Marlon Brando's comment re: filipinos
Jennifer S. Esperanza
ALRIGHT! I haven't really seen anything posted so far regarding Mralon
Brando's comment about Filipinos in film so i thought i'd ask all of you
out there exactly what the guy means....
On Larry King Live (a CNN program), Brando was speaking about the various
ethnic stereotypes on film. He said something to the effect of, "I've
seen portrayals of the nigger, the slit-eye jap, the chink, and the wily
filipino.." and then went on to say that jews ran the film industry and
therefore we haven't seen the jew portrayed in a negative stereotype.
Brando's just an a**hole anyway, but that comment about the filipinos
just couldn't esacpe from my mind. WHERE have we ever seen a "wily
filipino"?!?!?! Where have we EVER seen a filipino in the film industry,
and how far have they EVER gone in motion pictures that Brando was even
able to make that statement (which also happened to be on print prior to
his CNN appearance).
Like I said, i don't care at all for marlon brando, but to throw in a
racial stereotype (with no grounds for it even to have him think of a
stereotype!) about filipinos is out of hand.
hope to hear comments from anyone and everyone with an opinion (post only
please)
Jennifer Esperanza
Anthropology& Linguistics
University of Southern California, Class of '96
KOMO Radio
filming of "Apocolypse Now" so he's probably run across a few Filipinos.
I don't recall any of them in the movie, but maybe that's when he formed
his stereotype.
Ted C. Gonzalez
Jennifer S. Esperanza <jesp...@mekab.usc.edu> wrote:
|>
|>ALRIGHT! I haven't really seen anything posted so far regarding Mralon
|>Brando's comment about Filipinos in film so i thought i'd ask all of you
|>out there exactly what the guy means....
|>
|>On Larry King Live (a CNN program), Brando was speaking about the various
|>ethnic stereotypes on film. He said something to the effect of, "I've
|>seen portrayals of the nigger, the slit-eye jap, the chink, and the wily
|>filipino.." and then went on to say that jews ran the film industry and
|>therefore we haven't seen the jew portrayed in a negative stereotype.
Well, when was the last time you've seen a Jewish stereotype on film?
|>Brando's just an a**hole anyway, but that comment about the filipinos
|>just couldn't esacpe from my mind. WHERE have we ever seen a "wily
|>filipino"?!?!?! Where have we EVER seen a filipino in the film industry,
|>and how far have they EVER gone in motion pictures that Brando was even
|>able to make that statement (which also happened to be on print prior to
|>his CNN appearance).
It doesn't have to be the "wily" Filipino. It could be the monkey-looking
creatures who live on trees or the Filipino maid or any other stereotype
for that matter. But the point remains that those in positions of power
in Hollywood, and many of them are Jewish, should take it upon themselves
to make sure that no stereotypes of any ethnic minority are portrayed on
film and not just look after their own. That would be the ideal situation
but reality tells us that more often than not it's the latter case. Blacks
have appeared on films since the 30's, perhaps earlier, yet we still see a
lot of black stereotypes portrayed on film over and over again.
Rey Andrada
> |>therefore we haven't seen the jew portrayed in a negative stereotype.
>
watch the ten commandments.
Rey
fr...@ix.netcom.com
<ix.netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-<state.edu!usc!usc!not-for-mail
From: "Jennifer S. Esperanza"
... Brando... speaking about ... ethnic stereotypes... the wily
filipino... that comment ... couldn't esacpe from my mind ... hope to hear
comments ... (post only please) ...
Jennifer Esperanza Anthropology& Linguistics University of Southern
California, Class of '96
IT WOULD be interesting if anyone could only throw light as to how
Filipinos came to be stereotyped as łwily˛ or if Brando intended to slight
minorities or was simply mouthing general stereotyping of minorities to
stress a point at how minorities are perceived.
Conjecture 1:
Brando must have read that back in 1899 Americans, inspite of their
superior equipment, firepower and training took longer than they thought
to subdue Aguinaldoąs inept army. This łbandit˛ Aguinaldo and his little
brown łindios˛ must be a wily people after all.
Conjecture 2:
Brando must have read further that forty years or so later some
American officers in Bataan supposedly noticed that Filipinos were experts
in saluting and then asking for food. If they survived they must be wily,
wily Filipinos! Meantime the properly trained and equipped ones called
Philippine Scouts became first class soldiers. Wily, wily Filipinos!
Conjecture 3:
Brando must have been aware of how some wily Filipinos were able to
milk the United States for veteransą benefits although they were nothing
but tin can łheroes˛ or łgerilya enlata˛ whose wartime experiences began
after the fighting was over, when GIąs arrived with plenty of tinned food.
Conjecture 4: Wala na akong maisipan... Kayo naman.
--
Fred Natividad
Berwyn, IL
Magandang araw po sa inyo! (Have a nice day!)
Jose M. Montano
: Brando's just an a**hole anyway, but that comment about the filipinos
: just couldn't esacpe from my mind. WHERE have we ever seen a "wily
: and how far have they EVER gone in motion pictures that Brando was even
: able to make that statement (which also happened to be on print prior to
: his CNN appearance).
Two movies come to mind when I think of Hollywood's depiction of
Filipinos. "Back to Bataan" starring John Wayne and Anthony Quinn as the
grandson of Andres Bonifacio. "Operation Petticoat" starring Cary Grant
and Tony Curtis which included some nonsense with a witch doctor.
Filipinos have also been around the backlots as extras or domestics to
the stars and studio heads.
There has been some change in the roles that Filipinos play in the
"business." Namely Sumi Haru (She changed her name from Sevilla, so that
it would sound more "oriental") is now the vice-president of the Screen
Actor's Guild (SAG). There are also actors like Lou Diamond Phillips,
Ernie Reyes, Jr., Dean Kane, Tia Carrera, Mia Pebbles...etc. (sorry I
forgot the name of the actor on that space show).
As someone else responded, Brando did stay for quite a long time in the
Philippines for "Apocalypse Now."
Joe
mcruz2
>
><Path:
><ix.netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-<state.edu!usc!usc!not-for-mail
>From: "Jennifer S. Esperanza"
>
>... Brando... speaking about ... ethnic stereotypes... the wily
>filipino... that comment ... couldn't esacpe from my mind ... hope to hear
>comments ... (post only please) ...
>
>Jennifer Esperanza Anthropology& Linguistics University of Southern
>California, Class of '96
>
>IT WOULD be interesting if anyone could only throw light as to how
>Filipinos came to be stereotyped as łwily˛ or if Brando intended to slight
>minorities or was simply mouthing general stereotyping of minorities to
>stress a point at how minorities are perceived.
I watched this show and I was not offended by what he said
as it seemed to me that he was simply ridiculing the bigots.
I think he's on our side.
As for the choice of the word "wily", maybe we haven't been portrayed
in the movies often enough so he didn't have a convenient stereotype to
mention and he just picked up the first pejorative word that came to mind.
Jennifer S. Esperanza
On 11 Apr 1996, Jose M. Montano wrote:
>>
> There has been some change in the roles that Filipinos play in the
> "business." Namely Sumi Haru (She changed her name from Sevilla, so that
> it would sound more "oriental") is now the vice-president of the Screen
> Actor's Guild (SAG). There are also actors like Lou Diamond Phillips,
> Ernie Reyes, Jr., Dean Kane, Tia Carrera, Mia Pebbles...etc. (sorry I
> forgot the name of the actor on that space show).
>
Not to get off topic everyone, but...
Lou Diamond Phillips: never plays filipinos in film, tv. usually cast as
native american or latino.
Ernie reyes, jr.: great potential to be an action star, but never gets
leading roles unless you count the times when he was a harmless little
kid doing martial arts.
dean kane: he's of japanese decent...not applicable to discussion
tia carrere: she has played chinese (wayne's world), japanese (rising
sun) and unmentioned ("juno skinner" in true lies)
nia peeples: she's put out records which are o.k., but that last time i
saw her in anything was on "fame" the tv show. never mention her ethnicity.
My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore our existence
and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic groups?! what is so wrong
about having a charcter in movies that are filipino? are we that "wily"
as to be ignored by the industry? as for sumi haru of sag, all i cn say
is that her decision to chang her name to sound more "oriental" or
whatever is nothing more than a continous trend to deny the existence of
filipinos. look at "e.r" for god's sake! for a tv show about a chicago
area hospital, wouldn't you expect to see at least one of our filipino/a
nurses on the set!? you certainly can't deny our large numbers in the
health profession ;)
jennifer
Bill Neuguth
tcom.com says:
> >
> ><Path:
> =
><ix.netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohi=
o-<state.edu!usc!usc!not-for-mail
> >From: "Jennifer S. Esperanza"
> >
> >... Brando... speaking about ... ethnic stereotypes... the wily
> >filipino... that comment ... couldn't esacpe from my mind ... hope to he=
ar
> >comments ... (post only please) ...
> >
> >Jennifer Esperanza Anthropology& Linguistics University of Southern
> >California, Class of '96
> >
> >IT WOULD be interesting if anyone could only throw light as to how
> >Filipinos came to be stereotyped as =B3wily=B2 or if Brando intended to =
slight
> >minorities or was simply mouthing general stereotyping of minorities to
> >stress a point at how minorities are perceived.
> =
Perhaps he is referring to the perception that there is a lot of theft =
and corruption in the Philippines. That would be labeled "wily", =
wouldn't it?
Jose M. Montano
Jennifer S. Esperanza (jesp...@mekab.usc.edu) wrote:
: Lou Diamond Phillips: never plays filipinos in film, tv. usually cast as
: native american or latino.
I hear that Lou Diamond Phillips is looking to produce a movie on Jose Rizal.
: Ernie reyes, jr.: great potential to be an action star, but never gets
: leading roles unless you count the times when he was a harmless little
: kid doing martial arts.
Well, at least he's working. He's still young and perhaps one day he'll
be working in a Hollywood that's more inclusive.
: dean kane: he's of japanese decent...not applicable to discussion
Sorry, I thought his nose looked a little Filipino-like.
: tia carrere: she has played chinese (wayne's world), japanese (rising
: sun) and unmentioned ("juno skinner" in true lies)
: nia peeples: she's put out records which are o.k., but that last time i
: saw her in anything was on "fame" the tv show. never mention her ethnicity.
Here's my question: When it comes to being a celebrity, does it matter if
you explicitly say that you are member of a particular ethnic group or
that you merely are a member of an ethnic community?
: My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
: the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore
our existence
We, as a community, have never let our collective voice heard. We haven't
come together. We haven't really believed those words - "strength in
numbers." How does one expect to have something change unless one speaks up?
and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic groups?! what is so wrong
: about having a charcter in movies that are filipino? are we that "wily"
: as to be ignored by the industry?
We have not educated other groups in this country about who we are and what
we are truly capable of. We have not dispelled the myths.
: as for sumi haru of sag, all i cn say
: is that her decision to chang her name to sound more "oriental" or
: whatever is nothing more than a continous trend to deny the existence of
: filipinos.
Her decision, I hear, was made because she couldn't get a job playing
all of those "other Asian" roles unless she had a stage name that
matched the studios' need. Clearly she was a victim of an ignorant
business which made her have to deny her ethnicity in such a way.
: look at "e.r" for god's sake! for a tv show about a chicago
: area hospital, wouldn't you expect to see at least one of our filipino/a
: nurses on the set!? you certainly can't deny our large numbers in the
: health profession ;)
I don't watch it anymore, but I did notice the occasional Filipina face
in the emergency room. There is no denying that there is a substantial
number of Filipino in the health field, and especially in Chicago. In the
early sixities my mother actually was a nurse in Chicago. I'm not sure,
but I think I saw some Filipinas in "Chicago Hope."
Joe
Boboy Damo
>
> Well, at least he's working. He's still young and perhaps one day he'll
> be working in a Hollywood that's more inclusive.
>
> you explicitly say that you are member of a particular ethnic group or
> that you merely are a member of an ethnic community?
>
> : My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
> : the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore
> our existence
are doing things the old fashioned way, slow accretion of political presence.
> We, as a community, have never let our collective voice heard. We haven't
> come together. We haven't really believed those words - "strength in
> numbers." How does one expect to have something change unless one speaks up?
I would have to disagree. Your argument is based on the presumption that there is SUCH a thing
as a FILIPINO-AMERICAN identity. I would argue that there is no ONE/Unitary Filipino-American
Identity but many. Since we are an extremely diverse community that do not need Filipinotowns or
other historical devices then it is no wonder that we "blend in" to the majority population.
What's wrong with that? I would rather vote for a White or Black politician that addresses my
own individual issues than a "Pinoy" who supposedly speaks for Filipino issues. Is it not this
multiplicity of polity and political discourse part of the reason our forebears or ourselves
IMMIGRATED to the US in the First place? (greenbacks notwithstanding)
> We have not educated other groups in this country about who we are and what
> we are truly capable of. We have not dispelled the myths.
>
> : as for sumi haru of sag, all i cn say
> : is that her decision to chang her name to sound more "oriental" or
> : whatever is nothing more than a continous trend to deny the existence of
> : filipinos.
>
> Her decision, I hear, was made because she couldn't get a job playing
> all of those "other Asian" roles unless she had a stage name that
> matched the studios' need. Clearly she was a victim of an ignorant
> business which made her have to deny her ethnicity in such a way.
Please quit the "Victimization" lingo.
Ted C. Gonzalez
|>
|>native american or latino.
He did play a Fil-Am character in some thriller whose title escapes me
right now. His father in that movie, called Tatang, was played by the
late Haing S. Ngor.
|>My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
|>the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore our existence
|>and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic groups?! what is so wrong
|>about having a charcter in movies that are filipino? are we that "wily"
|>as to be ignored by the industry?
Now you're getting into an area called entitlement which makes a lot of
people cringe. There could be many reasons why you don't see many Pinoy
characters. Maybe because we lack a national identity, maybe the
decision makers think we as a people are not interesting, maybe movies
about us are not commercially viable, maybe Pinoys themselves should
be forming film companies to produce the movies you'd like to see, maybe
Pinoys should establish a network that would aim for increased Pinoy
visibility within the industry, and so on and so forth.
|>as for sumi haru of sag, all i cn say
|>is that her decision to chang her name to sound more "oriental" or
|>whatever is nothing more than a continous trend to deny the existence of
|>filipinos. look at "e.r" for god's sake! for a tv show about a chicago
|>area hospital, wouldn't you expect to see at least one of our filipino/a
|>nurses on the set!? you certainly can't deny our large numbers in the
|>health profession ;)
Or Chicago Hope for that matter. I can't argue with you on this one.
Good thing I've stopped watching hour-long shows. :)
Jennifer S. Esperanza
> >
> > : My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
> > : the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore
> > our existence
> are doing things the old fashioned way, slow accretion of political presence.
>
> > We, as a community, have never let our collective voice heard. We haven't
> > come together. We haven't really believed those words - "strength in
> > numbers." How does one expect to have something change unless one speaks up?
I agree. Like i said before about us being one of the largest immigrant
groups. we have a tremendous resource here that has yet to say anything.
i look around and see way too many filipinos of my generation looking
foward to a future of a great big house in suburbia, a bmw and a fat
pocketful of money. yeah, wealth and the middle class dream is nice and
everything, but please include political voice and social action as part
of that dream!
>
> I would have to disagree. Your argument is based on the presumption that there is SUCH a thing
> as a FILIPINO-AMERICAN identity. I would argue that there is no ONE/Unitary Filipino-American
> Identity but many. Since we are an extremely diverse community that do not need Filipinotowns or
> other historical devices then it is no wonder that we "blend in" to the majority population.
> What's wrong with that?
Plenty is wrong with that. i see a social/economic/political system in
the u.s. that is based on middle class, white, anglo-saxon, protestant
ideals (McWasp). the african-american experience is as diverse or even
more than ours, and yet, they see validity in forming an identity! If you
look at how they have tried to "blend in", and have not been able to,
then you can see where filipinos are at risk. the system isn't as pretty
as you think. the majority won't let us in( as my example in the film
industry demonstrates). why would you WANT to "blend in" to a country
whose ideals for success are so screwed up anyway? i would rather have a
stronger voice for filipinos in politics, so we can change some things
around here, anyway. "greed is good" and "whomever ends up with the most
toys, wins" is not my idea of a culture i'd want to blend into.
> > We have not educated other groups in this country about who we are and what
> > we are truly capable of. We have not dispelled the myths.
here here. let's try to get non-filipinos to say more than just, "you're
filipino? wow! i had a filipino friend once... you guys have such great
food!"
Keep that thread goin!
Jennifer>
Rodrigo A. Dar
pi...@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu writes:
>Actor's Guild (SAG). There are also actors like Lou Diamond Phillips,
>Ernie Reyes, Jr., Dean Kane, Tia Carrera, Mia Pebbles...etc. (sorry I
Dean Kane, the Superman guy, a Filipino?!?!?! Wait till my daughters,
both of whom have a crush on him, hear about this!!!!!
Chris Espino
: My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
: the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to
: ignore our existence and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic
: groups?!
If the cake doesn't sell then don't bake it, or change the
way it looks so it would sell to more people. I run a bakeshop
here, and I've made some pastries of every kind. Those that
turn out to be a flop, are trashed or made it more different.
I don't want to waste my money on something that doesn't sell.
I'm not going to shove a pastry to my customers and make them
like it. They come to my store to get what they want, and leave.
Now, if you like to have your own selection of pastry and try
to sell it ... you go and open your own bakeshop. I cater to
my customers needs, and not to those who demand too many things
and don't do anything about it.
This is how I cook it, either you eat it or you don't ...
The Flour
The Beater
The Butter
The Baker
can you say that really fast?
Arnold Marquez
>Jennifer S. Esperanza (jesp...@mekab.usc.edu) wrote:
>: Brando's...
[snip]
>: comment about the filipinos
>: just couldn't escape from my mind. WHERE have we ever seen a "wily
>: Filipino"?!?!?! Where have we EVER seen a Filipino in the film industry,
>: and how far have they EVER gone in motion pictures ...
>Two movies come to mind when I think of Hollywood's depiction of
>Filipinos. "Back to Bataan" starring John Wayne and Anthony Quinn as the
>grandson of Andres Bonifacio. "Operation Petticoat" starring Cary Grant
>and Tony Curtis which included some nonsense with a witch doctor.
>Filipinos have also been around the backlots as extras or domestics to
>the stars and studio heads.
>There has been some change in the roles that Filipinos play in the
>"business." Namely Sumi Haru (She changed her name from Sevilla, so that
>it would sound more "oriental") is now the vice-president of the Screen
>Actor's Guild (SAG). There are also actors like Lou Diamond Phillips,
>Ernie Reyes, Jr., Dean Cain, Tia Carrera, Mia Peeples...etc. (sorry I
>forgot the name of the actor on that space show).
[snip]
> Joe
And let's not forget up-and-coming Fred Mata, who appeared in _Hexed_
with Claudia Christian and Arye Gross. After appearances in the Dick
Van Dyke series _Prescription Murder_ and onstage in Southern
California the past few years, Fred has created and will produce a hip
new animal show for television, through his production company Frozen
Assets.
Szu-Wen Huang
: WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to
: ignore our existence and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic
: are filipino?
[snip]
Just a theory - scriptwriters can't write about people/cultures they
don't understand. Would you rather see stereotyped Filipino/as or
none at all? :)
Sal Estrada
>My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
>as to be ignored by the industry?
Maybe because the scripts that bring in the paying public do not require
Filipino characters??? I don't know...just my guess...
I thought Brando's comment was definitely a potshot at the WASPs in Hollywood
and his mentioning Filipinos was in support of his accusation and not meant to
be derogatory. Maybe Brando was referring to some actors who he might have
mistaken to be Filipinos. I don't know...just my guess... -Sal
Jennifer S. Esperanza
On 12 Apr 1996, Sal Estrada wrote:
> In article <Pine.SOL.3.91.960411...@mekab.usc.edu>, Jennifer
> S. Esperanza <jesp...@mekab.usc.edu> says...
> >My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
> >the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore our
> >existence and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic groups?! what is so
> >wrong about having a charcter in movies that are filipino? are we that "wily"
> >as to be ignored by the industry?
>
> Maybe because the scripts that bring in the paying public do not require
> Filipino characters??? I don't know...just my guess...
hi... it's jennifer again. o.k. so i've gotten two more responses
which bring up the fact that there is a paying public involved....
which should make us ask ourselves, "why DOESN'T the
american/international public want to see filipinos? why ISN't there a
need for them in film? being "unrecognized" by other groups (the
decision-making ones, anyway) does not mean that we should pat ourselves
on the back by losing ourselves in the crowd. it means we should ask
ourselves why we, as a historically and economically significant ethnic
group are being treated as nonexistent, second class citizens? i think
many wasps in decision-making positions in the world feel that as a
group, filipinos are merely satisfied with owning a house in suburbia,
making a middle-class income and most of all... keeping quiet. and to me,
keeping quiet is a dangerous thing, because you never know how you're
getting screwed over, because you never ask questions.
the problem that we come to is one in which filipinos believe
that there is nothing wrong, that they AREN't getting screwed over. which
is bullsh*t! look at the filipino community in twenty years from now (or
even sooner!) and i bet you anything that there will be an explosion of
various social, educational, cultural, political problems that we never
thought would happen to us. the model minortity success story won't last
forever, people.
Flame on,
Jennifer
Kenneth Ilio
Sal Estrada <sest...@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>In article <Pine.SOL.3.91.960411...@mekab.usc.edu>, Jennifer
>S. Esperanza <jesp...@mekab.usc.edu> says...
>>My point is, as the second largest immigrant group (behind mexicans)in
>>the u.s., WHY in the world does the film and tv industry choose to ignore our
>>existence and hire filipino actors to play OTHER ethnic groups?! what is so
>>wrong about having a charcter in movies that are filipino? are we that "wily"
>>as to be ignored by the industry?
There was an article in Filipinas magazine a few years back re: Filipino
actors ... and they have the same lament. One of the reasons they stated
was that there were only a few Filipino actors in Hollywood. (Take note
though that the head of the actors guild union or something like that is
a Filipina actress named Sumi Haru.)
In fact, the Filipinos representation is so bad that ... for example, when
they did a TV docu-drama (I think it might have been on ABC) about the life
of a fireman who happened to Filipino .. they had to dilute his character
and changed him to become a Latino ... because they couldn't hire a Filipino
actor.
Also, there's still this 'exotification' thang ... again for example, in
the teen tv show California Dreams, Jennie Kwan who's Chinese Filipino plays
a Hongkong exchange student ... I just don't understand why he couldn't play
a Filipino exchange student. Same thing with Tia Carrere ... she plays
Japanese, Chinese, some other races except Filipino - even her biography
sort of dilutes her being Filipino (but stresses that she has Spanish,
Chinese, and Hawaiaan) when in fact her parents are from Antique in the
Visayas and probably the only Hawaiaan in her is that she grew up in Hawaii.
And then of course there is the Miss Saigon phenomena ... Filipinos occupy
that niche ... but whether this will translate to more roles for Filipinos
outside Miss Saigon ... the jury is still out. I don't know how Lea Salonga
is marketed ... I know that she herself stresses that she is Filipino
but talking to friends here in Chicago for example while we were watching
the 10th anniversary concert of Les Mis, they didn't realize that Lea (it
seems like she's a household word now) is Filipino. But she is trail blazing
... with her role as Eponine ... it shows the world that you don't have to
be white to take any role. Again though, whether this would translate
to more roles for Asian actors ...
It's nice to see Dee Dee Lyn Magno, one of the Miss Saigons here in the US
in the movies though ... Sister Act 2.
It's really a double edge sword - Filipinos are invisible in Hollywood because
we are also invisible in the mainstream (that we are so mainstream that we are
invisible?) ... etc etc
>
>Maybe because the scripts that bring in the paying public do not require
>Filipino characters??? I don't know...just my guess...
>
>I thought Brando's comment was definitely a potshot at the WASPs in Hollywood
>and his mentioning Filipinos was in support of his accusation and not meant to
>be derogatory. Maybe Brando was referring to some actors who he might have
>mistaken to be Filipinos. I don't know...just my guess... -Sal
>
--
Kenneth Yerro Ilio, D.V.M., Ph.D., Urology, Northwestern University Medical School Chicago, IL; fl...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu; http://pubweb.acns.nwu.edu/~flip/ken.html - Tribung Pinoy: The Filipino Trivia Page - Asiaweek's Pick: CityNet's pick;Pointcom's top
5%.; A. Magazine's Pick, 4 stars - McKinley Internet Directory
Archangel Enterprises
money to their pocket books. The stupid thing is that we watch these
movies made and produced by the Jews and we pay top dollars for it. I
refused to watch movies that degrades everyone. Everytime there is a
movie about the Jews, it's always about the holocaust or their
sufferings brought down by the Germans or Hitler, i.e., Schindler's
list to name one. Since the Jews control the entertainment industry of
course they will write and produce movies positive about them. Look at
how the Bible was made. The manufactured portions of the Bible said
that the Jews are the chosen people by God. However, the Jews were also
the ones who condemnd Jesus and crucified him. You cannot expect the
Jews to have a civic mind when it comes to money. Before "these people
in power" do something for anyone else, they will fill their pocket
books with money first, then they will do something for somebody, most
likely a jew like themselves. I am not anti-semitic or anti-jewish,
it's just that that's what I see around here. Thank God the Jews have
not discovered the Philippines. However, remember most Filipino maids
in Israel have been abused by Jews, but no word about it has escaped
Israel. Also, there are two types of Jews, Those who call themselves
"Israelis" and those who call themselves "American Jews" and their women
are called "JAPS" for Jewish American Princesses". I just heard these
from people who talked about Jews. But the most educational is
HIstory, not the slang words we learn by living here. Have you ever had
any good experiences or relationship with a Jewish person. If you do,
then those do not belong to whatever stereotype about the Jews.
During the Holocaust, a Japanese Ambassador or Consul allowed some Jews
to leave Europe and enter Japan. But, do you hear the Jews talk about
that? The own the movie industry, therefore, they will only talk about
their suffering.
Has anyone heard about the massacre by the Turks of Cypriots in Cyprus
during the invasion of Cyprus. Has anyone heard about the genocide of
Armenians during the Russian invasion? Has anyone heard about the
massacre in Samar by the Americans during the (Gee. can't even remember
what was this was) anyway, the Jews will only talk about their genocide
bbut not others. I hope that I made myself clear. If you were confused,
there so be it.
Brenda
TG> for that matter. But the point remains that those in positions of
TG> power in Hollywood, and many of them are Jewish, should take it upon
TG> themselves to make sure that no stereotypes of any ethnic minority
TG> are portrayed on
* RM 1.3 01710 * RoboMail -- The next generation QWK compatible reader!
Hector Santos
>There was an article in Filipinas magazine a few years back re: Filipino
>actors ... and they have the same lament. One of the reasons they stated
>was that there were only a few Filipino actors in Hollywood. (Take note
>though that the head of the actors guild union or something like that is
>a Filipina actress named Sumi Haru.)
Sumi Haru took on that name because she thought when she was younger
that it would be easier to find work in the movies as a Japanese than
as a Filipino. Now she complains that people think she is Japanese and
do not know that she is Filipino.
Wish that all of us could look as good as she does when we get to be
her age.
---
Hector Santos <hect...@earthlink.net> Los Angeles
*********Katalogo ng mga Apelyidong Pilipino*********
***http://home.earthlink.net/~hectorsan/names.htm****
Bill Neuguth
> In article <fredn-10049...@dgr-il2-15.ix.netcom.com>, fr...@ix.ne=
tcom.com says:
> ><Path:
hio-<state.edu!usc!usc!not-for-mail
> >From: "Jennifer S. Esperanza"
> >... Brando... speaking about ... ethnic stereotypes... the wily
> >filipino... that comment ... couldn't esacpe from my mind ... hope to he=
ar
> >comments ... (post only please) ...
> >Jennifer Esperanza Anthropology& Linguistics University of Southern
> >California, Class of '96
> >
> >IT WOULD be interesting if anyone could only throw light as to how
> >Filipinos came to be stereotyped as =B3wily=B2 or if Brando intended to =
slight
> >minorities or was simply mouthing general stereotyping of minorities to
> >stress a point at how minorities are perceived.
> =
> I watched this show and I was not offended by what he said
> as it seemed to me that he was simply ridiculing the bigots.
> =
> I think he's on our side.
> =
> As for the choice of the word "wily", maybe we haven't been portrayed
> in the movies often enough so he didn't have a convenient stereotype to
> mention and he just picked up the first pejorative word that came to mind=
=2E
I just watched the show again and what everybody is missing is that he is =
speaking out about the fact that all nationalities have had stereotypes =
portrayed. What NOBODY has mentioned, and most people conveiniently left o=
ut of =
their postings is that he uses the slur "Greaseball" which refers to Italia=
ns. =
In case nobody knew it, Brando is italian. He is making the same point abo=
ut his =
race that he is about Filipinos. They are all streotyped. =
As for the word "wily", Filipinos have a reputation in the US for being =
resourceful, ingenious, and quick to exploit an opportunity. This can be t=
ermed =
wily. Besides, he was commenting on what the movies portray, NOT his opini=
ons.
By the way, being resourceful, ingenious, and quick to exploit an opportuni=
ty is =
highly respected in the US.
Bill Neuguth
I just watched the show again myself and what everybody is missing is that =
he is =
speaking out about the fact that all nationalities have hade stereotypes =
portrayed. What NOBODY has mentioned, and most people conveiniently left o=
ut of =
thier postings is the slur "Greaseball" which is used for Italians. In cas=
e =
nobody knew it, Brando is italian. He is making the same point about his r=
ase as =
he is about Filipinos. They are all streotyped. As for the word "wily", =
Filipinos have a reputation in the US for being resourceful, ingenious, and=
quick =
to exploit an opportunity. This can be termed wily. Besides, he was comme=
nting =
on what the movies portray, NOT his opinions.
Rafat Mahmud Sadiq
Kenneth Ilio <fl...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu> wrote:
>And then of course there is the Miss Saigon phenomena ... Filipinos occupy
>that niche ... but whether this will translate to more roles for Filipinos
>outside Miss Saigon ... the jury is still out. I don't know how Lea Salonga
>is marketed ... I know that she herself stresses that she is Filipino
>but talking to friends here in Chicago for example while we were watching
>the 10th anniversary concert of Les Mis, they didn't realize that Lea (it
>seems like she's a household word now) is Filipino. But she is trail blazing
>... with her role as Eponine ... it shows the world that you don't have to
>be white to take any role. Again though, whether this would translate
>to more roles for Asian actors ...
I think this paragraph summarizes the plight of Filipinos in Hollywood.
I was surprised by the number of people here who saw Ms. Saigon, yet did not
know who Lea Salonga was. Similarly, not many people know that she was
Jasmine's singing voice in "Aladdin." IMO, the problem is a marketing one.
Ms. Salonga along with so many other Filipino and Filipina entertainers have
not been given the necessary exposure by studios as Filipinos/Filipinas. Then
there's also the economic consideration. As mentioned, there are a lot more
Latino's than there are Filipino's. THe press gave much publicity to Jesse
Jacksons lament on the dearth of African-American nominees for the Oscar. They
seemed to have missed the dearth of Asians in Hollywood at all.
>It's really a double edge sword - Filipinos are invisible in Hollywood because
>we are also invisible in the mainstream (that we are so mainstream that we are
>invisible?) ... etc etc
Bingo.
As for Marlon Brando's notorious comments, I don't think that he wa
in the least bit denigrating Filipinos. IMO he was simply stating that
Hollywood for some reason or other has failed to stereotype Jewish Americans.
He concluded it was because of the disproportionate clout they exert in
running Hollywood. Had Mr. Brando been a little more diplomatic in expressing
these views, he might have avoided being villified by the Jewish community.
Rafat
--
Rafat M Sadiq
sa...@ecn.purdue.edu
http://cartoon.ecn.purdue.edu/~sadiq
GE d- s:- a-- C++ US P L- E--- W-- N++ K--- w++++ O--- M-- V-- PS@ PE++ Y+
Ted C. Gonzalez
Jennifer S. Esperanza <jesp...@mekab.usc.edu> wrote:
|>
|> hi... it's jennifer again. o.k. so i've gotten two more responses
|>which bring up the fact that there is a paying public involved....
|> which should make us ask ourselves, "why DOESN'T the
|>american/international public want to see filipinos? why ISN't there a
|>need for them in film? being "unrecognized" by other groups (the
|>decision-making ones, anyway) does not mean that we should pat ourselves
|>on the back by losing ourselves in the crowd. it means we should ask
|>ourselves why we, as a historically and economically significant ethnic
|>group are being treated as nonexistent, second class citizens? i think
IMHO, it's not that they don't want to see Filipinos. Sometimes, we have
to create the market ourselves, make them want to see Filipinos. For this
to happen, we have to create characters that people will care for, in a
backdrop and/or plot that will showcase the unique aspects of the Filipino
experience, and the universal aspects as well so that non-Filipinos are
able to relate to our experience.
fr...@ix.netcom.com
<<<..... ask ourselves why we, as a historically and economically
significant ethnic group are being treated as nonexistent, second class
citizens...
Flame on,
Jennifer...>>>
It might help if we look at ourselves inward.
How significant are we in the total picture of this big country? As
immigrants we do have positive contributions to the mainstream but is our
impact significant enough to catch mainstream Americaąs attention?
Are there things about us as a people that cause mainstream Americans not
to take us seriously?
In a book about the CIA (The Veil, by Bob Woodward) I remember reading
about the Philippines being a dream assignment because American agents can
just buy any Filipino from the top officials down... Thatąs not our fault,
of course, because we can now afford to distance ourselves from the native
land. Still we need a public image repair job.
Here are some exaggerated, anecdotal scenarios that are not necessarily
true in all of us.
At a cocktail party an affluent Filipino doctor sagely concluded that
rampant corruption is one stunting factor to Philippine progress. To
augment his observation I mentioned that I had a friend who was given a
hard time by Philippine customs agents, to which the doctor commented
without even thinking that łpatay-patay yang kaibigan mo. DAPAT magtip
siya kaagad...˛ So much for idealism. It takes two to tango - the
łcorruptor˛ and the łcorruptee.˛
A uniquely accented Filipino brags about his being a łkoleds gradwit,˛
(...speking englis olredy pram gred l to koleds... and all that good
stuff) Guess how convincing he will be to a jaded mainstream American who
happens to be one whose knowledge about the world is limited to what the
tv networks let him see about third world ethnics.
Listen to table talk at Filipino dinner-dances (and there are nauseous
numbers all over the United States). Americans might think that every
Filipino has a prominent compadre back home. No Filipino seems descended
from normal people like grave diggers or jeepney drivers.
Tell someone łpito ang baril ko pare. Ayam agins gan kontrol˛ and you get
admiration. Then tell him your hobby is reading history you can get a
comment like łsobrang pagka Rizal mo... masiyado kang matalino... kay
yabang!˛
Letąs talk about numbers. Do we have numbers big enough to support protest
boycotts or get elected to public office? A descendant of immigrants from
Pangasinan was elected governor of Hawaii and it is not inconceivable that
the large Filipino population in that state has something to do with his
election.
I will stand corrected if my recollections are accurate but there was a
time in Chicago when Polandąs then president Walensaąs visit coincided
with our then president Cory. Chicago has the largest Polish population
outside Poland so it is not hard to guess who between the two dignitaries
got more attention.
There are Chinatowns in America whose inhabitants seem to cooperate and
act as one. There are no American tourist traps called Little Manila
anywhere in the United States. Filipino families are diffused all over
suburbia where each can say with pride, łang neborhod namin panay puti...˛
The point of all these negative scenarios - there are more - is not to
denigrate our race. Rather, it is a reality check that will give us a
chance to project a better image.
Now the challenge. What would I suggest?
You got me. I donąt know what will work with bigots. Perhaps I can start
by not pretending to be Superman.
Puwet Valentino
mirror.... ulo mo, di ba SLOPE?! ilong mo, di ba SARAT?! Balat mo, di
ba brown?!
Magpakalaki ka na man, pare ko. Ipagmalaki mo ang dugo mo na filipino.
Jose M. Montano
I wrote:
: > We, as a community, have never let our collective voice heard. We haven't
: > come together. We haven't really believed those words - "strength in
: > numbers." How does one expect to have something change unless one speaks up?
You wrote:
: I would have to disagree. Your argument is based on the presumption
that there is SUCH a thing as a FILIPINO-AMERICAN identity. I would
argue that there is no ONE/Unitary Filipino-American Identity but many.
Since we are an extremely diverse community that do not need Filipinotowns
or other historical devices then it is no wonder that we "blend in" to the
majority population. What's wrong with that? I would rather vote for a
White or Black politician that addresses my own individual issues than a
"Pinoy" who supposedly speaks for Filipino issues. Is it not this
multiplicity of polity and political discourse part of the reason our
forebears or ourselves IMMIGRATED to the US in the First place?
(greenbacks notwithstanding)
I wrote:
: > We have not educated other groups in this country about who we are and what
: > we are truly capable of. We have not dispelled the myths. as for
Jennifer wrote:
sumi haru of sag, all i cn say is that her decision to chang her name
to sound more "oriental" or whatever is nothing more than a continous
trend to deny the existence of filipinos.
I wrote:
: > Her decision, I hear, was made because she couldn't get a job playing
: > all of those "other Asian" roles unless she had a stage name that
: > matched the studios' need. Clearly she was a victim of an ignorant
: > business which made her have to deny her ethnicity in such a way.
You wrote:
: Please quit the "Victimization" lingo.
Boboy Damo,
Thanks for your input. I believe that as FILIPINO AMERICANS we
are a diverse group of people. We have many talents and abilities. We
come from different regions of the Philippines. We have our individual
desires, dreams and wants. I would not vote for a Pinoy/Pinay just because
he's/she's Filipino American. But I would like to hear what he or she
has to say. I like to meet other Filipino Americans from other parts of the
United States and from different backgrounds. I like to compare and
contrast our experiences. I feel a certain comraderie and bond when
there are so many things I may have in common with anyone, but especially
with other Filipino Americans.
Now, you are right that there is no "one" Filipino American
identity just like there is no "one" American identity. My intent in
talking about a collective voice was because I believe that there are
issues that affect most Filipino Americans no matter what class,
profession, age, educational background, regional affiliation, or
political ideology. I believe that in this country, even though we may
try hard to just be a part of the mainstream, there are those who view as
other than that. I believe that despite our differences we can come to
agreement on certain issues important to our community. I believe that
if don't speak out against injustices perpetrated upon some
Filipinos/Filipino Americans in this country, then it may send out the
message, "Its okay to abuse Filipinos in America, even if they are hard
working, well educated, tax paying citizens."
There are many Filipinos who immigrate to the U.S. because of its
proclaimed liberities, but I would argue that most come for economic
opportunities and family re-unification.
And as far as the "victimization lingo" goes, I wasn't adding my
voice to the many that already exist when it comes to such things. I do
not agree with many who hope to change things by merely "whining." What I
meant to do was to raise the question, "Why did she feel the need to
change her name?" My implication was that "Hollywood" would not see her
as "oriental" because of the name on her portfolio; therefore excluding
her from any parts which her actual apperance would have allowed. If you
do not like the word victim, then please suggest another word in which I
may describe her situation.
Thanks again and talk to you later,
Joe Montano
Francisco Castro
Ayoko sayanang mawalay sa puno ng usap-usapin, pero, anon ibig sabihin
mo na "magpakalaki"? Ilang ulit kong binasa ang salita, pero isang
isipin ang aking natutunton. Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin rito kung ano iyon
at baka kung ano pa ang isipin ng mga tao.
Dante Amores
>The point of all these negative scenarios - there are more - is not to
>denigrate our race. Rather, it is a reality check that will give us a
>chance to project a better image.
>
>Now the challenge. What would I suggest?
>
>You got me. I donšt know what will work with bigots. Perhaps I can start
>by not pretending to be Superman.
>
>--
Well-done and good comments Mang Fred.
I guess that these are also true with most
Pinoys in other countries.
BTW, I think Marlon Brando was a good actor;
and nothing else.
G'day,
Dante
fr...@ix.netcom.com
> you are just a MAYABANG na self-hating pinoy! Look at yourself in the
> mirror.... ulo mo, di ba SLOPE?! ilong mo, di ba SARAT?! Balat mo, di
> ba brown?!
> Magpakalaki ka na man, pare ko. Ipagmalaki mo ang dugo mo na filipino.
KOREK!
Rhett Valino Pascual
I was drawn to this article though it was the ramblings of an idiot.
It's kinda sad to see scf inundated with people who have no idea of what
it is to flame someone. the name this idiot picks as a nick is so
disappointing as to make me cringe in absolute despair.
Mr.wet-pu, bago mo ako idamay sa iyong katarantaduhan, magpractice ka
muna sa ibang lugar. Ayos lang kung isasama mo ko sa insulto mo, pero
gandahan mo naman ang insulto mo babes. aba'y bumalik sa katawan ko ang
mga alaga kong itlog dahil sa sobrang nakakahiyang sinulat mo. Tuloy,
kumuha pa ako ng hanger para mailabas ko sila ulit.
AshamedREtong
soc.culture.filipino #91610 (25 + 296 more) --( )+-( )--(
)--(1)+-[1]--[1]
From: Puwet Valentino <pu...@kobeta.com> | \-[1]
[1] Re: Marlon Brando's comment re: filipinos \-( )--( )--[1]
Date: Mon Apr 15 15:51:39 PDT 1996
Organization: Golden Bear @ UC Berkeley!
Lines: 4
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
X-Mailer: Mozilla 2.0 (Win16; I)
you are just a MAYABANG na self-hating pinoy! Look at yourself in the
mirror.... ulo mo, di ba SLOPE?! ilong mo, di ba SARAT?! Balat mo, di
ba brown?!
Magpakalaki ka na man, pare ko. Ipagmalaki mo ang dugo mo na filipino.
--
Louie Z Fer
tos bas
Rhett Valino Pascual
lang sa Costco/PRiceclub at kabibili ko lang ng dalawang dosenang itlog.
Heto nga't nagkakandadarapa na akong sungkitin yong mga pumasok sa tenga
ko. Teka muna, gusto mo bang manghiram? Natatandaan kong nabasag mo
yung itlog mo. akala ko papalitan mo, yun pala cheap ka lang at
gumagamit ka ng ping-pong ball.
Sige, mag-ingat ka na lang totoy.
Pumuputak-putakREtong
In article <317D10...@hehe.com>, Louie Z Fer <he...@hehe.com> wrote:
>I am surprised!!!!!!!!!!! May ITLOG ka?????!!!!!!!!!!
--
Romeo Arenzana
May isang bagong kasal ang magha-honeymoon. First time nilang
magkakabigayan kaya medyo nahihiya pa sila. Nang tinanggal ng
lalaki ang kaniyang medyas, napansin ng babae na ang mga daliri
niya sa paa ay maliliit at kulu-kuluntoy na.
"Bakit ganyan ang daliri mo sa paa?", tanong ng babae. "Kuwan
yan, eh, toelio", sagot ng lalaki. "Hindi ba polio"? "Hindi, toelio".
"Okey", sabi ng babae.
Nang tanggalin ng lalaki ang kanyang pantalon, nakita ng babae na
ang tuhod niya ay namumula at namamaga. "Anong nangyari sa tuhod mo?"
"O, mayron kasi akong kneasles". "Hindi ba measles?" "Hindi, kneasles"
"Okey, basta sabi mo e", sabi ng babae.
Nang hinubad ng lalaki ang kaniyang boxer shorts, sabi ng babae ay,
"Teka, hulaan ko ha?... Smallcox?"
Muhahahaha, tawa naman kayo riyan.
Orion Perez Dumdum
Bill Neuguth <bi...@tiac.net> wrote:
I heard from Pinoy friends of mine in the US that such a stereotype
("wily Filipino") exists as a result of the following fact: While
certain minorities have high incidences of convictions in violent
offenses like rape and murder, Filipinos who end up in jail are more
likely to have been convicted of estafa, swindling, and just plain
dishonesty. That's probably the "wily" that many Americans stereotype
us Pinoy's as being. Here in Manila, the word could either be
"switik" or "madugas."
... As to the Larry King show, Marlon Brando was indeed on our side.
He was also on the side of the Jews. Funny, the next day's papers
said that some members of the Anti-Defamation League (Jewish group)
took offense of what Brando said ("that some Jews in Hollywood
somewhat promoted discrimination in their movies") although
contextually, he really meant that many Hollywood producers, who were
often Jewish, continued to churn out Western "cowboy vs indian" movies
which just promoted a bad image of the Native American and contributed
to further discrimination. He particularly emphasized that because
according to him, "the Jews themselves have been persecuted and
discriminated against, and should do nothing to encourage racial
discrimination." The "Slit-eyed Jap and Wily Filipino, etc..."
sentence was a collection of common stereotypes that many White
Anglo-Saxon Protestants (even some non-Protestants) have and talk
about in describing other races when not with them, not just stuff in
the movies. He did in fact mean to point out that those cliche-phrases
exist because of common prejudice, which he claims (and has shown with
sincerity) he is against.
Orion
PS. Brando isn't Italian... Sure, he played Don Vito Corleone, an
Italian, but in reality, Brando's Irish. (He mentioned that on Larry
King Live in CNN)
Orion Perez Dumdum
BS Computer Science Graduate 1995
BS Management Information Systems 1996 (October)
Ateneo de Manila University
Philippines
Villa Victoria, J. Adlawan St., Linao (Provincial Address)
Minglanilla, Cebu
Philippines
Nestor de Guzman
Romeo Arenzana <aren...@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
Thanks for the joke.
Here's some from here:
What's the difference between a rectal and an oral thermometer? . .
.The "taste"
Superman took a dive at a nude beach and had a quickie with a beutiful
woman. The beautiful woman who happens to be "Wonderwoman" asked the
Invisible Man "What was that?". Invisible man replied " I don't know
but
my ass hurts like crazy!"
The convent needs painting, so several nuns took upon themselves to do
the job. Not to ruin their their habits, they took them off and
started painting in the nude. A man knocked at the door and the nun
asked who it was. "Just a blind man" replied one of the nuns. "He's
harmless, let him in" ordered Mother Superior. Once inside, the man
said "Nice tits sisters, where do you want me to install these
blinds".
Isang magandang babaeng pasehero bumukaka sa harap ng tsuper, "wala
akong barya, puede na ba ito". Pagkakita sa babae sabi ng tsuper "wala
ba kayong mas maliit diyan?
Till next time. Bye.
kesong...@gmail.com
Close companion of the captain‘s wife in “ reflection in the golden eyes”