Pinoys seek apology from 'Desperate Housewives'
10/02/2007 | 06:10 PM
A racial slur made against Philippine medical schools shown in the hit American television series “Desperate Housewives" prompted several Filipinos to demand an apology from the show's creators.
The issue stemmed from a remark made by character Susan Mayer being played by actress Teri Hatcher when she visited the office of Dr Adam Mayfair, played by Nathan Fillion, on the show’s 4th season premier.
In the scene that was shown in the US on Sept 30, Dr. Mayfair told a visibly terrified Mayer that the word “menopause" seems to open a Pandora’s Box for the age-conscious middle-aged woman.
“They hear ageing, brittle bones, loss of sexual drive…" said the doctor who was cut midway from his explanation by an agitated Mayer.
“Before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? 'Coz, I just want to make sure they’re not from some med school in the Philippines," she said while searching for the doctor’s records. He apparently graduated from Harvard Medical School. (For the clip click http://mindy-tv.blogspot.com/2007/10/second-class-citizens.html)
GMANews.TV received e-mails from concerned viewers who found the remark insulting to many Filipinos. Some blogs have also discussed the negative remark made about the Philippines.
“I have communicated with fellow members of the health care profession, both Filipinos and other nationalities alike. We have all come to the conclusion that this kind of racial slur is a very irresponsible act …[which] should NEVER be tolerated in any society, whether in a first world or a third world country," said Filipino Dr Siegfried Perez from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia in an e-mail to GMANews.TV.
“We, the members of the health care profession, demand the immediate public apology by the producers, writers and actors of this show," Perez added.
US-based Filipino literary intellectual Sonny San Juan also sent a blog thread condemning what could have been intended as a joke.
Based on the Federation of State Medical Boards website, there are about 32 Philippine medical schools listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED), “30 of which are operating and two of which are closed."
It also added that three medical schools that are currently in operation have been hailed by the Commission on Higher Education as “Centers of Excellence," while another one was declared as a "Center of Development." CHED based this on the track record, performance in the licensure examination and excellent faculty of the said schools.
Meanwhile, several bloggers had begun exchanging disgust over the “insult" made to the Philippine medical industry.
“If not for Filipino medical practitioners, a lot of hospitals all over the world will have to contend with rude health workers," said Mindy on her blogsite.
“So, do hope your medical attendant is a graduate from the Philippines," she added.
“I can’t understand why a show like Desperate Housewives would stoop so low as to offhandedly throw an insult just like that," asked Shari Cruz on her website.
While most of those reacting to the episode lash out on the show’s scriptwriters, others blame the actor.
“The actress, Teri Hatcher, should insist not to deliver such dialogs as she just became the face of this insult to a country that was once a territory of the US," posted by an online user from the blogsite, Coffee With Amee.
Desperate Housewives is a multi-award winning comedy series which premiered in October 2003 and is aired weekly in the US by ABC Network. It is locally shown on Studio 23.
It follows the story of five sexually “desperate" sub-urban housewives living along Wisteria Lane in the fictional American town of Fairview. Aside from Hatcher, the show stars Felicity Huffman (as Lynette Scavo),Marcia Cross (Bree Van De Kamp),Nicollette Sheridan(Edie Britt) and Eva Longoria (Gabrielle Solis).
The show’s first season premier reportedly drew in a total of 21.3 million American viewers and eventually attracting a loyal audience. - Mark J. Ubalde, GMANews.TV
The issue stemmed from a remark made by character Susan Mayer being played by actress Teri Hatcher when she visited the office of Dr Adam Mayfair, played by Nathan Fillion, on the show’s 4th season premier.
In the scene that was shown in the US on Sept 30, Dr. Mayfair told a visibly terrified Mayer that the word “menopause" seems to open a Pandora’s Box for the age-conscious middle-aged woman.
“They hear ageing, brittle bones, loss of sexual drive…" said the doctor who was cut midway from his explanation by an agitated Mayer.
“Before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? 'Coz, I just want to make sure they’re not from some med school in the Philippines," she said while searching for the doctor’s records. He apparently graduated from Harvard Medical School. (For the clip click http://mindy-tv.blogspot.com/2007/10/second-class-citizens.html)
GMANews.TV received e-mails from concerned viewers who found the remark insulting to many Filipinos. Some blogs have also discussed the negative remark made about the Philippines.
“I have communicated with fellow members of the health care profession, both Filipinos and other nationalities alike. We have all come to the conclusion that this kind of racial slur is a very irresponsible act …[which] should NEVER be tolerated in any society, whether in a first world or a third world country," said Filipino Dr Siegfried Perez from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia in an e-mail to GMANews.TV.
“We, the members of the health care profession, demand the immediate public apology by the producers, writers and actors of this show," Perez added.
US-based Filipino literary intellectual Sonny San Juan also sent a blog thread condemning what could have been intended as a joke.
Based on the Federation of State Medical Boards website, there are about 32 Philippine medical schools listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED), “30 of which are operating and two of which are closed."
It also added that three medical schools that are currently in operation have been hailed by the Commission on Higher Education as “Centers of Excellence," while another one was declared as a "Center of Development." CHED based this on the track record, performance in the licensure examination and excellent faculty of the said schools.
Meanwhile, several bloggers had begun exchanging disgust over the “insult" made to the Philippine medical industry.
“If not for Filipino medical practitioners, a lot of hospitals all over the world will have to contend with rude health workers," said Mindy on her blogsite.
“So, do hope your medical attendant is a graduate from the Philippines," she added.
“I can’t understand why a show like Desperate Housewives would stoop so low as to offhandedly throw an insult just like that," asked Shari Cruz on her website.
While most of those reacting to the episode lash out on the show’s scriptwriters, others blame the actor.
“The actress, Teri Hatcher, should insist not to deliver such dialogs as she just became the face of this insult to a country that was once a territory of the US," posted by an online user from the blogsite, Coffee With Amee.
Desperate Housewives is a multi-award winning comedy series which premiered in October 2003 and is aired weekly in the US by ABC Network. It is locally shown on Studio 23.
It follows the story of five sexually “desperate" sub-urban housewives living along Wisteria Lane in the fictional American town of Fairview. Aside from Hatcher, the show stars Felicity Huffman (as Lynette Scavo),Marcia Cross (Bree Van De Kamp),Nicollette Sheridan(Edie Britt) and Eva Longoria (Gabrielle Solis).
The show’s first season premier reportedly drew in a total of 21.3 million American viewers and eventually attracting a loyal audience. - Mark J. Ubalde, GMANews.TV
READER'S FEEDBACK:
From: Siegfried Perez in Gold Coast, Australia
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 3:11 PM
Subject: Very important - Reaction of Filipino doctors to Racial Slur on the TV show - Desperate Housewives
Dear Tita Valderama,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
I've just received news about a racial slur targeting doctors from the Philippines during a scene in the season 4 premiere of the tv show Desperate Housewives.
In a doctor's office scenario, Susan (played by actress Teri Hatcher), visited the Caucasian doctor to ask about some of her symptoms. She then asked the doctor: "...before we go any further, can I just check those diplomas? 'coz I just want to make sure they're not from some med school in the Philippines." [verbatim from the show]
At first, I did not want to believe it but here's the proof. The link comes from another blogger concerned about the show.
http://mindy-tv.blogspot.com/2007/10/second-class-citizens.html
I have communicated with fellow members of the healthcare profession, both Filipinos and other nationalities alike. We have all come to the conclusion that this kind of racial slur is a very irresponsible act by the show's producers, writers and actors.
This should NEVER be tolerated in any society, whether in a 1st world or a third world country.
We, the members of the healthcare profession, demand the immediate public apology by the producers, writers and actors of this show.
Thank you very much for your help in bringing this atrocity to the public eye.
Siegfried Perez
From: Chen Ben Lim (chenben_lim@yahoo.com) in Dipolog City, Philippines
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 7:50 PM
It's not good for us Filipinos in the image of the world to hear such words of racial slur. We should act immediately or make a protest against the show.
From: George V. Nifras in Davao City, Phils.
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 10:19 PM
I used to watch Desperate Housewives. But with the current issue on what their star Teri Hatcher said in one of the episodes, I decided not to watch it anymore.
How can she be so naive to to say those things? Imagine if all Filipinos of the medical profession stop working in the US, would you think they will survive?
I thought she was that intelligent! Now she is just one of those with good looks
and no brains!
From: Nick Salvador (tatangofw@yahoo.com) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 8:11 PM
Truly, her comments against our nurses are condemnable. But i guess the one to blame here is the way our educational system is being run right now. There are so many anomalies proliferating in the news right now.
The 2006 nurses' exams scandal is one of those being highlighted. Now whose to blame with the kind of image we have in the world right now? We have a president whose regime is full of scandals, how can we expect a better society then?!
From: Ric Mariano in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 8:22 PM
Dear Sir,
Below is a research study conducted by IBON Foundation. It speaks for itself. We might have our best nurses abroad but look at our situation back home? Should we prioritize cleaning our image abroad or we should first do something for our country?
Can we blame other people to have that kind of thinking if our government is not doing something to alleviate our people from all kind of miseries?
RP AMONG WORLD'S WORST IN HEALTH SERVICES
The low priority the Arroyo government places on health has branded the Philippines among the worst in the world when it comes to providing health services to its people, according to independent think-tank IBON Foundation.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its World Health Statistics 2007, gave the Philippines dismal rankings in various health provision indicators.
Among 192 countries the Philippines ranks 153rd in terms of government spending on health as a share of a country's total health spending.
Filipinos have increasingly relied on out of pocket expenses on health, as against government allocation.
The country also ranks 156th in terms of the share of the government budget going to health.
In the proposed 2008 national budget, only 1.5% of the total budget will go to health. Total health budget for 2008 is P22.9 billion, equivalent to just 0.31% of GDP. Health budget was marginally better at 0.58% of GDP in 1997 and 0.74% in 1990.
However, health budgets still fall well below the 5% of GDP that should be committed to health spending recommended by the WHO.
IBON points out that the per capita health spending in the proposed 2008 budget is just P253 per Filipino, further highlighting how government is taking the least responsibility to meet its citizens' health needs.
From: Carlo Raphael Diokno in Cauayan, Isabela, Phils
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 1:28 AM
Kailangan din ata humingi ni Mrs. (Cory) Aquino ng apology from the Americans. hehe
Gud day,
Nanood ako minsan ng isang comedy show sa CNN entitled, "The Daily Show" and I was surprised after watching one episode.
Ang topic kasi eh "Is America Ready for a Woman President?" Sa isang part sa comedic documentary na ito, they tagged Corazon Aquino's picture with a word "SLut". Funny 'yung documentary pero I guess our former president needs an apology.
Isinama ko na rin 'yung address ng youtube site for your ready reference. Thank you, No. 1 Kapuso!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jc4RhBBw0b8
From: Dennis D. Mauricio, MD (dennisdmauricio@yahoo.com) in Buffalo, New York, USA
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 3:26 AM
Dear Editors:
My wife and I are somewhat directly hit by this issue, by virtue of the medical specialty depicted in the show.
I am presently the Administrative and Academic Chief Resident of the largest residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the whole state of New York. And both of
us are Filipinos, and received our medical degree in the Philippines.
To attest to our contributions here, my wife and I have been given the Chairman's Award for Clinical Excellence. And I am the Vice-chair (2007) and future Chair (2008) for all the residents in New York state to the largest association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the US, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
This is only to mention a few of what Filipino doctors have done and are doing here. And I strongly believe there are tens of thousands more Filipinos who are excellent in their work, with or without awards. We continue to be superb.
Sincerely,
Dennis D. Mauricio, MD
Arminda Mauricio, MD
From: Aarnel Soller in Trinidad and Tobago
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 4:54 AM
The Desperate Housewives writers probably think that most graduates of Philippine med schools choose to eventually become nurses to work in the States. Reality hurts...still, it's not proper to say it in a top rated TV program.
From: Stephenson Sy (kogure_senpai@hotmail.com) in Paranaque, Phils
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 10:25 AM
I also share the same feelings about racial discrimination. I don't watch Desperate Housewives but something like this shouldn't be passed.
When I forwarded some petition going around the net to my friend, he raised a very good point when he said that he will not join the campaign. This is what he replied to me. To quote:
"With all due respect, why do we react this way when American shows take cracks at 'professional Filipinos,' but not when they take a crack at 'Filipino whores?'
Every Mad TV episode I've seen always has a 'Filipino whore' joke on them. Why don't we get offended?
Is it because they're not professionals? That they do not have the correct pedigree to be seen as dignified? As far as I am concerned, these 'whores' are the same as those 'professionals' that were slighted by Teri Hatcher's line - they go to the US to
pursue the American dream. While their means might not be appropriate, they just want to make a living.
And more important is the fact that these 'whores' are Filipinos as well. If we can't even feel angry that they're being slighted every week by a very annoying Cable show, then we're being racist as well by disowning our own.
Until you guys also seek apology from Mad TV and any other crummy US show (Family Guy, for one) for slighting the Filipino race, regardless of stature, I'm not joining your campaign."
From: "Maya" (shredderhappee@yahoo.com) in Proj. 2, Quezon City, Phils
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 11:21 AM
I care not whether we produce the best medical professionals and "export" them elsewhere in the world. What matters most is whether there are enough competent ones left to serve their fellow countrymen here where they are most needed.
From: John Cruz (emilioboybellboy@yahoo.co.uk) in Brighton, UK
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 10:36 PM
I was just shocked in disbelief that even US TV shows tolerate such racial abuse, they should be suspended airing such shows, They did not only dishonor the country but the whole nation of talented people as well.
From: Siegfried Perez in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2007 11:53 AM
Dear Tita,
Thanks for your help on this issue!
I'm very happy that our voice has been heard regarding this inexcusable act. It really took everyone's help, both Filipinos and other nationalities alike, to bring this issue to the public's attention.
It is now time to go back to proving that everyone else is RIGHT about Filipinos. We are hardworking, responsible and at par with the world's best... in whatever, profession we choose.
Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
Siegfried R.S. Perez, MD
Here's a list of links I've got regarding the apology of ABC corporation, the producers of the Desperate Housewives.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071004/ennew_afp/entertainmentphilippinesustvracism_071004015434
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=114&sid=1261037
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hChzhxxHRER0dEWLME9fo1zm8OlAD8S24V780
From: Ronald Moore in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Phils
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 8:18 AM
I can understand how med schools in the Philippines could get upset re: the DH show. I cannot however understand why your average citizen is so outraged.
The comment was not about a "race" of people.
In any event I am not a Filipino but I am aware of how "tender" Filipino egos are.
How a nation of people can get so bent out of shape in regard to this issue is beyond me, especially when they don't get outraged by such things as the name of their country. I mean isn't it time the people of these islands got rid of the "tag" that was given to them by the invaders who raped, killed and plundered the country for more than 300 years.
It would seem that after the revolution the leaders would have realized that they needed to do something about their independent nation needed to be called something other than a name that comes from a king of Spain. Now that's something to be outraged about.
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 3:11 PM
Subject: Very important - Reaction of Filipino doctors to Racial Slur on the TV show - Desperate Housewives
Dear Tita Valderama,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
I've just received news about a racial slur targeting doctors from the Philippines during a scene in the season 4 premiere of the tv show Desperate Housewives.
In a doctor's office scenario, Susan (played by actress Teri Hatcher), visited the Caucasian doctor to ask about some of her symptoms. She then asked the doctor: "...before we go any further, can I just check those diplomas? 'coz I just want to make sure they're not from some med school in the Philippines." [verbatim from the show]
At first, I did not want to believe it but here's the proof. The link comes from another blogger concerned about the show.
http://mindy-tv.blogspot.com/2007/10/second-class-citizens.html
I have communicated with fellow members of the healthcare profession, both Filipinos and other nationalities alike. We have all come to the conclusion that this kind of racial slur is a very irresponsible act by the show's producers, writers and actors.
This should NEVER be tolerated in any society, whether in a 1st world or a third world country.
We, the members of the healthcare profession, demand the immediate public apology by the producers, writers and actors of this show.
Thank you very much for your help in bringing this atrocity to the public eye.
Siegfried Perez
From: Chen Ben Lim (chenben_lim@yahoo.com) in Dipolog City, Philippines
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 7:50 PM
It's not good for us Filipinos in the image of the world to hear such words of racial slur. We should act immediately or make a protest against the show.
From: George V. Nifras in Davao City, Phils.
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 10:19 PM
I used to watch Desperate Housewives. But with the current issue on what their star Teri Hatcher said in one of the episodes, I decided not to watch it anymore.
How can she be so naive to to say those things? Imagine if all Filipinos of the medical profession stop working in the US, would you think they will survive?
I thought she was that intelligent! Now she is just one of those with good looks
and no brains!
From: Nick Salvador (tatangofw@yahoo.com) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 8:11 PM
Truly, her comments against our nurses are condemnable. But i guess the one to blame here is the way our educational system is being run right now. There are so many anomalies proliferating in the news right now.
The 2006 nurses' exams scandal is one of those being highlighted. Now whose to blame with the kind of image we have in the world right now? We have a president whose regime is full of scandals, how can we expect a better society then?!
From: Ric Mariano in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 8:22 PM
Dear Sir,
Below is a research study conducted by IBON Foundation. It speaks for itself. We might have our best nurses abroad but look at our situation back home? Should we prioritize cleaning our image abroad or we should first do something for our country?
Can we blame other people to have that kind of thinking if our government is not doing something to alleviate our people from all kind of miseries?
RP AMONG WORLD'S WORST IN HEALTH SERVICES
The low priority the Arroyo government places on health has branded the Philippines among the worst in the world when it comes to providing health services to its people, according to independent think-tank IBON Foundation.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its World Health Statistics 2007, gave the Philippines dismal rankings in various health provision indicators.
Among 192 countries the Philippines ranks 153rd in terms of government spending on health as a share of a country's total health spending.
Filipinos have increasingly relied on out of pocket expenses on health, as against government allocation.
The country also ranks 156th in terms of the share of the government budget going to health.
In the proposed 2008 national budget, only 1.5% of the total budget will go to health. Total health budget for 2008 is P22.9 billion, equivalent to just 0.31% of GDP. Health budget was marginally better at 0.58% of GDP in 1997 and 0.74% in 1990.
However, health budgets still fall well below the 5% of GDP that should be committed to health spending recommended by the WHO.
IBON points out that the per capita health spending in the proposed 2008 budget is just P253 per Filipino, further highlighting how government is taking the least responsibility to meet its citizens' health needs.
From: Carlo Raphael Diokno in Cauayan, Isabela, Phils
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 1:28 AM
Kailangan din ata humingi ni Mrs. (Cory) Aquino ng apology from the Americans. hehe
Gud day,
Nanood ako minsan ng isang comedy show sa CNN entitled, "The Daily Show" and I was surprised after watching one episode.
Ang topic kasi eh "Is America Ready for a Woman President?" Sa isang part sa comedic documentary na ito, they tagged Corazon Aquino's picture with a word "SLut". Funny 'yung documentary pero I guess our former president needs an apology.
Isinama ko na rin 'yung address ng youtube site for your ready reference. Thank you, No. 1 Kapuso!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jc4RhBBw0b8
From: Dennis D. Mauricio, MD (dennisdmauricio@yahoo.com) in Buffalo, New York, USA
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 3:26 AM
Dear Editors:
My wife and I are somewhat directly hit by this issue, by virtue of the medical specialty depicted in the show.
I am presently the Administrative and Academic Chief Resident of the largest residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the whole state of New York. And both of
us are Filipinos, and received our medical degree in the Philippines.
To attest to our contributions here, my wife and I have been given the Chairman's Award for Clinical Excellence. And I am the Vice-chair (2007) and future Chair (2008) for all the residents in New York state to the largest association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the US, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
This is only to mention a few of what Filipino doctors have done and are doing here. And I strongly believe there are tens of thousands more Filipinos who are excellent in their work, with or without awards. We continue to be superb.
Sincerely,
Dennis D. Mauricio, MD
Arminda Mauricio, MD
From: Aarnel Soller in Trinidad and Tobago
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 4:54 AM
The Desperate Housewives writers probably think that most graduates of Philippine med schools choose to eventually become nurses to work in the States. Reality hurts...still, it's not proper to say it in a top rated TV program.
From: Stephenson Sy (kogure_senpai@hotmail.com) in Paranaque, Phils
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 10:25 AM
I also share the same feelings about racial discrimination. I don't watch Desperate Housewives but something like this shouldn't be passed.
When I forwarded some petition going around the net to my friend, he raised a very good point when he said that he will not join the campaign. This is what he replied to me. To quote:
"With all due respect, why do we react this way when American shows take cracks at 'professional Filipinos,' but not when they take a crack at 'Filipino whores?'
Every Mad TV episode I've seen always has a 'Filipino whore' joke on them. Why don't we get offended?
Is it because they're not professionals? That they do not have the correct pedigree to be seen as dignified? As far as I am concerned, these 'whores' are the same as those 'professionals' that were slighted by Teri Hatcher's line - they go to the US to
pursue the American dream. While their means might not be appropriate, they just want to make a living.
And more important is the fact that these 'whores' are Filipinos as well. If we can't even feel angry that they're being slighted every week by a very annoying Cable show, then we're being racist as well by disowning our own.
Until you guys also seek apology from Mad TV and any other crummy US show (Family Guy, for one) for slighting the Filipino race, regardless of stature, I'm not joining your campaign."
From: "Maya" (shredderhappee@yahoo.com) in Proj. 2, Quezon City, Phils
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 11:21 AM
I care not whether we produce the best medical professionals and "export" them elsewhere in the world. What matters most is whether there are enough competent ones left to serve their fellow countrymen here where they are most needed.
From: John Cruz (emilioboybellboy@yahoo.co.uk) in Brighton, UK
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 10:36 PM
I was just shocked in disbelief that even US TV shows tolerate such racial abuse, they should be suspended airing such shows, They did not only dishonor the country but the whole nation of talented people as well.
From: Siegfried Perez in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2007 11:53 AM
Dear Tita,
Thanks for your help on this issue!
I'm very happy that our voice has been heard regarding this inexcusable act. It really took everyone's help, both Filipinos and other nationalities alike, to bring this issue to the public's attention.
It is now time to go back to proving that everyone else is RIGHT about Filipinos. We are hardworking, responsible and at par with the world's best... in whatever, profession we choose.
Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
Siegfried R.S. Perez, MD
Here's a list of links I've got regarding the apology of ABC corporation, the producers of the Desperate Housewives.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071004/ennew_afp/entertainmentphilippinesustvracism_071004015434
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=114&sid=1261037
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hChzhxxHRER0dEWLME9fo1zm8OlAD8S24V780
From: Ronald Moore in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Phils
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 8:18 AM
I can understand how med schools in the Philippines could get upset re: the DH show. I cannot however understand why your average citizen is so outraged.
The comment was not about a "race" of people.
In any event I am not a Filipino but I am aware of how "tender" Filipino egos are.
How a nation of people can get so bent out of shape in regard to this issue is beyond me, especially when they don't get outraged by such things as the name of their country. I mean isn't it time the people of these islands got rid of the "tag" that was given to them by the invaders who raped, killed and plundered the country for more than 300 years.
It would seem that after the revolution the leaders would have realized that they needed to do something about their independent nation needed to be called something other than a name that comes from a king of Spain. Now that's something to be outraged about.
