There is a duality in how we see real Filipino beauty In the Philippines, our rich heritage is often celebrated for its diversity and colorf...
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| There is a duality in how we see real Filipino beauty |
In the Philippines, our rich heritage is often celebrated for its diversity and colorful history, with our brown skin representing a key aspect of our identity, stemming from Malay roots that run deep in our veins. The term 'lahing kayumanggi' (brown race) is mentioned with pride in our history books, and figures like Jose Rizal epitomize everything we hold dear as Filipinos. Our concept of beauty, represented by Maria Clara, has long been associated with the morena complexion, setting the standard for what a Filipina should be.
However, over time, our gene pool has evolved, influenced by the influx of Caucasian bloodlines from American, Spanish, and European backgrounds. This transformation in our genetic makeup has led to a shift in our perception of beauty, as we began to appreciate the ideals of 'white' beauty. Terms like "mestiza" or "tisay" have found their way into our vocabulary, and an increasing number of Filipinos have started to favor fair complexions over the traditional 'kayumanggi' shade. This shift has even led to some brown-skinned Filipinos distancing themselves from those with even darker skin.
The Unintended Consequences
It's important to clarify that this shift in beauty ideals doesn't necessarily imply racism, but rather reflects the growing importance placed on skin color in our society. Unfortunately, it has also manifested in subtle discrimination against those who do not conform to the 'white' standard. Career opportunities and growth, for instance, often favor individuals with fairer skin. Media has played a significant role in perpetuating these ideals, depicting fair-skinned individuals as rich, successful, and beautiful, while portraying darker-skinned individuals as poor and less privileged.
As we are bombarded with images in television, newspapers, magazines, and billboards, the obsession with being 'white' has intensified. Our department stores are overflowing with whitening products, ranging from soaps and creams to powders. Our role models have increasingly become 'tisays' and 'tisoys,' many of whom are the products of mixed marriages, known as Fil-Foreigners. Even in the realm of social networking and dating, it's not uncommon to find profiles of women who prefer Caucasians over Filipino men.
But why is it that while we pursue 'white' beauty, middle-aged foreigners, often retirees, are drawn to the exotic allure of 'brown' beauty? The answer is more complex than a simple preference, and it involves a deeper understanding of cultural albinism and the lasting impact of colonialism on our perception of beauty.
Our Cultural Albinism
Our current fixation on whiter skin can be traced back to the phenomenon of cultural albinism, influenced by centuries of colonial rule. The Spanish occupation of the Philippines, which spanned three centuries, left a profound imprint on our culture and standards of beauty. This influence was further amplified by American education and the modern corporate world, particularly the advertising and marketing industry.
Media outlets played a significant role in reinforcing the idea that 'whiter is better.' Today, we've reached a point where a significant portion of a woman's handbag contains cosmetics, with the majority of these products dedicated to skin whitening. The days when stars, like Nora Aunor, were celebrated as the epitome of beauty are long gone. New standards have emerged, favoring fairer skin.
According to journalist Tina Arceo-Dumlao's work, "A White Shade of Pale: Skin Whitening Products in Asia," a market research company Synovate revealed that "one out of five women in Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan feel they are more attractive with fair complexions." Alarmingly, the Philippines led the pack in terms of skin whitening product usage among the surveyed countries.
From Obsession to Discrimination
This obsession with skin color has inadvertently transformed into a form of discrimination in our society. Filipinos often make derogatory comments about people with darker skin tones, using terms like "negro," which are both offensive and outdated. This not only perpetuates stereotypes but also fosters a divisive atmosphere.
Even abroad, some Filipinos can carry these prejudices with them. For instance, there are those who tend to brand certain races as 'dirty' and 'untrustworthy,' primarily due to their long association with white American culture. This demonstrates how deeply ingrained our biases have become.
In contemplating these trends, it becomes evident that we have become hypocritical in our attitudes towards people with different skin tones. Stories abound of some Filipinos treating those with darker skin as freak show attractions, a deeply shameful reality we must confront. The irony is that we tend to be on the receiving end of that kind of treatment elsewhere.
So, are some of us truly racist? To answer this question, we need to engage in self-reflection. It's essential to recognize that this fixation on 'white' beauty and discrimination based on skin tone have deep historical roots, stemming from a complex history of colonialism and cultural albinism.
Embracing Our True Identity
It's crucial for us as a society to reflect on our values and ideals. Do we want to continue pursuing 'whiteness' as the ultimate standard of beauty, or can we embrace the richness of our diverse backgrounds and celebrate our true identity as Filipinos, regardless of our skin color?
We must remember that people from various ethnic backgrounds have been showcased as ethnological curiosities in "human zoos" across Europe in the past. Some Filipino ethnic groups, like the Igorots and Aetas, were even smuggled to Spain and the United States for this purpose. It's a stark reminder of how prejudice and ignorance can lead to dehumanization.
Ultimately, the choice lies with us as individuals and as a society. Do we want to be 'white,' or do we want to be content with who we are? The answer should be clear: let's embrace our cultural diversity and redefine our standards of beauty to include the true spectrum of Filipino colors, from the morena to the kayumanggi, and everything in between. It's time to celebrate our unique identity and move away from the shadows of cultural albinism and colonialism.
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