What are your thoughts on the line delivered by Teri Hatcher in Desperate Housewives Season 4?

Question

"...that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

The furor over a slur uttered against Philippine medical schools on the premier episode of the fourth season of the American TV show "Desperate Housewives" has prompted a response from Malacañang Palace.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the TV show belittled the abilities of Filipino doctors and sent a message that Philippine medical schools produced "substandard, inferior" medical practitioners.

The offending remark was made by one of the show's desperate housewives, Susan Mayer (played by American actress Teri Hatcher). In one scene Mayer asks for the credentials of the gynecologist who examined her and told her that she was approaching menopause.

Mayer said, "Can I check those diplomas 'coz I just want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines." The premiere episode, which has been posted on YouTube.com, drew criticisms from the Filipino community on the Internet.

Answer 1

I think that anyone with any intelligence can plainly see that the line is referring to the fact that some 'degrees' are obtained from questionable institutions. I doubt that there was any disrespect intended towards the phillipines, it's just that that was the country (that wasn't america) that they picked.

I think it would've been better to pick a notoriously bad institute in the US to say instead. But then they'd be facing all sorts of law suits.

Slight oversight on the part of the writers, but people need to settle down. They could've easily have put in 'la la land' or Timbucktoo, or 'fairy tale world' or 'azeroth'

Answer 2

It's completely racist. The show is basically saying that any degree given by a Filipino school is substandard. Its an insulting and unfounded remark. Unless she has some defect that prevents her from understanding the words that are coming out of her mouth, then, Hatcher was racist in agreeing to say that line. So were the writers who wrote it and the studio that filmed it. If she had said something like "Let me check to see if your diplomas arent from some black or gay school," there would be hell to pay.

It's an insulting, terrible joke to make fun of Filipino doctors. You're destroying their credibility and their livelihood. Just because we are a third world country, it doesn't necessarily follow that we have substandard schools. Your schools are only ranked higher than ours because of their equipment, ie because they have more money.

The Medical industry in America is propped up by Filipinos. I dare you to show me one hospital who does not have a Filipino medical practitioner. And these Filipino practictioners have to pass the same tests as any WHITE practitioner.

It's completely unfair to generalize. Yes, like ANY country, we do have one or two schools that have a dubious reputation. But it is not fair to equate that with every school found on our islands. Our country has a history of renowned doctors, and a wealth of good schools. A quick trip down memory lane reminds me that a Filipino, Dr. Aguilar, discovered the antibiotic called Erythromycin. This is the antibiotic used by people who are allergic to pennicilin. In 1966, Dr Del Mundo won the Elizabeth Blackwell award for her service to mankind. Why? Because she invented the improved incubator and a jaundice relieving device.

Fast forward to this very year and the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION gave the Sasakawa award to Dr. Jose Socrates of the Philippines. The WHO Sasakawa Health Prize recognizes individuals and organizations who are making contributions to the healthcare of people around the world. Though the prize money is given by a Japanese foundation, no individual or organization from Japan has even won the prize.

These are just the Filipinos who are Filipino in race and citizenship. Filipino migrants who have come to America have gone far. Heck, Former President BILL CLINTON's personal physician was a Filipina immigrant- Eleanor Mariano. She was also the first woman, of whatever race, to be head of the White House's medical unit.

This racist comment made fun of the abilities of Filipinos and the reputation of our Medical Practitioners. When you damage their reputation, you damage the livelihoods of so many hardworking, intelligent people. And they broadcasted this comment on National TV and it was picked up by so many other countries. Its a cruel blow to innocent doctors and nurses. Hatcher would only be so lucky as to be treated by a Filipino doctor or cared for by a Filipino nurse.

Answer 3

I think we're missing the point here. People joke about other nationalities all the time. However, the difference here is, this joke was broadcasted nationally and probably internationally. Whatever the intention may have been, it was done with little thought. What most people dont understand about the Filipino schools sytem is though it is in dire need of an overhaul, the kids that attend them are bright and smart. Their school system is 10yrs versus our 12yrs. They are taking courses in the first six - eight years of school that Americans usually dont even touch on until college. Now, what the network did was uncalled for because it suggests Filipinos are not educated. Far from the truth. Just like here in the US, there are unfortunate filipinos who are unable to attend school. But those who do, work extremely hard to get that education and no one should deprive them of that....specially on national/international broadcasting station.
Read this link: http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/o/51/10-04-2007/ec7d0019c6a44a2c.html

Answer 4

Im a Filipino and I was not insulted because its really true.Its a sad reality that our government must take a serious look rather than condemning Teri Hatcher. That statement of her should serve as an eye-opener for the government/schools to improve the quality of education in the Philippines. The result of recent medical board exams shows how many aspires to become doctors/nurses/therapists but only few are qualified. Can you imagine computer schools like AMA and STI offerring medical courses? Only in the Philippines.

Not only that, isnt it that we Filipinos also make fun of Japanese for being 'Sakang-walk like penguins', Africans for being "Unggoy-look like monkeys". Indians for being "mabaho-not taking bath regularly" and Chinese for "eating Cat" and "source of piracy in the whole world". We love watching our local comedians maligns these people in our movies and TV shows.
We love insulting other nationalities and yet we react so much in a simple statement.

Answer 5

that issue really catches the attention of the filipinos, maybe they (the writers) should consider the feelings of those people who'll gonna watch the premier, that there is a lot of filipinos around the world.. so for other tv shows out there, this issue already set an example that they should be careful in doing their scripts..

Answer 6

First of all, anything that is said on DHW's, is not to be taken seriously. If is an example of the American culture, then it would be easily understood, why most of the world holds us in such low regard.
Due to the fact that many medical school in the Philippines, were established by the U.S. military, and many doctors where trained by the military, I would believe that they can hold their own within the medical profession.
Most U.S. hospitals, are staffed, with Filipino nurses.
From that you can draw your own conclusions.

Answer 7

I agree with All-One, if anything intelligent people should realize this is just a TV soap opera and not a news story or reality show. The character Susan is well known to have a low IQ and make many stupid mistakes per episode, so you have to realize who was making the comment. Also, you have to understand the context of her reaction and denial that she may be unhealthy.

Answer 8

this was a joke broadcast on a librial media network.its like saying where'd you get your drivers licences,a box of cracker jacks....(can i say cracker?)

Answer 9

"... writers forgot to research."

Answer 10

that's really FOUL!!!