Filipina Soul

Did Manny Pacquiao’s win over Marco Antonio Barrera give countless Filipinos the courage to speak up about the Desperate Housewives issue?

Michael Swann, writing for 15 Rounds, suggests that it could be so. In a recent article, Swann dissects Pacquiao’s 12-round win over his Mexican opponent. He takes us through the fight, Manny’s future, rumors about the fighter’s wayward ways, and the fact that there is much expected from him. Then the article takes a turn, and I quote:

One reason why so much is expected from Pacquiao is that he is a symbol of Filipino dominance after a history of occupation by Spain, the Japanese, and the United States. The Philippines have been unjustly cast as the doormats of the world.

If you don’t think so, consider the furor over the much publicized “Desperate Housewives” affair. …

ABC didn’t even realize the firestorm that the offensive joke would create until they began receiving comments from emails, letters, and phone calls, not to mention the fact that close to 85,000 people signed an online petition protesting the defamatory scene.

There are 19,000 Philippine trained practicing physicians in the United States. What on earth were the ABC people thinking?

The one good thing about the offense is that now ABC and others know the boundaries, thanks to the incredible backlash. The Filipinos are no longer doormats and they collectively let the world know it. Perhaps, they received some measure of inspiration from Manny Pacquiao.

What do you think? Is Manny Pacquiao inspiring his countrymen, even unwittingly, not to take punches lying down?

via 15 Rounds

Tags: Manny Pacquiao, Teri Hatcher, Desperate Housewives, Filipinos, Philippines