When I first came to Japan, I was determined to contribute to the positive image change of Filipinos that had been ingrained in the minds of the Japanese people for years. It wasn't an easy task, but it was a challenge I was willing to take on.
Twenty years ago, the image of all Filipino women living and working in Japan was often associated with girly bars and being married to Japanese men. It was a stereotype, yes. A source of frustration, yes. A misconception, yes. A shameful generalization, no. But I was determined to be part of changing it.
Twenty years ago, I lived in a university dormitory with other foreign graduate students, and we often hung out together. One day, my American friend (let's call him John) brought his Japanese classmate along to join our group. At first, the Japanese student was friendly and curious about our diverse backgrounds. However, when he found out that I was from the Philippines, his demeanor changed, and he began to ask me questions in a different tone.
Japanese Student: (saying knowingly) So, you're from the Philippines, huh? Me: (excitedly) Yes! Have you ever been?
JS: No, but I know of the Philippines... and Filipino women.
Me: That's good. How do you know John? (trying to change the subject)
JS: (moving closely) Do you know that there are many Filipino women around here?
Me: (pretending he was talking about other Filipino students) Oh you know other Filipino students? Do you know ...(I started to name current Filipino students)? JS: Oh no... I meant the Filipino women working in the bars.
Me: (taking a deep breath) Ah, yeah! I heard they're quite popular among your kind. Do you frequent those bars? Is that why you only associate Filipino women with bars? (turning to my Australian friend who was just eavesdropping and I started chatting with her)
The Japanese student didn't stay that long. The moment he was out of earshot, my dorm friends expressed their shock. I just told them, he needed to be educated about those topics.
I could tell that he had preconceived notions about Filipinos at the beginning of the conversation, and it bothered me. But instead of getting upset, I wanted to put him in his place. In hindsight, I could have engaged him in a conversation about my country, our culture, and our aspirations, but I didn't at that time.
Over time, I saw a shift in the way the Japanese people viewed Filipinos, especially at our company. The change in the image of Filipinos in Japan was a collective effort by many Filipinos living and working in Japan. We were slowly breaking down the stereotypes and showing the Japanese people that we were more than the labels that had been placed on us.
So, is the change completed? Not yet. Let's keep pushing for change and be the agents of a more diverse and inclusive society. Are you ready to be part of the change?
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