DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: Not just ignorance, disrespect

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In the SUnday, September 30 episode of the ABC television series, "Desperate HOusewives,", a characted, played by Teri Hatcher, told her gynecologist: "Before you go any further, can I check those diplomas 'coz I just like to make sure that they are not not from some med school in the Philippines". This genigration of Filipino doctors and, by implication, any Filipino professional in AMerica who studied in the Philippines, is a hurtful as it is unfair and untrue. Doctors from the Philippines undergo etensive internship and residency training in this country compared to U.S. medical graduates, they have to take more eaminations for their areas of specialization. THeir expertise is, therefore, beyond question. There are more than 2000 Filipinos physicians supporting the American health care system in America. The system would collapse without them. Most of them are graduates of Philippine medical schools. The slur could, therefore, be dismissed as the result of the abysmal ignorance of Hatcher, the script writer, the director and the producer of the show. But the issue goes deeper that that. One cannot imagine a similar statement being made against Africans-Americans or against gays. The backlash would be oeverwhelming and the source of the insult would be sorry for it. So why do ignoramuses and racists feel free to insult Filipnos in America? BEcause they dont regard us with respect. Because they think we cant do much about it, muc less fight back. There are after all, no bullies where there are no cowards. Coast to coast, and even overseas, Filipinos are in uproar over this incident. Outraged letters, including one from Ambasaddor WIllie Gaa, have been dispatched to Disney and ABC TV. But we should do more thatn protest this particular insult. We must now face the fact that solidarity and empowerment are the only way we can gain respect in this country. Otherwise, we can expect to hear more racial slurs in the days head. (POOLED EDITORIAL) Whew! What is your opinion about the issue?