Desperate Housewives Racist Slur on Filipinos?

Question

I don't watch this show nor taken interest until after watching the local news on a racist slur delivered by Teri Hatcher in one of its episodes about Philippine medical schools.

"Can I check those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

Some say that us Filipinos should let it pass for it is just a TV show and such comments on different races are made almost every God-given day in pop culture (which I don't agree with and see dumb just to show humor), while some are very sensitive and were hurt by such irresponsible line.

What do you guys think about it? Whether you are Filipino or not.

watch the clip
http://youtube.com/watch?v=34_qvfh3X7cTo

In my opinion this is very uncouth of them to say/air. Of course this is very hurtful knowing all the sacrifices and hardships we have to go thru just to show that we are capable to excel in any field despite complexities. This doesn't apply to us Filipinos alone, but to everyone who's been striving hard even if they face so many prejudices.

Does it really affect the good Filipino Doctors.. no. They will still be doctors. Will they check their medical background? umm no they already Doctors. Will it affect Filipinos wanting to be doctors? umm no. So tell me what the big deal is? Will people be happier if they say Malaysia or Cambodia?

Hi there! Well I really do believe that this will not affect Filipino doctors in terms of their performance or competency, nor affect those people in Philippine Med Schools (in fact they might strive harder to debunk such thinking). OK this is just a show but how many people watch TV? Almost everyone. Setting aside Filipinos for this instance (since we know our doctors), not everyone can distinguish a joke. Such statement can become a reason for some people to hesitate and doubt the ability of Filipino doctors. Then it becomes a big concern. TV is a powerful media and very influential. It influences us one way or another thats why they should use it responsibly, don't you think so too?

Answer 1

I get what you're saying chic, but as a nation I can also say that some folks are ENTIRELY too sensitive. As you say, you don't even watch the show. Most the people complaining don't watch the show either. I personally don't know anyone that watches it. I'm sure that credible adults didn't pay that line one bit off mind. Who the hell gives credibility to Hollywood fools anyhow?

As one Filipino lady (Michelle Malkin) says: "Instead of assimilating into the victim culture, it might be more effective for Filipinos to take a pass on the Jesse Jackson playbook and respond in a novel way"...such as "charge patients who watch “Desperate Housewives” extra."

I know the victim culture is alive, well, and growing in the U.S.....but Filipinos will most certainly lose credibility and respect if they choose to embrace that particularly pathetic aspect of American life. Just don't watch the show....as you already don't. Don't financially support the producers, actresses, etc. in the future. Don't give your "business" to entities you don't like. That, my friend, is the true American way.

Answer 2

I don't really see the big deal about it. The main thing is that it is a TV show. If Bush said it, then I might react. But it is a TV show.. jeesh. What is the big deal really? Does it really affect the good Filipino Doctors.. no. They will still be doctors. Will they check their medical background? umm no they already Doctors. Will it affect Filipinos wanting to be doctors? umm no. So tell me what the big deal is? Will people be happier if they say Malaysia or Cambodia?

Answer 3

The thing is, the line wasn't witty at all. Pathetic attempt at humor. I'm not Filipino and my life is real and a hundred times more exciting than that tv show, but a friend of mine told me about it and I watched a download of the show. Like I said, weak attempt at some humor. Maybe if they would have said the Dominican Republic I might have found it funnier.

Answer 4

I'm not Filipino, but yes the dialogue was not in the best of taste. While she was rather dimwitted for speaking the lines written for her character, we can't solely blame the actress for the words, the writers need to be taken to task as well as a host of others.

It was an ill-advised comment on a silly show

Answer 5

I'm not filipino, but it seemed like a pretty dumb line to have a character say in a TV show, esp. one that was going to be broadcast either to pinoys in the US or those abroad.

Answer 6

Ignorant people just say whatever they may say. But for the intellectuals, we research first before we blab about anything.
Though media can affect the way people view things, responsible should we all be. ^_^./

Answer 7

That offends me. Also, I don't watch the show--it was just too trashy and unrealistic for my taste, and I don't care for Teri Hatcher in particular.

My son's pediatrician is Filipina and my doctor is Filipino and I find them both to be not only very competent but very kind and concerned people.

That was really irresponsible all around.

Answer 8

it only proves racists are stupid and arrogant. they generalize people, which is a sign of narrow-mindedness and stupidity. i don't watch that show from the beginning.

let us never watch that show again. teach those stupid racists a lesson.

Answer 9

I don't watch desperate housewives, so I wouldn't catch that. I'm sorry you were offended. What are you going to do about it?

Answer 10

Waaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!1