Tossing the Racial Slur: It's Friendly Little Island People (FLIP)

Volume 2, Issue No. 37

OPINION/COMMENTARY

/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /

. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail. com) and the Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@gmail.com) for the information and understanding of Filipinos and the diverse communities in North America . . .

 Our latest as of Tuesday, November 10, 2020 

~ For the last 120 years, Filipinos have endured the disparaging word that Americans have heaped on us - flip, the acronym for fucking little island people (or persons) - as a means to downgrade Filipinos. At the turn of the 20th century, American soldiers had a hard time conquering the Philippines. Filipinos did prove equal to the task of fighting for their country. However, they surrendered to their might which eventually led to the American colonization of the islands for 50 years. The Americans have ill-defined and mocked us. In the midst of the global recognition of people of color, now is the time to change the narrative. FLIP shouldn't be a slur, it should be a word that identifies Filipinos, their race, their hospitality, and culture. FLIP should read, as it now reads, friendly little island people. That's what we are from the beginning.

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FRIENDLY LITTLE ISLAND PEOPLE  

Let's Have a 'Flip Chat' in the Community

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ

Editor, The Filipino Web Channel

“The best kind of conversation is that which may be called thinking aloud.” ― William Hazlitt

TORONTO - Some of our good friends in the local broadcast media have apparently discontinued their talk show after the demise of one of its pioneers in the Greater Toronto Area.

It just occurred to me that those of us who are in the communications (verbal and written) industry should pick up from there and fill the void that social media can easily do for us, like having a podcast, or live stream video on YouTube, Facebook or Vimeo.

While reflecting on this, an idea hit me that goes back to the time in San Diego, my former home town in California. At a meeting with community leaders and responsible county and city officials which I was covering for my newspaper, the issue came up.

A Navy guy was complaining that the moderator should not refer to the flip chart - which the dictionary defines as "a set of sheets, as of cardboard or paper, hinged at the top so that they can be flipped over to show information or illustrations in sequence" - flip chart. Call it any other name, but not flip chart.

He was offended, he admitted and explained why. He said a flip chart is derogatory for Filipinos, flip being an acronym for a racial slur used by American soldiers during the Philippine-American war of 1899-1902 to mean "Fucking Little Island People". (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War).

The guy had a point, although most of the participants in that meeting, while sympathetic, did not subscribe to his idea. They reasoned that he was being too sensitive because a flip chart has always been a flip chart. The historical background is another issue. Flip has always been flip without its pejorative connotation since the 1590s.

Actually, I'm just trying to provide context to my idea. I thought I'd put an end to that small debate by changing the meaning of flip for something more reflective of Filipinos, their culture, and everything that represents them. 

So, from here on, I'd say flip or FLIP, would mean Friendly Little Island People. Yes, friendly as in affectionate, amiable, affable, cordial, genial, helpful, hospitable, neighborly, peaceable, warm. All those adjectives describe us, whether or not we've attached another country to our citizenship.

I don't care if that runs counter to the American-invented slur; anyway, it was their way of defeating Filipinos in their struggle to remain free just months after they had declared independence from colonial ruler Spain. I was quite surprised when the Navy guy made a big issue of it. But at least, he knew his history.

As Filipinos, we should not let racism diminish and devalue our worth as people. 

Before Spain, we were the brave and proud inhabitants of 7,100 islands that were a paradise of wealth and nourishment for the invaders. Then came the Americans who lived off the fat of the land like their Spanish predecessors. Neither had made any sincere attempt to accord us the status we deserve.

Now, one of my ideas is to organize an interactive forum I will now call FLIP CHAT. Yes, FLIP CHAT in the Greater Toronto Area initially, and then onward to other communities in Ontario.

Obviously, it's a take from flip chart, only this one is a talk show that I plan to air over my channels on YouTube.

My idea is to have a discussion of outstanding issues in the community that we don't see in print. 

One segment I envision is a look back at our rich history, and promote the culture and traditions, and, of course, the food. Another is a feature highlighting Filipino trailblazers and achievers, and those individuals or associations that make us proud with their work.

I'm thinking of inviting members of the community who can articulate their thoughts without fear, and be prepared to stand up against wrongdoing by people in influential positions, be they friends, acquaintances or favor-seekers.

FLIP CHAT could be a devil's advocate in some instances and take the role of an adversary. In most cases, however, it'll put a positive spin on delicate issues and try to be friendly. It'll treat politicians of any color basically as politicians, knowing their inclination to patronize us for our votes.

Let's have a FLIP chat guys! (Copyright 2020. All Rights Reserved).