Clarifying Assumptions About Filipinos- Stereotypes Filipinos Hate

Stereotyping is abound and massive on a global scale. Everyone is completely guilty of associating at least a few characteristics and assumptions to a certain group of people. We Filipinos are usually not privy to this. To say the truth, we are actually all too familiar with this. I feel that it is important to recognize that while these associations may be commonplace they may not at all be encompassing. Filipinos have had their fair share of these stereotypes, with some getting quite old and tiresome so to speak.

So here are some stereotypes Filipinos hate. Read on and you might actually 'un-learn' something you learned before about us.

Filipinos don't speak English.

"Wow! you know how to speak English?!" Excuse me?.

This is a reaction that we Filipinos have become used to when foreigners actually hear us talk. When tourists visit the country they are really surprised at the fact that some Filipinos learn English as their first language, and if not they learn the language alongside Tagalog or their native language and their local dialect (which we do have over 200 dialects) With English being taught in school and the big influence of US media, almost everyone does speak English and and can converse in the language. Though some Filipinos may have a very distinctive accent, some of them rather heavy, while speaking English, English speaking travelers visiting the country will have very little problem communicating with them.

The Philippines is a dangerous country.

It almost feels like we have a target on our backs when foreigners think that the Philippines is a dangerous country to visit and many travelers avoid the idea of visiting the Philippines because it's a danger zone. While it may be true that we have our fair share of man-made catastrophes, crime and terrorism (which country doesn't?) we must also recognize that most things shown in the news and other forms of media are heavily sensationalized. Basically, just like other countries, caution should be practiced to avoid experiencing mishaps. But otherwise, the country is not nearly as bad as what is portrayed. One fun fact: most foreigners who visit the Philippines the first time, end up coming back with other friends with them.

Filipinos are always late.

Some Filipinos may not like this stereotype, but they won't tell you it's completely untrue either. An accurate joke among Filipinos is what we call 'Filipino time' wherein an agreed upon time of a meeting or an event will usually take place 15-30 minutes later. This is usually agreed among Filipinos, so while it's not the best practice, it is an unwritten rule many recognize.

Because we're Asian, we have "asian-sounding" names.

Sorry to disappoint. As much as everything is made in China nowadays, no, our names are not Chinese sounding. With hundreds of years of Spanish rule over the country, Filipinos especially the older generation have Spanish sounding first names and last names but for the most part, in the later years, the influence of the West especially Americans have had the greatest impact on our lifestyle, language and education among many other things, including our names.

Dog meat is eaten.

This stereotype will actually put a frown on Filipino faces. No, we do not sell dog meat along with chicken, beef or pork in supermarkets. Asking anyone about these matters in the streets will guarantee horrified looks as eating dog meat is generally prohibited and taboo. There are a few localities that do however, these are indigenous people who have long dined on it. But don't be expecting to find it in menus in restaurants elsewhere.

Filipinos abroad are only capable of low-income jobs.

Now this may raise a lot of eyebrows among the majority of overseas Filipino workers because most of them have gone to school, finished a degree and are professionals in their own fields. Overseas Filipino Workers are recognized as the countries new breed of heroes because of the influx of remittances that they make that contributes massively to the Philippine economy. Filipinos are hard workers and take their profession seriously and are proud of them.

Filipinos are uneducated.

This specific stereotype is normally assumed by those who look at others as lesser than themselves. So even if they may understand that Filipinos go to school and study, they still believe that we have a low standard of education compared to the Western world which is totally not true. Many foreigners go to the Philippines to study and earn they degrees because it's not only cheap, but education is good quality and is derived from international standards of learning and practice. So, stereotyping Filipinos as uneducated may be frowned upon by the majority that are highly educated and well trained in their professions.

Filipinos are not familiar with foreign brands.

On the contrary, Filipinos are all too familiar with foreign brands. With the majority of them being overseas workers or may have a family member who works and lives abroad, Filipinos are not privy and unfamiliar with foreign brands.Many foreigners who visit the country are surprised to see a lot of foreign brands especially in the fields of fashion are actually in business in the Philippines. The country's capital, Manila, is quite simply a foodie and a shopper's paradise. With malls and restaurants all over the country, you can be sure to find some of the world's high end brands in the fashion, beauty and food industry. So yes, Zara, H&M, Stradivarius, American Eagle, Forever 21, Mango, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Topshop and many others have reached the country's shores.

Filipinos have an insane fondness for food, basketball, taking pictures, soap operas and rice.

Well, yes. This one's accurately true.

XOXO,

Karen