Why do Filipinos love FAT shaming?

In our FINAL episode of this season, we're exploring: What is body shaming, and is it a toxic Filipino trait? We've all been asked about our weight at some point in our lives - most times, at a Filipino party. Sapphire Sandalo explores how toxic Filipino beauty standards are upheld conversation with our Filipino American families and their effect on our mental health.

#BreakingtheTabo #OneDown #BodyShaming

0:00 - Is Body Shaming a Toxic Filipino Trait?
0:57 - Filipino American’s History with Filipino Beauty Standards
2:04 - Filipino musicians Lea Salonga and AJ Rafael talk about Fat Shaming
3:34 - Why is fat-shaming so ingrained into Filipino culture?
4:36 - Mental Health in Filipino American families
5:20 - Breaking the cycle of Body Shaming

Breaking the Tabo: Let's talk real sh*t is a satirical series that explores modern Filipino experiences not included in dominant discourse or mainstream media.

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One Down is committed to creating a sustainable platform for original and groundbreaking content that showcases our culture, contextualizes Filipino American narratives, and prompts dialogue surrounding the diverse experiences, identities, and talents that are often overlooked, suppressed, or erased; engaging with and building connections between community members both online and in the Greater Los Angeles area; working with established professionals to create avenues for the next generation of Filipino movers to advance in careers across the entertainment industry.

[ajrafael]

Really cool to be on one of these. Thanks for having me!

[Jade-nsdm]

tbh this video should be played on every filipino gathering

[metalfacebingo]

One time, my mom was face timing my cousins in the Philippines. She handed me the phone to say hi to them and the first thing they said to me was "you're too fat". I tried to pass it off jokingly but it did get to me.

Another one is with my little brother. He was big kid growing up so at parties my older cousins would always joke about his weight every time he gets food. Couple years ago I noticed he doesn't eat food during our family parties, I asked him about it and he said "it's because they used to make fun of me".

Smh.

[sophialoren]

Body shaming. Acne shaming. Work shaming. Filipino culture is all about shaming! Even when I was riding on a jeepney, I heard a middle aged woman made a remark "tabi anlaki laki ng dadahan hahahaha!" yes you heard it right. Someone who should be more well behaved and a model to the young ones about good manners said that to a stranger.

[jolisaramos]

When you see a family member, they never ask how you're doing; instead, they always start a discussion by saying, "You've gained some weight."And as a result, I constantly check myself in the mirror after eating because I'm terrified of gaining weight.

[jellodizon]

Yes, this video is crucial for us to understand that not everyone is fine if we make comments about how their bodies look, and that body shaming is unacceptable. I hope this video serves as a wake-up call for people who consistently shaming people even when they didn't mean to.

[kcnarfprospero]

this youtube channel is so underrated this deserves millions of subscribers💞

[swordpegasus]

I am 17 years old and I'm half Filipino and Canadian and I hate body-shaming it's annoying.

[bgdomingo]

One trait I do not follow is the pakikisama, I consider myself as an individualist.

[clinto]

this video reminds me of something Lizzo said: that these comments that are critical of our physical appearance are like 1 mosquito bite. it's just a sting, something small. but over time they do add up and can really hurt us. thanks again One Down for another insightful video!!

[gel]

Thank you for sharing this. I was so anxious to go to our family reunion today because I know my relatives will make fun of the weight I gained this holiday. Huhuhu.

[madezalenecierte]

Criticizing someone and expecting them to appreciate it as a form of love is very unsympathetic. A true caring person would think first and assess the effects of his/her words before saying it out hence, I definitely agree with this video. Furthermore, “normalized” action does not equate to being ethically appropriate. Being done by the majority of the society does not mean that it is the good thing. It is so easy to be just swayed by what is common, but it is our moral responsibility to stand up for what is right. We should be aware on what words are appropriate to tell other people considering their current situation and personal circumstances. Also, criticizing other people and being judgmental are projections of your own insecurities and lack of fulfillment in life. Hence, always be mindful of your thoughts and to always show respect to anyone.
“Is losing weight key to acceptance?”, “Do I not deserve to be complimented?”, “Am I not doing enough?”, these are questions that arise when someone receives a lot of comments about her body shape or weight. He/she would question his/her self-worth because those words are hurtful in nature no matter how good the intentions may be. Imagine being forced to wear layers of clothing where each garment corresponds to a single comment. The more layers it become, the more suffocated you’ll be. This is just like how cumulative opinions affect an individual. It makes the person feel suffocated on the things he/she needs to qualify or fix. As a result, he/she would feel mentally exhausted and could even acquire psychological health problems.
It is a fact that we can’t change other people’s perspective to us, but it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do anything. If we just let them do it continuously, the cycle wouldn’t stop and most probably they would also do it to other person hence more victims of body shaming. Thus, in order to minimize the victims at the same time eliminate the toxic body shaming trait, we must have the courage to tell them the truth about body shaming and how it negatively affects a person. Instead of giving out our personal thoughts on other people about their weight or body shape, we should opt to giving out compliments. Telling them their strengths, good personality and other positive things. In this way, we do not just avoid body shaming, but we also spread good vibes and help them build their self-confidence. #BodyShamingEndsWithUs

[irishasinas]

Well body shaming, just like what we heart from this video, its the action or practice or humiliating someone by making mocking or critical comments about thier body shape or size

Pilipino often perpetuate this idea that to be beautiful is to be the size too, they dont think that not all lightweight is good cause sometimes they force thier self not to eat just to maintain lightweight, , but stil reinforces this idea that skinnier is beautiful

Iwhat can i also say is that please people around the world, let's stop body shaming cause we dont know how those words hurts someone, , stop saying "you become more fat, you not goodlooking anymore" "you become more thicker" "hey pig" please stop saying those words as a joke cause jokes suppose tobe funny not offensive and cant cause anypain, stop toxic attitude, stop body shamming, start to love and appreciate. Each other.❤️

[graciousdel]

I'm sharing this with Everyone! I'm loving the videos, please keep them coming! Thank you for shining a light on Filipino issues and sharing knowledge about our culture. I feel seen and I feel heard. 📣🙌🇵🇭❤

[angelp]

Thank you for bringing this topic up.. this is so normal in our culture and I freaking hate it!!

[xtragum]

This is so true and I hate it. I used to struggle with an eating disorder and would binge eat every night until I got to my heaviest weight. And one day my mom's friend who we haven't seen for a month came to visit, and the first thing she said after seeing me was "tumaba ka" then she would constantly question my mom on why/how I got fat, I felt like crying... that is the WORST thing you could ever say to someone with an eating disorder, and it just triggers them into binging and starving themselves more. But luckily I got out of that mindset and am now binge free for who knows how long, I'm now fueling myself right and slowly losing the extra weight without restricting.

[mobycat]

This is so damned true! Family members used to pinch the fatty part of my upper arms to point out how fat I was getting.

[marieloumandl]

This show is done so well. Thank you!!!! I was that kid that would talk back with a ‘and what about you’ 😬😬😬it never turned out well

[aprilamisola]

Body shamming is an issue that is very controversial. Giving a comment about a person's body weight or size is humiliating. It is a big pressure on their end and it can make them feel bad about themselves. It can lower a persons self-esteem. Body shaming is also considered discrimination it can lead to stress especially among teenagers.

[ligayaannawi]

That is true. Unfortunately, it had become normal in our culture. I am one who'd been body shamed by my relatives for being dark and short then when I became fat, for being fat.