Igorots Versus Racism

The Philippines is populated by various groups of people who almost look similar in all aspect except when they wear their traditional costumes but ordinarily all Filipinos are similar whether they are Tagalogs,Ilocanos,Visayans,Muslims,Igorots,aetas and etc. An Igorot however is always projected as ugly, unkempt, rugged and undisciplined among the other Filipinos. In fact even one of the Philippine's great statesman and well known diplomat said that Igorots are not Filipinos,in the movie industry igorots are always projected as ugly, dirty and undisciplined, television networks are depicting the igorots in a totally different and confusing background, artworks show them as funny and idiotic. these are some of numerous instances where Igorots were maligned in pubic fora, movies, TV and other media outlets by no other than their Filipino brethren. No wonder some Igorots would rather hide their identity and let his kindred suffer the stigma inflicted by the other groups including aliens as well.
For many centuries that passed,very little is known about the igorots except those misconceptions imputed to them. The high mountains and rough terrains protected these people from constant contact with the outside world so that there was no change in their dress code and social adaptations of other cultures. They developed a culture peculiar and unique that an outsider can only make external assessment but not the psyche that envelope these igorots. The long isolation of these people from the outside world did not diminish their intelligence nor their wisdom, the truth is, they developed a sustainable food production methods that the Philippine government thought it's obsolete and tried to change them. Now, it is encouraging the Igorots to go back and maintain the old ways since it is more profitable and sustainable in the long run. These igorots created rice terraces and complex water systems that require an excellent degree of intellectual capacity, songs,chants,and poetic expressions that entails good memory and analytical mind, art creations that are unique and unrivaled, there are more to tell but let modesty aside as I am carried away by emotions in defence of my fellow igorots. The law makers should put teeth on laws that prohibit discrimination's and enact new ones that prohibits discriminatory broadcast, TV, movie and theatrical shows that directly or indirectly place the Igorots as a lower kind of people. If the other nations are discriminating against the Filipinos let us not entertain these kind among our selves and allow charity to begin at home.

Posted by Peden at 12:59 AM