FILIPINO GIRL MET S’PORE BF’S PARENTS – “HOW COME U FILIPINO BUT DON’T LOOK LIKE MAID”

How do you deal with these type of situation?

i am currently an international student in singapore. i just could not believe the comment I received when I was having a dinner with my bf’s parents.

“how come u a filipino but not look like maid? “

“you sound like american too must be rich”

i let out a small smile and continued eating but i felt nauseous. i am still shaking while typing this.

Netizens’ comments

1. Your bf should be the one dealing his parents comments on the spot. If it’s strangers just walk away because these comments come from deep stereotypes that you can’t change by arguing with them anyways
2. That kind of lingo doesnt surprise a lot of common singaporeans. Especially when it comes to countries that is related to where people do menial jobs in singapore like indonesia, philippines, india, bangladesh etc.
3. Also a filipino here op! My family and I get these kinds of comments a lot after living here for many years, esp since we come off looking chinoy and don’t have the typical filipino accent. We don’t feel any malice or or hatred towards them, and usually just laugh it off since most people mean no harm most of the time (but we’ve been exposed to them for so long so we’re indifferent at this point), but sometimes they add insensitive remarks (such as the maid comments, being too fair or skinny for a filipino, talking bad about the PH, etc.) and can really ruin the mood.
   My family and I try our best to politely clarify any misjudgments/preconceived notions people have regarding Filipinos, since many of them are curious too, however there are some that downright refuse to change their perspective on us, but that’s their problem.
   If you can, try and explain to your bf’s parents, or if you’re scared they might take it they might react negatively, talk to your bf about it so he could help explaining to them.
4. very rude. however they seem to be kindof ignorant yet curious about u.
   can take this chance to educate them politely, “uncle, not all filipinos are maids.” “aunty, there are a lot of americans who are in poverty leh…”
   u don’t correct them, they may think it is ok to continue to make such comments. else find a moment with ur BF to express ur discomfort at their rudeness.