversity, and acceptance is key to reducing racism. They stress the importance of teaching inclusivity and fostering love instead of divisiveness.