The mainstream media have often presented inaccurate information about Igorots, I wrote in an earlier post (read more about it here). Whether it be on print, film, radio, TV shows and ads, we are often made to look funny, ignorant, poor, and dirty, among many other negative traits. Documentaries are more of an exception because most of these give truthful accounts of our life as a people.
Splasher and Bill Bilig have both written about the GMA 7 TV series “Asian Treasures” which again give distorted images of Cordillera culture. Prior to that, Igorots have cried foul in many instances because the media, including Pinoy celebrities, have let them down.
Remember Lucy Torres’ major blunder in their sitcom “Richard Loves Lucy” back in the late 90s? One of the actors in that show was an Amerasian (I think her name was Pwitney Tyson) who acted as housemaid to Richard and Lucy. In one of the episodes, Lucy tells Pwitney, “Mukha ka talagang Igorot,” or something to that effect. You see, Pwitney has dark complexion and kinky hair, thanks to her African-American GI dad. As to be expected, Igorots from all over the world deluged the Internet with their protests which even merited an article in the Inquirer at that time. From Dolphy to Allan K, Lucy Torres to Elizabeth Ramsey, Igoys continue to be victims of ill-informed celebrities, writers, researchers, directors and other members of the mainstream media.
But I have to give credit to megastar Sharon Cuneta for correcting Elizabeth Ramsey when the latter guested on her show sometime in 2006. Ramsey said something derogatory about Igorots' physical appearance and Sharon quickly reproached her, saying Igorots are beautiful.
Why do the media continuously bombard the public with poorly researched products?
I looked up the KBP TV Code and felt hopeful on what its Preamble states. Here it is:
WE BELIEVE
THAT broadcasting in the Philippines encapsulizes and reflects the hopes and dreams of
a freedom loving people(underscoring mine);But I have to give credit to megastar Sharon Cuneta for correcting Elizabeth Ramsey when the latter guested on her show sometime in 2006. Ramsey said something derogatory about Igorots' physical appearance and Sharon quickly reproached her, saying Igorots are beautiful.
Why do the media continuously bombard the public with poorly researched products?
I looked up the KBP TV Code and felt hopeful on what its Preamble states. Here it is:
WE BELIEVE
THAT broadcasting in the Philippines encapsulizes and reflects the hopes and dreams of
THAT broadcasting is a dynamic factor in our country's cultural, social and economic growth and development;
THAT broadcasting possesses a uniquely immediate and lasting impact on the public, which demands a high sense of responsibility, and discerning judgement of morality, fairness and honesty at all times (underscoring mine);
THAT broadcasting has an obligation to uphold the properties and customs of civilized society; to maintain the respect of the rights and sensitivities of all people; to preserve the honor and the sanctity of the family and home; to protect the sacredness of individual dignity; and to promote national unity.
Reading further about General Standards, item number two under the subheading “Support to Nationalism and Development,” caught my attention.
2. All stations shall actively provide for the continuing expression of the Filipino national identity, and shall encourage the development and preservation of traditional and
indigenous forms of culture.
The penalty for violating provisions under the General Standards ranged from P7,000 to P30,000 fine, reprimand, and suspension, depending on how frequently the rule was violated. The maximum penalty is recommendation for cancellation of permit to operate for the guilty station.
Wow, I haven’t heard any “employee, blocktimer/announcer, or station” being penalized for making fun of their fellow Pinoys for having a different culture and way of life.
Just how effective is the KBP and for that matter, the KBP TV Code, for promoting “nationalism and development”?
Maybe we should try filing a complaint about TV programs that violate this rule to see how their system works? What about the Asian Treasures episodes on the lost tribe of the Cordi as our first "test case"? :-)
Photo credit: http://www.abante-tonite.com/
The penalty for violating provisions under the General Standards ranged from P7,000 to P30,000 fine, reprimand, and suspension, depending on how frequently the rule was violated. The maximum penalty is recommendation for cancellation of permit to operate for the guilty station.
Wow, I haven’t heard any “employee, blocktimer/announcer, or station” being penalized for making fun of their fellow Pinoys for having a different culture and way of life.
Just how effective is the KBP and for that matter, the KBP TV Code, for promoting “nationalism and development”?
Maybe we should try filing a complaint about TV programs that violate this rule to see how their system works? What about the Asian Treasures episodes on the lost tribe of the Cordi as our first "test case"? :-)
Photo credit: http://www.abante-tonite.com/
