As the process inches forward with bringing R to the UK, I am curious as to how much racism and discrimination Filipinos tend to receive in this country. As a kid who grew up in all white town in Wales, we were stunned one day when a Japanese girl arrived to our school from San Francisco. Never quite understood what brought this girl's family to South Wales but nevermind. That's not really important. She moved on in less than a year. I would have been 9/10 and I joined in with the jokes about her squinty eyes and yellow skin. Several times she ran off crying and the teachers did little about it. Feel awful about it now. It was my attempt to be one of the lads even though I actually thought she was incredibly pretty. I hate to think how we would have treated a black kid. Would have been far worse. The country has moved on since the 80s. Even in sleepy Welsh seaside towns, non-white people are not so unusual any more. The Ting-Tong sketch in Little Britain (I know, Ting-Tong is Thai) probably doesn't help things when a white bloke is seen with a pretty Filipina on his arm. Does the racism (if any) go beyond this for Filipinos?
I never found it a problem with my first wife... and she only remembers one time... when she was called a 'Paki' by some little ragamuffins. Biggest problem is keeping other blokes from constantly flirting (if she's pretty. lol). There was a time when our son was teased at primary school. I went there and sorted it out with the head teacher. Kids will be kids though. Anyway, he's totally integrated now, (at 23) ...very happy, with lots of lifelong friends. He's also a MMA fighter and body-builder, so probably people don't trouble him much when he's out and about.
I wouldn't worry about it, if it happens it happens, not a lot you can do about it, a lot will depend on where you live of course whether she will get any unwanted attention or not. Filipinas fit into UK society quite well, I think that's half the battle. My wife had a run in with some kids but that's about it, she just shrugged it off thankfully, the problem starts when they worry about it.
It is probably increasingly likely these days as events unfold across the globe. It depends a little on your Filipina's look, but it is not uncommon for a Filipina to be mistaken (by the cerebrally challenged of course) for someone who is from other parts of the globe - where tolerances in Britain can be quite low.
The Ting Tong Macadangdang sketches are about the British people having a laugh at themselves, as indeed is the whole series of Little Britain. There is nothing racist at all, how could there be in todays politically correct world, everybody looks equally stupid, and the part of Ting Tong was played by a British bloke not a Thai lady, in case you didn't notice. If somebody mentions Ting Tong don't take offence, have a laugh, might make new friends!
I agree and would add it's how you and your partner conduct yourselves when together out and about and when she is out and about on her own.
I always like to ask my wife about stuff like that. She's been here more than 4 years now and works in a shop where all kinds of low lifes can come in. Her answer to whether or not she's experienced any. 'Racism? No. I don't think so. Dunno.' Which just about sums up how much of a problem it's been. My son went to a small countryside school where nearly all the kids seemed to be blonde with blue eyes. Seriously. It was like the village of the damned! He is half Japanese and looks very Asian. The kids there called him Jackie Chan. He loved it and remains good friends with some of them to this day.
We live in a predominately white middle class town in the midlands and my wife hasn't experienced racism. I don't know if its because we're relatively close to Leicester and derby that have quite large Asian communities but I suppose that can be a positive and negative these days depending on intellect of the person. Only real problem to be honest have be other blokes hitting on her while she's been out but I take that as a compliment.
I'm not bothered about myself. I'll take the pi$s out of myself with the Dudley comparisons - no problem. I only raised the subject after coming home on the bus from the Trafford Centre yesterday. On the top deck, a group of 6 rowdy lads got on board and were larking around like lads do. I was just wondering if they would have said anything if R had been sat beside me. It would take a lot before I feel offended, but I'm not sure how R would feel if they started to make "love you long time" jokes. I accept complete daydreaming paranoia on my part. In Manchester especially, she'd likely be ignored. Still, was just wondering what the actual experiences were.
there are quite a lot of filipinos where i live. in fact--probably more than afro-carribean black people. but it is the isle of wight ! i dont think my wfe has been subject to any racism. she has lived in the uk now for over 5 years all told.
The groups of lads you highlight in your post are probably the likeliest source of smart arse racist comments, they are probably the same lads who would not say boo to a goose if you were sat on the bus with your wife. It would be best if your missus sticks to seating downstairs on the bus when she arrives in the UK to avoid those rowdy lads we have all experienced, they tend to always head to the top deck of the bus My wife has been taking the Metro into and out of Manchester for a few years now for work and has never had any bad experiences, Manchester is pretty multi-cultural as you know which helps.
I seem to recall this a few months back. Not sure if there is any truth or substance to it of course: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/canadian-poet-filipino-heritage-says-7842340 She says In her first book, Settle, there is a poem about her husband Harry getting into his first and only fight outside a pub in Glasgow’s Ashton Lane after being asked where he “bought” his wife
In the 20 years that my Mrs Lived in the UK,she was attacked only once by some drugged up nutter in icelands that I never was able to track down...I did try ,for months.. Had we found him,he would have got the beating of his life..Actually,there is a good chance that had I found him, I would have been locked up. I've told this story once or twice before and I will continue to mention it as these racist type threads in regards Filipinos in the UK queries pop up.
I certainly hope Kris (@inaroiles ) won't suffer any form of discrimination / racism when she arrives here in Scotland in a few weeks time. It's been a while since I found it necessary to go boxing with some lowlife. Mindful of passing years - and the danger of writing cheques that can no longer be cashed - perhaps the tongue may be the best weapon - at least at the outset! Like most civilised individuals I abhor racism - as a British Movement / NF neo-nazi thug found out many moons ago on Brighton Prom!
Nope - not at all. I was with a group of colleagues about to enter a hotel for a trade union conference fringe meeting. The local Hitler-lovers picketed the event and a few of them attacked us just outside the hotel front door. One budding member of the Master Race lunged at me and aimed his ox-blood Doc Martens at my gonads. Fortunately, I managed to avoid testicular defilement. I grabbed his leg, pushed him against a wall and gave him a sore face. I'm not a naturally aggressive person but when some fascist attempts to damage my prospects he deserves all he gets. Self-defence is no offence old chum - I'm sure you'd agree? Gerry
Given his attitude to homosexuals I suspect not! In fact the troglodyte who attacked me was straight out of central casting - tattooed knuckles, skinhead, DMs, khaki Harrington. No doubt pictures of old Adolf / Himmler / Heydrich on his bedroom . It's really weird - it happened nearly 40 years ago but I have such vivid memories. The cops came into the meeting afterwards to say if we wished to press charges - we declined as it would intrude into our drinking time! G
No, I don't agree. I do however get the impression that you are no better than those you are aiming the school yard type insults at.
So you don't agree that defending oneself when subjected to an attempted assault constitutes self defence? How strange.
