I hear from a lot of different “non-Filipino residents of the Philippines” about being called one thing or another, and in most cases they don’t like it. Let’s look at a few of the things we might be called:
Foreigner: To me, I don’t mind being called a foreigner. As a matter of fact, I call others “foreigners” when I see them. I might say to Feyma – “Oh, there’s a foreigner over there!” Or something along those lines. I mean, after all, we are people who are from Foreign lands, and thus we are foreigners. Lately here on this blog there has been talk that some of us don’t like the name “Foreigner,” but honestly I don’t understand why that would be. I mean, I see no instance where the word “Foreigner” would mean anything derogatory.
Ex-Pat: A while back, I got together with a guy, and I mentioned something about “Ex-Pat” and he went ballistic! He said – “That term, Ex-Pat, has to go!” I was shocked. He explained to me that to him, the word meant that he was “ex-Patriotic” and that by moving abroad, he no longer loved his country of origin (United States of America in his case). I believe that in all honesty, he simply didn’t understand that the name has nothing to do with being patriotic, it just means a person who is living in a country other than where he holds citizenship.
“Joe” : Now, this particular one does push my buttons. I don’t like being called “Joe.” But, I understand that it is not really a put down, it’s just what many people here have been taught to call “foreigners.” I don’t like it, but I don’t get upset about it like I used to.
Kano: Kano is just the Filipino word for “American.” It is not derogatory in the least. It is like me saying that my friend, John is British. No harm meant, and none should be taken. All foreigners should keep in mind that no matter what country you are from, if you are a foreigner, you will be called “Kano.” Whether you are German, Dutch, Australian or whatever, you are a Kano!
Oh, there are other names that can be used too. Maybe some are derogatory, but none of the ones that I mentioned above are. I see no reason to get all upset about being called any of those things. Recently, some on this blog have complained about each of those listed above.
Let me ask you this: what should people here call you? If one guy doesn’t like “Foreigner” and another doesn’t like “Kano” and a third guy doesn’t like “Joe” then how will all the people know which one you don’t like? I am pretty confident that if your average Filipino on the streets knows that you don’t care to be called “Foreigner” they will avoid using it. But, how would they know? The word is not a put down, or anything. I actually think that most people here would consider calling you a “foreigner” as a sign of respect if nothing else.
My advice about this whole issue is to just lighten up, accept the term you are called as a sign of friendship, and get on with you life. If people didn’t like you, or want to engage you, they would just walk by without uttering anything. The fact that they want to greet you (even in a way that you might not like) is just a sign of friendliness, and interest in you.
Oh yes, such words of wisdom, thank you!
Bob, on one of the threads it has been explained why some folks don't like "foreigner." Apparently in the Philippines, there is a growing stigma now with the term foreigner being associated with a non-Filipino who operates a sex shop.
I did not know that and it seems apparent, you don't either. I wonder if someone else can enlighten us on this?
That's why previously I used the term also. Noticing that some were getting offended by it (w/o me understanding why but just to play along), I switched to the next polite terminology of my choice. That to me is "non-Filipino" which basically is anyone who is not of Filipino heritage.
Hi Angie – I am aware of the association. I choose to ignore it. Ten years ago, the term "Foreigner" was associated with being a pedophile, but I ignored that too. Before that it was people coming for a "mail order bride." It has also meant "sex tourist." Who knows what it will mean tomorrow. The truth is, I am a foreigner here in the Philippines. I don't have a problem with it.
Good for you, Bob. At least you have high EQ and you are not bothered as much.
Interestingly enough, this topic made me notice that the term foreigner is
hardly used here in the US. Or it could be I'm just dense to many things, I don't know. Like you, I am oblivious to many things that are what I consider "noise" — ie, non-essential to my chosen path in life.
But going back to the topic… I noticed that in the US the prevailing term it seems is "immigrant" which is used quite heavily in the media. If one wants to be so politically correct, then use the hyphenated -American; ie, Fil-American, African-American, etc.
I've also heard people calling foreigners "puti" (white) quite often.
I have no problem with this, since I am white….just wanted to add it to your list.
~Steven, 28 yrs old
Cagayan De Oro City
Hi Angie – I think that the reason why you don't hear "foreigner" in the USA is because it is a nation of immigrants. Whether White, Black, Filipino, Vietnamese or whatever, they are Americans! The looks of a person cannot denote that they are not American, because anybody can be American, and there is a history of it. Here in the Philippines, it really is not a nation of immigrants. Few foreigners become Filipino citizens, so they are more often termed "Foreigners."
Hi Steven Holley – Ah yes, that is one that I missed. I don't mind being called Puti either. It just means white, as you say. No harm, no foul! Thanks for adding another term! 🙂
It used to bother me to be called 'Joe' and I used to say, "Hey, I'm JoAnn!" trying to at least get the feminine version, but I meant it as a joke. For a long time my husband wore a hat when going out because he did not like being called 'upaw!'
Ex-pat is a shortened version of the word 'expatriate', which means a person who is living outside the country wherein he is a patriot, or citizen. It can also refer to a person who who has abondoned his citizenship or had it taken from him, but that is not what it commonly refers to.
I agree with Bob. Let's not be touchy. Until we show people who we really are by the way we interact and fit into the local community, they have to call us something! 🙂 What people here call us as a group: Kano, puti, Joe, etc. is really irrelevant. what they end up calling us, or how they end up describing each of us after we have been here a while is what really matters. Will it be 'nice' (buotan), or 'maayong tawo' (good person)? Or will we end up with the tag, 'uliton' (easily angered), 'hayblaron' (high blood pressure), 'isog' (agressive/pushy/demanding) or 'sapoton' (grouchy). These tags stick and are very hard to get rid of, so choose your battles and your words carefully.
Everyone calls me "Sir" and I don't have a problem with that, lol.
Pete,
that “gotta go” comment was made in jest, fully aware that I may be misinterpretted as going after you when I used “He” instead of a foreign person in general.
I quickly recognized that I may have mistakenly stepped on your toes on that. Since, I couldn’t go back and edit my first post, I might as well correct myself with a follow-up comment and and make fun of MYSELF on that.
I figured you’d catch the humor in that. I guessed wrong.
Like you, I’m a straight forward guy myself and I do not think an apology is necessary. I don’t go after flame wars since I think it’s silly and I consider the term quite juvenile. But really, this is all so trite.
ok, so it’s settled. moving along now.
Hi AmericanLola – In the past I have been a little touchy about this, but I've kind of moved beyond that now. It's really the only way to go. Because, for instance, there is just no way for every Filipino to know that "Bob doesn't like to be called x, y and z; but John doesn't like x, a and d, but John is OK with y and z." It's just impossible! 😆
Hi Louis – Yep, that's true, everybody seems to call me "sir" too. 😆
Foreigner, puti and kano (to Americans only) are the three words I use. It just makes sense to me and no hidden meaning to them.
I know there are those in here who are bothered by "foreigner" and I remember Pete mentioning he prefers "foreign national". But that's too darn long. My tongue gives up after 3 syllables.
I don't really put much thought into it. He's from a foreign country or caucasian or an American. That's pretty much sums it up to me.
Hell over here in the US, I'm called an Alien by big bro.
oops, when I meant "He" I meant a foreign person in general.
I realized after reading my post that it may seem I meant Pete.
gotta go! I think I hear him coming.
Thanks for this great post, Bob.
AmericanLola: Korek gyud ka! I'd rather say "maayong tawo" rather than "ngil-ad ug batasan" nga foreigner.
I prefer to address someone (male) "Sir" than "Hoy"! 😆
I find myself more than lucky that a cute little 5 year old girl that "adopted me" calls me "Grandpa Paul"!
Certainly is a matter of some import to some … but as for myself I settle for being called anything except "late for supper". I am a foreigner and most likely always will be, unless in 10 years or so I chose to acquire Philippine citizenship … but even if I did that I'd still be an American citizen also and can never be a "natural-born Filipino" anyway. I find the most interesting thing is those that are offended by "foreigner" don't seem to offer up any alternative .. I mean we have to be called _something_., diba? Heck in Thailand I was always a "Farang" in Japan a "gaijin") literally: outsider) and in China a 'Gweilu' (literally; white ghost or white devil) … what was I going to do, battle with 2 billion Chinese over their right to call me that?
I dislike using "puti" myself because I don't like nay "tags" based on skin color. However, last time I looked in the mirror, I was white. I do know of Filipinos calling black Americans "puti" as well as whites, apparently it loses it's "color" meaning to some.
One thing I will point out to those who take offense at "Joe". It comes as normally a term of respect and brotherhood for the "GI Joe" of WWII who liberated the Philippines. And during WWII the "GI's" in the South West Pacific theater were of many countries aside from the US .. Australians, Kiwis, Britishers, Canadians, Filipinos and a few others … _all_ placed by their own governments under the command of general Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Allied commander. So all were "Doug's GI's", regardless of their country of birth.
I realize this isn't going to make someone like "Joe" who dislikes it, but perhaps if you see where it originally came from it will take away the sting … there are folks, like my father in law, who went to school under the US flag and lived through WWII as a young boys, still very much alive her in the Philippines who think the sun rose and set at MacArthur's will and who have a great admiration for those who fought under him … Joe is not a term of derision to Daddy, that's for darn sure.
They all sound better than "Alien".
"Joe" is a common name for Americans on many islands in the Pacific, not just in the Phils, courtesy of WWII and all of the GI Joes.
I've had "Hey, Joe!" and "Hi, Joe!" tossed at me in many places, from small atolls to countries on the Asian continent, all given with big, toothy smiles and not a one with malice or bad will.
"Hey, Joe!" 😀
Hi Macky – I worry more about what people are calling me behind my back than to my face. 😆 Just kidding…
Hi jul – Thanks!
Hi Grandpa Paul – We'll adopt you and start using the name here too! 😉
Hi Dave Starr – I understand what you mean about "Puti" I had never considered the "skin color" consideration.
Hi Laurence – We'll reserve "alien" for those who fly in using their saucers!
Hi Joe… er… Paul – I didn't realize that other countries used the term as well. Interesting point. It still makes me uncomfortable, but I can live with it. 🙂
"Kano: Kano is just the Filipino word for “American.” It is not derogatory in the least. It is like me saying that my friend, John is British. No harm meant, and none should be taken. All foreigners should keep in mind that no matter what country you are from, if you are a foreigner, you will be called “Kano.” Whether you are German, Dutch, Australian or whatever, you are a Kano!"
I agree with everything you say except the KANO term.
I think the term is deragotory. It's based on what many filipinos tell, me, and also from my observation of WHEN filipinos tend to use that term. It's not really, really bad, as in "N" word, but its not good either. For example, "He's a kano, so what do you expect?" "He's a kano, why don't you ask him for some money?" I haven't encountered someone who say, "my dad is a kano".
I equate KANO with the term JAP. Filipinos use Kano and Jap in similar vein. No filipinos would dare use the term JAP in front of a Japanese. Similarly, I havn't encountered Filipinos who use the term Kano in front of a kano…
Hi Jae – Sorry, I have to disagree when it comes to the use of "Kano." I do not believe it is derogatory at all, and people do call me a kano to my face. I have no problem with it. Just my take on it.
Hello Macky, I really had hoped after the last few days, we had all steered away from personalizing posts, its dissapointing that you continue to do this, I don't know why you would suggest that I am offended by being called 'Foreigner'.
In truth, It doesnt paticular occupy much of my thoughts, I may have explored the term in previous posts to see what others felt, but by reading others comments it appears that no one is offended by its use, on that basis what ever opinion I held in the past has now been modified.
As Louis has quite rightly pointed out, I also am never called a foreigner direct to my face, Sir seems to be the usual way that Filipino CItizens address me, actually I am quite proud of that, since very few people address me as Sir back home here in the UK, I called my house this morning, the housekeeper answered the phone with a very emphatic " Oh Good Morning Sir Peter !"
So now its
SIR PETER !!!!!
Now how about that for being addressed by someone in the Philippines – I have always lived in hope that one day, her Majesty the Queen wil seek to request my presence at Buckingham Palace and place the cermonial sword on my shoulders and utter thos words of "Arise Sir Peter"
That day has not yet come, and it is unlikely that it ever will – for the meantime, I will content myself with the polite addresses of some of the most polite people in the world.
I too have referred to other overseas visitors as Foreigners, it seems to be the accepted way in the Philippines, I might say to my wife "Oh look there is another foreigner over there" given that I use the term myself to indicate others who are not natural born FIlipinos, I have learned to accept it and embrace it.
My wife told me recently that when Filipinos indicate a foreigner she says, its quite a respectful term, I did not know that, she told me the use of the word foreigner is quite good, since very often Filipinos treat foreigners as stars or better than themselves in some way, judging by the treatment I have recently received in the Philippines I will endorse that.
I often read the main newspapers in the Philippines, such as the Manila Bulletin and Philstar, or the Daily Enquirer, if you read some of the stories, Filipino journalists often remark about things happening faster if a foreigner is someway linked to the incident, one paticular story caught my attention, where Miss Lourdes (Luli) Arroyo the daughter of the President was asked to wait because a foreigner was late for his flight.
Although it appears she did not mind so much, she reprimanded the immigration officer for snapping at Filipino citizens in the queue, quite right as well, it was commented on that the whilst they understood the foreigner was late for his flight and needed to get through the queue quicker, this shold not be at the expense of good manners to Filipino citizens who had waited patiently in line.
This demonstrates to me as do many other stories of that nature that foreigners are given preferential treatment at times, it also indicates to me, that foreigners are liked, loved and respected, that seems to be the experiences I have had, there is always the odd occasion when that might not be the case, on the whole and in general terms, it has been so.
As I do not have an issue with being addressed as a foreigner or being referred in passing conversation as a foreigner I would appreciate Macky if you would now refrain from referring direct to me in future in any posts, to go along on this blog, we all have to get along, if you wish to express an opinion about any matter please do so, and your opinion will be respected, but referring direct to someone in such a way as you have done, invokes the possibility of a flaming spiral, and I have better things to do than get involved in that.
If these comments get any longer I'm gonna get RSI in my scrolling finger!
Hi all,
From the first day I arrived here in the Philippinnes, I've been called either, Joe, foreigner, or Kano. None of these terms have ever caused me an iaota of the concern I have been noticing in the replies here.
I am a foreigner here, I am Kano (American) and I know the origin of the term 'joe'.
Jae;
As far as I know the term Kano in NOT derogitory, nor has it ever been. People who are familar with my presence here, including some family members, refer to me as the 'Kano'. When we built a store for my mother-in-law, it became known as the "kano store'….we are building a house for the in-laws also and guess what they call that?! Most who even know my name will still greet me with 'Hi Joe"
Just for a footnote…….I have never refered to a black person as african American…..Africa is a continent, not a country.
Oh boy… here we go again….
Pete, YOU specifically said in a post that you do not like being called a foreigner. You said that you want to be called a foreign national, but NOT a foreigner. You never came back and said "hey, I have re-evaluated my position, and I am ok being a foreigner." How would Macky know? Macky, I am sure, is like me – we can't read minds! He was only commenting on what you said yourself, not you come back and attack him for doing that? I don't know, Pete….. Well, I don't even know what to say to you.
hi guys just dont call me late for supper:grin:
Hi Pete,
I really meant no disrespect. I was just commenting on the word "foreigner" and recalled that you were the one who did not approve of it. I considered not mentioning you specifically but funny thing is, I also thought that it would be disrespectful to refer you as a "certain poster" who objected to being called "foreigner".
Our previous comments are on record here in the blog and this topic is similar to what we discussed. Why not bring those thoughts here, right? I think it actually strengthens one point when we use a past discussion. I think it can be silly at times rehashing the same topic over and over again as if we had not discussed it before. I actually half expected you to chime in without any problems.
Furthermore, there was no way for me to know that you have changed your mind on this. I merely assumed you would not have minded since I myself would not have any problem being quoted in my previous comments. I stand mistaken on that.
I even wrote my piece with a hint of humor and posted a follow up comment when I realized that I may be mis-interpreted in one of the sentences as having targetted you.
I was not making fun of you nor was I targetting you. So let's take it easy. I actually thought everything was okay between the two of us.
To be honest, I actually enjoy the articles that you have written. They have opened a lot of dialogue between the readers. Chances are that I may even post more comments on topics you will write about that I find compelling. Hopefully, in the future, my comments (pro or con) will not be misconstrued as an attack on you.
I'm actually a guy who rarely holds any grudges. I may hold a contrary opinion, but there is nothing personal in it.
So from one knight to the other (Yes, I'm also SIR macky at home), let's lower our swords.
Apologies to Laurence on his scrolling finger.
Very graciously put, Macky. A diplomat and a gentleman.
Hello Bob once again, I dont know what to say to you either about it, I dont have a problem with Macky, but to put something like this in a post invites a flaming spiral, and thats exactly what youve got here !
A Flaming spiral !!
saying " Gotta Go, I think I can hear him coming"
Anyone who reads this can see that putting that at the end of the comment is a red flag invitation to invite a pop at the author of such a comment, Hey Macky I dont have anything against you, you dont know me, I dont know you, its unlikely we will ever meet, so at the end of the day, youve said your peice, no hard feelings.
What I cant understand sometimes Bob, is that I thought I had made my position very clear to all who read this blog, Yes its true, i modified my position, people do it every day, governements do it all the time, after listening carefully to the arguments made by others, I evaluated what they said, looked at my own entrenched position and decided they were right and I was wrong, but please dont expect me to come back and make a post specifically saying 'hey guys I just had a rethink, actually I dont mind being a foreigner…", there is no need for me to do that.
And Bob, I dont consider my request to Macky not to include a direct reference to myself in his comment an attack on him, he has replied and If in a previous discussion I was the lone voice, who did not like being referred to as a foreigner, thats they way Asynchronous bulletin boards operate, people have opposing views and they express them, if it doest happen to agree with how you or others feel, then so be it, its your blog, your the moderator of your own blog, I feel I can make a sutainable and informative contribution, and I hope you do too.
In fact to be truthful Bob I have always believed in the great words spoken by President John F Kennedy who said in a great speech, "Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."
That portion of the speech is Probably the basis of my previous views, Bob where I have always taken the view that none of us are Alien on this planet, none are foreigners, the President was right, we all inhabit this planet, we all breathe the same air, and we can all just as easily be wiped off in a second, now perhaps you would understand my previous view, and considering that being called a foreigner no longer offends me now having been given time to understand the context in which Filipino citizens apply the term, I am satisfied its not derogatory or offensive, hence my modified stance. I think it gives some insight into my thoughts and beliefs.
To conclude Bob, you will always find with me, I am straight with people, if i make a comment, and then after looking at it further, consider an apology is required, it will be forthcoming, if I consider my views are unbalanced, I will modify them quickly, or change my mind, government policies are changed and re-formed every single day, month, year to reflect the current thinking, i hope that clarifies my position.
Hi Bob – Can i add something? Oy! Naay "dayo" which is a short term of dayuhan in Tagalog. It is simply a Foreigner or Visitor.
i am a brit and can probably get more easilly Petes points but i think you are being too sensetive here pete, macky is a thoughtful contributor to this blog and gets his points across very well…he was just joking with the "i can hear him coming" or similar reference, it made me smile anyway. but i read pete how you are devoted to helping people from the phils and you are obviously a good guy, so, don't worry, stick with it and people will "love" you here
But lets take our lead from Bob its his blog and this is why we keep coming back for more, Bob has a sane rational word and i'm sure we all respect his views. The blog can even accommodate people with as diverse views as Wayne D and others (come on Wayne admit you are a controversial character)
i will not re-visit the foreigner argument, in detail but it does not bother me either, or kano, or joe
if i heard "get the kano a coke" to be honest if it made people smile, well smile along, if it came across rude, well i would be very surprised if it were meant as rude…come on pete, you can do it…
Macky it certainly is settled, no hard feelings mate ! (buddy) Rick thanks for your input Id like to think I am a good guy, Im not sure if I need to be loved by people on the blog, but if its available I would prefer Angie and Tina's love if thats forthcoming hahaha, no I dont think the "Get the kano a coke" was meant to be rude, in Illongo the local dialect, my wife was commenting that it sounded a bit flippant, but then again, I couldnt tell anyway, I Dont speak illongo very well, not good enough to make it out.
Of course I can get the kano a coke Rick if you want heheheheheehehehehe hey you should have seen the babae who made the kano comment, I would have liked her love too ? ssssshh dont tell Gina…no sms please !!
Hi Ida – Thanks for adding that! I never heard that term before. I suspect because I don't live in a Tagalog area.
Frank,
"As far as I know the term Kano in NOT derogitory, nor has it ever been. People who are familar with my presence here, including some family members, refer to me as the ‘Kano’. When we built a store for my mother-in-law, it became known as the “kano store’….we are building a house for the in-laws also and guess what they call that?! Most who even know my name will still greet me with ‘Hi Joe”
Just for a footnote…….I have never refered to a black person as african American…..Africa is a continent, not a country."
Yeah, I think perhaps the word derogatory was a strong word. I meant its not so "neutral" of a word. Any word that attemps to group all whites as kanos (or americans) can't be that respectful. Anyway, I am not a kano, so maybe I was trying to be protective of kanos? 😉
And Asian Americans is a commonly used term coined by Asian Americans themselves. Perfectly neutral and politically correct. I would assume African American would be same in this respect?
Interesting comments here. Hey guys, it's only 4:00 a.m. Pacific time, what am I doing on this blog at this time? Hmmm…
To the comment: "…….I have never refered to a black person as african American…..Africa is a continent, not a country."
Yes, Africa is a continent but it has not prevented the media people from using that. That seems to be their preferred way of addressing them. Probably because there is no easy way of determining, to a fine degree, the country of one's origin. Are they from Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe? Hence, African-American — even the ones born in the USA have come under that label now. To an extent, I will disagree with that but that's a whole topic on its own.
Official "forms" to fill out, I think, also use a box labeled "African-American" when asking to classify one's ethnicity.
In the same token, they also broadly use (in the US) the term Asian-American. Doing it that way, they cast a wider net and will get it right.
Asia is also a continent, right?
I don't mind being called Filipino, Fil-American or Asian-American. When utterly unsure some folks here might even refer to me as "Pacific Islander" — wow, that sounds exotic, too. Or Pinay is fine, too. I prefer these to being called "brown." My preference to avoid color designations is a personal idiosyncracy and nothing more.
Hi Angie,
Ha-ha! I think I like "Pacific Islander". 😉 Just NEVER Flip, okay? Did I get that point across? 😡 Lighten up guys! Enjoy life! Okay, gotta go…
Hey Tina and Angie – I like "Pacific Islander" too… can I be one? I do live in the Pacific Islands, after all! 😆
Heck, my wife just calls me SAMOK!!!
I dont understand the lingo so they can call me what they like :lol::lol::lol:
I have to say though, that in Filipino, It sure is easy to switch a harmless word like "kano" and "puti" into a negative term. It simply depends on the way it is delivered. it certainly is the same way with "muslim" or "intsik" (Chinese). So, sometimes you may have to use your gut instinct on this.
Interesting thing about the word Pacific Islander" is that I was once told that I was not Asian but that. A former Hawaiian boss of mine even said that here Fil-Am friends in the Hawaii preferred this. I tried to explain the whole SouthEast Asia thing, but she dismissed me as just trying to be different. Sure, the Philippines is an island in the Pacific, but so is Japan. She would have non of it (and I suspect her misguided Fil-Am friends).
I do like the word though, like Tina. Nice beach vibe to it. But I think the Samoans and Fijians would protest.
There were also two instances a few years back in San Francisco, when I was told Filipinos were dismissed as Non-Asians (once, from a Chinese old-timer). That we stuck out like a sore thumb in the region, more Spanish or American (western) than traditional Asian. "Fake Asians" was the word. I actually found this to be funny (after a milli second of being offended). I liked it. We are different. A little kooky. Special. 😆 We're all mutts, I tell ya.
There are other words, since we're in the topic. APA is the one Asian American magazines use to ecompass everyone in Asia. Too cold and boring for me. Personally, I like "Pinoy".
stebujiji, my wife calls me "samok" too.
Hi Tina and Angie – In Australia, the "Islanders" are from Samoa, Fiji ,Tonga, Cook Island, etc. Specifically the Samoans are called Pacific Islanders. Anyway, they are all Commonwealth countries. By the way, my husband use to work in Saudi. Whenever they met Asians (brown), they yell "balot" and if you respond "pinoy" – Ay! Kabayan !!! Meaning kababayan. Balooooot! Pinooooy!
Hi Stebujiji – Ah… with that comment, now I know who you are! I read your blog from time to time! Nice to put a name with a blog!
Hi john j. – Been there, done that! 😉
Hi Macky – regarding your first paragraph, that's how I feel about the "Hey, Joe" thing.
Ida- you made my day !:lol:
Angie-Bobs & Feyma's website is truly addictive.:wink:
Good evening all,
Angie and Bob, Yes it is the sex tourism, mail order bride and phidophilia that gives the bad impression of the word Kano and so forth. I think this is also the answer of what Louie meant to ask before about the Kano that has a bad meaning.
Angie, you’re in California? I thought you mentioned it before. Maybe that is why you haven't come across of someone calling you foreigner, Asian or even immigrant. Maybe also the nature of your work deals with more responsible mature adults. Mine is the opposite. Just this school year a student told me, "Go back to China". The same kid wrote a swastika in his forearm when he came in the classroom. My first year in job the lead teacher ask the class what is the meaning of foreigner. The kids answer the one who accept cheap paying job like in Wal-Mart. I don’t know why the lead teacher didn’t correct this wrong perception and meaning (High School environment). Another incident is that American students generalizing their immigrant class mates as all illegals. Ops… on more another student told me” Your Asian, you don’t know anything.” I think this is because they are teenager and they are more tackles and also it depends on the state a person is in.
Opss clarification on the my sentence.. "also it depends on the state a person is in.". I mean State as in place not state of mind.
BTW… all this incident has been taken care of. Except the meaning of Foreigner incident. This one bother me most since the standard meaning of a word is gone.
Hi jul – sorry to have addicted you! 😉
Hi mady – Well… I just tend to ignore all those negative activities.
FILIPINOS ARE LOUD AND WITTY. Bob, dont you feel noisy everywhere? they like to talk, chat and spread gossips in the corner!
Hi Scott – certainly some places are like that, but not everywhere, at least in my experience.
Bob. I agree with you I do ignore it and usually laugh at it. I often get a hard stare from people specially if they see me with Jon. Personally, I'm not affected of what the students told me. Although, we (as in the school)have to adrress it since the school is so diverse with all four groups and the kids tend to group. As you notice the gang activity has increases here in US (maybe depend on the State but here near D.C. it's like a fever). Oppss…that is Dictrict of Columbia not Davao City.
Hi Mady,
Re #43. I'm in Calif. You are right, probably I'm more insulated from those labels because of the nature of my dealings. Most, but not all, of my income generation is derived from high tech, and of course, not with kids. So yes, slanderous labels here are "hazardous to our health." We might end up being sued.
I can relate to some of your experiences though. I remember vividly when I was trying to get my feet wet in Silicon Valley… on a phone conversation, someone tried to "intimidate" me with a vulgar "By the way, what race are you?" question. To which I casually quipped, "Well, the human race. How about you?" That got him quiet and I demanded, and received, an apology for his very inappropriate/caustic question.
Hi Mahdy – I understand what you are saying.
Hi angie – I love your response about "the human race." That was a classic! 😆
I'm just guessing that "Kano" comes from (norte)americano but I'm not sure.
Is it anything like Incheck?
Hi Mike – The Tagalog or Bisaya word for American is "Amerikano," and "Kano" is short for that. It probably has the same source as "Norte Americano" which was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards.
"Joe" – I don't think it is a "put down" word. From asking my Lola's while growing up. They've told me that it was derived from WW II. When US soldiers where fighting side by side with the Filipino's. They call the US soldiers Joe from "G.I. Joe." So I don't think it is deregatory, it is something that we've learned from our elders fighting side by side with the American soldiers.