That racial slur on “Desperate Housewives” – your opinion matters
It appears there was a racial slur on the ABC hit show “Desperate Housewives” recently.
In a recent episode, Teri Hatcher’s character Susan Mayer asked a physician attending to her during a medical consultation, “can I check those diplomas because I want to make sure that they’re not from some med school in the Philippines.”
The Philippine government is asking for an apology from the show’s producers, on behalf of Filipino professionals, while many others are wanting Filipinos everywhere to boycott the show. Some others are saying we should temper ourselves, after all the show is a comedy and nothing should be taken seriously.
Michelle Malkin weighs in -
It raises the question of the Aggrieve-o-Meter. Some ethnic and racial groups are higher rated than others. It’s apparently politically correct in Hollyweird to deride the credientials of all Filipino doctors. But not other groups.
Unfair? Yes. Rotten double standards? Yes.
And I stand in a similar way.
So maybe it’s just a show. But would the writers have been more careful if the slur was against Muslims, Blacks or Hispanics? And ok, so it’s a comedy. But no one besides Filipinos, and those who know the people, would have caught this as a joke. To us Filipinos, though, this is NOT a joke, but an insult against our medical professionals. Because in fact, there are increasing number of nurses and other medics being recruited from the Philippines by hospitals into this good land precisely because of our skills and education.
Sure, not every Philippine medical school passes the US standards, and we did dig ourselves a hole with the recent nursing cheat. And maybe we do need to prove to the rest of the world how good we are. But those who passed, and serving patients in the US have proven themselves worthy of their calling.
So, what about you? Should we boycott “Desperate Housewives”? Should we shove it under the rug and pass it on as a joke? What’s your opinion about this?
Tags: desperate housewives, teri hatcher, joke, racial slur, filipino, medical, profession
67 Comments
[...] The Filipina Soul [...]
Yes it was a horrible slur against Filipinos, however, I would not be angry and bring myself down to the level of those airheaded, bubble-brained, moron, nothing more than sex symbol characters played by what I hope are women who have a fraction of dignity, self-respect and, dare I say, common sense in real life! I refuse to take anything any one of them says as an insult, as I would be merely putting myself on their low-standard level.
It ‘might ‘ be a racial slur, but it’s a valid point.
My opinion? I am not sure if the words said reflect teri hatcher’s beliefs or sentiments. But if we are to point an accusing finger, and POINT an accusing finger we must at some”narrow minded, egotistical, racists – it should be at the show’s producers and writers. And perhaps, a little at teri hatcher for being too ignorant to even notice such a sensitive human issue.
Filipinos should just regard this as a joke. If the word “Philippines” was replaced with a different country, would the average Filipino still take this too seriously? I think not. “Desperate Housewives” is meant to be a comedy for people’s enjoyment. Besides – in fifty years people won’t even remember this whole issue.
Absolutley!
The Filipino people need to stand up for themselves here in USA.
Others with less ground to stand on do!
Why not the good Filipino people that came to USA through proper channels?
“To sin in silence while others doth protest makes cowards out of men.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Don
The filipino doctors are indeed a very good doctors around the world you can always find a filipino doctors in every hospital not only in asia but in europe as well
why did the actress in Desperate housewife afford to say such a line? was she allowed it or was it just her insane intention to downgrade a race??well ,the filipino nurses need nothing to prove to the world we are the best we just need a little respect (though respect is not demanded it’s earned)
It’s not only the attitude of other Americans like Teri need to be polished but also the kind of media they have. In any manner they want their tv shows to be, whether comedy, drama or action, the delivery, the dialouges and the scripts must be screened well in order not to cause hurt to any watching public. There wouldn’t be any reaction if they’re sure that those who watch their show are purely Americans. What if written in the script is America rather than Philippines? Is Teri going to deliver it more? For sure, she would react in rage because of such a deregatory remarks on America. Same thing that caused the Fil-Am people to react in rage. So, Teri and all the people behind airing that show…APOLOGIZE NOW!!! Before all what you caused gets back to you.
[...] (United States Medical Licensing Exams) which consist of 3 parts to get into residency… Grace @ Filipina Soul wants to know …would the writers have been more careful if the slur was against Muslims, Blacks or [...]
If the show was meant to be funny,,the said episode definitely is not! And this coming from the advocates of equal rights and land of opportunities!Shame on you for using the show to put people down!
They seem to have forgotten that America is a land built by immigrants!
As MArtin Luther King Jr. once said “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere
ignorance and conscientious stupidity”.
Well, I suggest that Filipino medical workers in the US start collecting records or statistics of medical malpractice/errors and find out what percentage of those doctors involved graduated from medical schools in the Philippines.
With all humility, I can proudly say that my fellow Filipino Technologist and I started the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology in the whole Middle East and Africa in 1985 when this imaging modality is still in its infancy in the United States.
omg people need to calm down it was just a joke! focus ur attention on more important things!!!
I would be mad if I was A Filipino, it’s like saying i want to make sure there aren’t any black people. I’m tired of these racial slurs.
I agree with lisa u need to get over it next week some black guy will make fun of white people, a chinese guy blacks, and a white guy latinos it goes around we all laugh and move on if your so offended mybe u need to watch some early stuff of Carlos Mencia
I f u ask me this wont be a big issue next week and alot of people sound jealous of teri hatcher o what an air head come on people ur all crazy i am not being a typical american here just saying IT WAS A JOKE, why is it racist. Also none of u so called phillipno doctor advocates on this message board use proper grammar
Oh my god. People are actually mad about this?! That’s so ridiculous! There was no racial slur you closed-minded grey-vision Politically Correct jerks! How are people not angry that someone will get so up-in-arms about this?! This is like that crazy communist prick in New York City trying to ban “bitch” and “ho.”
Well, I guess if she had said that “she wanted to make sure that his diploma was not from some Southern state” I guess that would have been alright. Right? I mean we hear the South being put down on tv and movies constantly but I never hear anyone complaining about that stereotype.
That’s ok, right? But don’t ever make a joke about any ethnic group. That would never be allowed.
I’ll just copy paste here what I wrote in my blog:
Usually, I stick to my guns on certain issues but gone are the days when I would fight about every single thing. I’d rather choose my battles wisely. And on this issue, it’s not what I would call as worth ‘involving the government-type of’ fighting for.
Remember those times when you watched a show which featured Arab terrorists, illegal immigrants from Mexico, mouthwash drinking native Indians (because they cannot afford alcohol), Black muggers, smelly Europeans and stupid Americans? Did you see any of them asking for an apology?
Remember thinking that the movie “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” was actually funny?
How often have you heard and/or uttered these: “chekwa”, “intsik beho”, “bumbay? ang baho nyan, uy 5/6″
I am also against name calling or culture bashing but hey much as we would like for it to be otherwise, WE DO NOT LIVE IN A COLOR-BLIND WORLD. There are bigots all over. Many people are careless with their words, thinking that it would not matter if they insult one race or another.
I just think (again, this is just MY opinion) that there was no need to go ape shit over this issue. There are other great ways to refrain people from stereotyping Pinoys.
After getting a hearty thank you for helping a patient, Philippine Medical degree holder doctors in the US could just say welcome and “I learned a lot in the Philippines” or something to that effect. OA, I know but it does help spread the good word. Besides, do you really think that those who hire doctors in the US even watch shows like Desperate Housewives?!
Someone I know (who is an MD in Chicago) reminded me of the time when med students in Fatima topped the bar exams because the Philippine Medical Boards sold them the test questions. And a similar incident occurred with the nursing exam last year. News about these things spread, you know. And sometimes, it evolves and becomes a stereotype.
I am all for fighting for what is right but learn to prioritize if you want to involve the government. There are tons of issues out there that needs to be taken cared of. There are times when we just should learn to let go and laugh about things.
plus, as mye mentioned in my blog, “i didn’t think it was a racial comment…i thought it was being prejudiced about the Philippine med school – it’s jacked.”
On a writer’s perspective, I think Teri really said “demeaning words” when she specified the Philippines. As a Filipino doctor working in America, it would be a hard joke to swallow, around the competitive workplace in America. As a nation, those words nailed our doctors on the cross. Forget Pontious Pilate, Teri Hatcher ?
Honestly. Every race, every stereotype and both sexes are constantly being targeted by the media. They prey on people’s inheriant closemindedness and they love getting people all in a tiffy. It boosts their ratings. It is not meant to be personal. You are going to take it that way, you have a right to and noone can say otherwise but if you are going to bitch equal rights why not be up in arms when someone speaks of a race, gender or stereotype other then your own? I’ll tell you why. You don’t give a damn. Noone gives a damn about racial slurs, most do not take them seriously and the more offended those races or groups get the WORSE it will actually be for them. People will think what they want regardless of whether you boycott. There are plenty of countries with shitty school systems, as a member of said country you should accept that and deal. Just like colleges vary from city to city but people never go into detail. Why? It’s just easier to ASSUME the whole nation is one way. It’s wrong but we are human. For the quality of your own life unless it was a president or a political leader or like person. Let it go. It’s not worth you getting upset over. You will prove people wrong by living a good life.
YES it was very racial!
I think that was an insulting comment to make. You can insert any ethnicity and it would be hurtful to someone. TV nowadays is just pitiful-That’s why I don’t watch.
[...] don’t consider it a racial slur. It’s a very fine line that divides an insult against Filipinos themselves, and one against [...]
there’s no such thing as valid point to insult a race.
There are more worthwhile things to concentrate on than this issue. But…
Joe, if these “phillipno doctor advocates” will watch their grammar, then you should also watch your spelling. It’s disgusting.
[...] That racial slur on “Desperate Housewives”—your opinion matters. [...]
[...] That racial slur on “Desperate Housewives” – your opinion matters [...]
[...] That racial slur on “Desperate Housewives” – your opinion matters [...]
[...] That racial slur on “Desperate Housewives” – your opinion matters [...]
Didn’t your mother tell you.. ” if you can’t say anything nice about someon, don’t say anything at all!?” That’s what happens when you talk carelessly, you start a war.
to the Filipinos who think it’s a joke, all i can say is, one day, your children might be subject to discrimination. I’m taking my stand now because my baby is growing up fast. I know I cannot control his environment all the time, but if i can do ANYTHING for him, I will.
Move on kabayan! Typically our Filipino doctors and nurses are world class. They are always in demand. I have a friend here in the US who works in the HR of a big hospital who prefers Filipino nurses. In many nursing homes they are commended of being solicitous in carrying out their duties. Take it in stride. Ang mayabang at insecure ay pikon! The devil hates being mocked because of his big ego. Right? So take it easy folks. The nincompoopery of the ‘Desperate’ plonkers are not worth your time and energy! If they prefer to be bigots. Leave them in the dark and let their ignorance throw them into oblivion. Mabuhay ka Pinoy!
-Maka Diyos, Maka Tao, Maka Bayan!
Hey Joe of Oct. 4, there is only one thing that I am going (‘m gonna’) tell you, PLEASE GO BACK TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Man, you can’t even spell correctly. I better go. I don’t waste my time for people like you. Get a diploma, Joe!
Move on kabayan! Typically our Filipino doctors and nurses are world class. They are always in demand. I have a friend here in the US who works in the HR of a big hospital who prefers Filipino nurses. In many nursing homes they are commended of being solicitous in carrying out their duties. I’ll take it in stride but I support those who are working hard to rectify the wrong. I believe we are not a bunch of mayayabang, insecure and pikon. I think it’s the devil who hates being mocked. The nincompoopery of these ‘Desperate’ people is not worth my time and energy. If they prefer to be bigots. Leave them in the dark and let their ignorance throw them into oblivion. Mabuhay ka Pinoy!
-Maka Diyos, Maka Tao, Maka Bayan!
“Desperate House Wives” sure is a deperate show! of course they’ll get attention after that dreadful line! they should ban that show in the Phils. it’s crazy! it’s all over the radio station here in Vegas and even stupid 102.7 radio station announcer in a morning talk show said some disgusting comment ’bout filipinos..All I can say is look around you.. most of medical realted employees are asian most of them are filipinos…doesn’t that tell them anything??? and where can you find blonde girls?? in the strip clubs!! thats right! you know what I mean.. stupid comments…racist people!!!!!!!!!!!
Im very upset of this episode,obviously the writer,producer and the actress were so innocent of what’s going on in the world of medical field.For me it’s very offensive!!!
In addition to my comment ,I’m a graduate of one of the Nursing School of the Philippine. I’ve worked to various hospital and anywhere you go when it comes to caring the patient Filipinos excels,when it comes to positions its mostly Filipinos as well as manpowers.If they think that were not good,WHY THEY KEEP ON HIRING FILIPINOS??? It only says one thing that were very good when it comes to medical field.My message for them,”GUYS YOU NEED REALITY ORIENTATION AND GO CHECK HOW IMPORTANT FILIPINOS ARE”.
The insult on Desperate Housewives was totally inappropriate and un-called for. Obviously, the writers and producers of the show were not thinking clearly. On a personal note, I myself have a Filipino Doctor as my personal physician for many years now, and she is nothing less than knowlegable, competent, and highly professional.
[...] the network behind ‘Desperate Housewives’ apologized on October 4 for the “brief reference” to Filipino medical professionals in a line delivered by actress Teri Hatcher as part of the [...]
teri hatcher is just another painted doll, who if at all had a good educational background would have refused to deliver that discriminatory line on that episode….but i guess she is just as ignorant and mal-educated as the researchers and scritpwriters of that flesh peddling, boring, second rate copy cat of “’sex and the city” , hatcher can never be sarah jessica parker…..please you guys at the production whatever, do not use the well educated, cultured and hardworking doctors of an ethnic group and insult a country just to DESPERATELY improve the rating of your dying TV show full of mediocre actors.
check this one out. read what americans had to say on this issue:
http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1905887/posts
it made me sick to my stomach. and felt really sad coz it shows that racial discrimination is still at large in the states.. caucasians vs the minority..
-elaine [RACISM is a refuge for the IGNORANT]
Terri Hatcher is right. I spent four terrifying days in a hospital in Jersey City with a Filipino staff. They spoke almost no English and laughed at my requests to relieve pain from intestinal surgery. The Filipino nurse gave me an unwanted dose of morphine because she was curious about the mechanism. The Filipino staff doctor thought I was asking for a laxitive which probably would have killed me. I finally got through to my American surgeon who prescribed the right course of action. The surgical summary filed by the filipino nurses was all wrong as well and I had trouble with my insurance. My hospital stay in Thailand was far more effective and pleasant than in the USA with staff trained in the Philippines. If they’re offended by Ms. Hatcher’s comment they can go back to Manila and work in a bar.
I maybe too late because they did apologized. But everyone has a responsibility to be careful. Yes, it is a comedy show but the line is not amusing. If they find including Philippines in that line funny, I dare them to include and make fun of our Muslim brothers. I am sure they will receive not just verbal uproar. Whether they admit or not, racism is still present in the Land of the Golden Honey. It is good though that we may not have a Golden Honey but we surely have a Golden Heart. VERY FRUSTRATING, UNFAIR AND IRRESPONSIBLE INDEED. Teri should have been responsible to point it out to the writers or producers before she read the line. PERHAPS she finds it entertaining too.
hell yes it is enough…come on its a show calm down…..there are alot worse of shows like south park and such and ppl don’t go overboard like this…focus on ur attention and time on more important things
Who is this Ed Wolfson who just made a comment on his “experience” with some Filipinos in NJ? He obviously is mal-educado about the Philippines, the Fililpinos, and the whole world.
Folks, sometimes, you just can’t help but stoop to “their” lowest level, just to feel how refresing it is after all, to be way above theirs! And to think, that they don’t know that. Ha!
……and in thailand sex for sale is better and cheaper too, than in manila !
To Sangdong: Who am I? I’m the guy who suffered with PI trained medical staff. I neglected to add the Filipino tech jabbed me five times trying to start an IV. When he saw I was bleeding from his failed attempts he covered me with a sheet and tried to hide it. Fortunately the Chinese Anesthesiologist was able to start it in one second. After living and working with Filipino communities in KSA and UK maybe I still am “maleducado”. Give me a break and stick to karaoke.
First I heard this story, I feel angry! But sooner, I just realize that why we have to be affected in this nonsense… Racial Discrimination is all over the world. Not only in US, even in Asia… we don’t need to prove to anybody that we’re better and talented rather than they are. We know to ourself, they’re just insecure because they know that in the future a lot of filipino doctor’s will invaded their country soon… hahaha!
CHILL!
ed wolfson:
the medical staff that attended to you are not filipinos. they might be Asians(yaks, they don’t know how to speak in English!). your story is not credible they are only formulated to discredit the filipino integrity. true enough, the filipinos are the best health care professionals in the world and you can’t deny that.
I am so sick of all 0f your wieners! Geeze get a life! Try being a Southern for awhile and have to listen to all of the “Redneck”, “Hillbilly”, “Cracker” and other Southern joke lines in practically every show on television and movies. Get over it!
to ed wolfson and Tom “the Redneck” guy….if the slurred filipinos were black people instead, you guys wouldn’t be saying all of these comments you have posted here….and this whole issue would have been even bigger by now.
and i am sure your white asses would be scared to death of oprah winfrey.
and by the way, what’s “wieners” Tom?, isn’t it the viena or german sausage?…..you’re sick and tired of these filipinos protesting here? they must be sick and tired of these white trash racists, too. don’t you think so? and these white pedophiles should be glad there are asian sex destinations where they can buy innocent children to satisfy their sexual pervertion. and i am sure bangkok is better than manila!
Raffy and Cesar: The staff was Filipino. Asians with Spanish names. They spoke and understood Tagalog that I learned from my Filipina girlfriends. If you have the opportunity check yourself into Christ Hospital Jersey City and find out for yourself. Call me a redneck or a racist, but since I’m paying the bill I want to be attended by a medical staff that speaks fluent English and knows what they’re doing. The cost of sex in BKK Vs Makati has nothing to do with it. In any case it wasn’t Terri Hatcher making the statement. It was her character who is accustomed to upper class medical treatment. At one time Granada was the butt of jokes. Still, I have yet to encounter quality Filipino medical staff and that’s indisputable. Ask yourself why you don’t stay in PI. Call me Edwin if it’s easier for you.
on Ed Wolfson’s comments: I am a retired medical worker from Canada, and I just can not ignore your accusations about Filipino medical workers in New Jersey. In Canada after your hospitalization you are given a survey to fill up regarding your stay in the hospital; how you were cared for etc. If you have such thing this would have been a good time for you to voice your disappointment on the care you had received from these Filipino workers. If this survey does not exists in America you could still have called the hospital’s attention so that it will not happen again. You see if things are not addressed properly especially concerning our health it can be detrimental. Furthermore I’m sure that those medical workers you are complaining about are very much qualified otherwise it would reflect on the hospital if they are not. Hospitals get accredited yearly and they get approved based on its performance. This includes these workers. On the part of the I.V. tech. you must have fine veins andthe last resort is to get the anaesthesists because they are the experts when the I.V. tech fails. It is so sad that you had bad experience with Filipino medical workers but I can tell you we are not that bad as you have indicated in your comment. Better luck next time.
JOKE = A juxtapositions, whether internal (joke includes elements co-existing in an unlikely way) or external (subject or structure of joke creates tension between joke and common reality of listener) intended to arouse amusement.
RACISM = Strict definition: An irrational bias towards members of a racial background. The bias can be positive (e.g. one race can prefer the company of its own race or even another) or it can be negative (e.g. one race can hate another). To qualify as racism, the bias must be irrational. That is, it cannot have a factual basis for preference.
thus, the joke is obviously not intended for filipinos, because basically, we are not amused for using the word “philippines” as to generalizing ALL. which proved to be irrational to use because not all personalities are one and even the same to even refer it.and worst use it in a line that meant to publicly amused others, not thinking whether it will create amusement or misconception for those who care about pride and dignity which makes it unethical or even stupid not to think of.
on the otherhand, it is not considered as a racial entity issue, proven that it is not irrational, because, in metaphoric sense, there’s always a fire in every smoke.(admitting that there is an actual account of reality in that line!!)
CONCLUSION:
- jokes are half-meant. these two parts are the elements to call it.meaning the other half is meant to amused people and the other one, unfortunately, is the prop (adding up to the common unequal understanding which creates tension between joke and common reality of listener)
- BUT! when joke is repeated ( as to intentionally using it to show amusement) then, someone is giving it a full-meant already..y? because its the intention that speaks. which is so not fair.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- to the braniacs of that show, we demand for APOLOGY for the insensitive behavior prior to stupidity for starting it.
- to all filipinoes: ACCEPTANCE.that we are all not perfect.remember to always put the hots off before it gets fiery. Dont fight for something that hurts because of pride, instead fight for a pride that doesnt boast…now that that makes it worth dying for.Besides thats what filipinos are truly made of, whether medical or GENERAL.even if if its not worth the care..so what?!lolz.
Those who clamor for apology are totally OA. What they have to do is come back in the Philippines and serve their countrymen to show that they really care about their country.
Mga ipokrito!!!!
okay, enough with apologies and i just hope everyone in this planet will treat one another as real brothers and sisters.
It is OFFENSIVE. It shouln’t be regarded as a joke because it already involves the credibility of Filipino Doctors (which are, for your information, conquering the hospital world in the States as nurses, doctors,etc.)
ERRATUM: “shouldn’t”… I guess I’m typing too fast.hehehe
nice free wheeling comments…..ohhhhh first ammendment right !…..are we not lucky, we are not in myanmar?
well anyway can you give us the update of the planned boycott of all ABC programs?and the 500 million$ class suite to be filed against ABC or Desperate Housewife?
erratum:suit
I believe the joke has more reference to “fake diplomas” rather than Philippines medical schools. But why do the producers need to emphasize “Philippines” in the above episode?
With regards to fake diplomas, supposedly more brilliant AMERICANS are even more innovative (remember “catch me if you can” ?).
There is basically no question with regards to the competence of our doctors – if there are doubts then it’s definitely the AMERICANS’ FAULT as they were the ones who trained our MD’s.
As noted above, even our medical educational system is patterned after the American system. Therefore, if our doctors are in any way incompetent – a major part of the blame can be attributed to the proud AMERICANS. HEHEHE – “If we fail, then they (the allegedly more intelligent AMERICANS) also fail with us”
And considering AMERICANS have bigger butts, it follows that they ARE BIGGER ASSHOLES!
HA HA HA – the joke’s on you suckers!
HERE’S THE LATEST UPDATE: “ABC will be hiring Fil-Am talents to make amends for racist dialogue”. Read it here:
http://biog-arch.ebloggy.com/
OMG get over yourselves. Is this seriously an issue? Everyone is too touchy about this stuff. No matter where she said it was from someone would have been up in arms. Grow up people. Stop acting like children
..I’m a filipino.
I’ve watched every episode.
Napakaganda, nakakatawa nga eh.
Huwag naman sobrang arte.