Wednesday, July 11 – we talked about Stereotypes. Stereotypes were defined us categories/ generalizations that we put people in based on their race, place of origin, country, or affiliations.
After a bit of discussion, big sheets of paper with individual countries were posted all over the room, and we went around to write our “image” of that country or people living in that country.
Then people from the countries are asked to go up front and talk about how they felt about the stereotypes that other cultures put them in. I was kind of surprised about what they put on Philippines. There were some stuff there that were totally unexpected and I was surprised that some of those that I expected didn’t even come out.
I didn’t get any racist or stupid remarks and that was good. And the negative ones that came up were partly true and it did make me feel quite bad that my country is like that or has that! But hey, we need Brutal Truth sometimes.
Here are some that I remember…
Poverty – a lot of people wrote this. Totally true.
Prostitution and Child Trafficking – it is sad to admit that there are some “hot spots” in the Philippines but I shared with the group that people resort to these practices due to lack of education and extreme poverty. I also added the fact that foreigners are the most likely customers because they have the money to spend. This is especially true with parents who tolerate their child being sold out there.
All people can dance the Tinikling – no, not all of us can do it! But (hopefully) all Filipinos know about it
Very Traditional – Personally, I kind of feel like we are losing the Philippine traditions. In this age of technology we have lost “panliligaw” (courtship) and that “Maria Clara” image of women (women being shy and conservative) . and somewhat our respect for elders. But I do still value the “po and opo” (words we use to show respect) and the Filipino family culture.
Bad Food – we have very good food (to which someone agreed! Yehey!)
Where US Sailors get their tattoos – probably because of the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman”
Exotic places – so true, I haven’t visited all of them though
Tsunami – no, we weren’t affected by that
Rice, Seafood – yup
Traffic – in some places, yes
After a bit of discussion, big sheets of paper with individual countries were posted all over the room, and we went around to write our “image” of that country or people living in that country.
Then people from the countries are asked to go up front and talk about how they felt about the stereotypes that other cultures put them in. I was kind of surprised about what they put on Philippines. There were some stuff there that were totally unexpected and I was surprised that some of those that I expected didn’t even come out.
I didn’t get any racist or stupid remarks and that was good. And the negative ones that came up were partly true and it did make me feel quite bad that my country is like that or has that! But hey, we need Brutal Truth sometimes.
Here are some that I remember…
Poverty – a lot of people wrote this. Totally true.
Prostitution and Child Trafficking – it is sad to admit that there are some “hot spots” in the Philippines but I shared with the group that people resort to these practices due to lack of education and extreme poverty. I also added the fact that foreigners are the most likely customers because they have the money to spend. This is especially true with parents who tolerate their child being sold out there.
All people can dance the Tinikling – no, not all of us can do it! But (hopefully) all Filipinos know about it
Very Traditional – Personally, I kind of feel like we are losing the Philippine traditions. In this age of technology we have lost “panliligaw” (courtship) and that “Maria Clara” image of women (women being shy and conservative) . and somewhat our respect for elders. But I do still value the “po and opo” (words we use to show respect) and the Filipino family culture.
Bad Food – we have very good food (to which someone agreed! Yehey!)
Where US Sailors get their tattoos – probably because of the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman”
Exotic places – so true, I haven’t visited all of them though
Tsunami – no, we weren’t affected by that
Rice, Seafood – yup
Traffic – in some places, yes
Of course, I told them that Filipinos are very friendly and cheerful people. That they should all expect the extreme hospitality that we shower to guests.
Oh and I learned a lot of things about other places too – here are some of the interesting ones…
In the Netherlands, people love bikes. But they get old bikes so they don’t get stolen.
Even if it is in Africa, there are hardly any wildlife in Uganda. You have to go to Safari in order to see them. Julianna, the Ugandan delegate haven’t even seen a lion in her whole life.
Contrary to Harry Potter, Bulgaria can be very hot in the summer – as in up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Brazilians love showing off skin.
The Swedes are very quiet people and are kind of amazed how people can talk so much.
That’s about it for this topic!
Oh and I learned a lot of things about other places too – here are some of the interesting ones…
In the Netherlands, people love bikes. But they get old bikes so they don’t get stolen.
Even if it is in Africa, there are hardly any wildlife in Uganda. You have to go to Safari in order to see them. Julianna, the Ugandan delegate haven’t even seen a lion in her whole life.
Contrary to Harry Potter, Bulgaria can be very hot in the summer – as in up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Brazilians love showing off skin.
The Swedes are very quiet people and are kind of amazed how people can talk so much.
That’s about it for this topic!
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