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“Wait, what? Did a Filipino hero really say that? What’s the deal with Filipinos being in human zoos?”
I know, right? It’s shocking and upsetting. Seeing that 1906 photo of the young Filipina girl in a “human zoo” enclosure… it hits hard. And then there’s Carlos P. Romulo, a big name in Philippine history, saying “Igorots are not Filipinos.” It’s enough to make your head spin.
Also Read: Was Carlos P. Romulo Right When He Said Igorot Is Not Filipino? | Igorotage
Let’s unpack this complicated and painful part of our history.
Understanding the Context: Colonialism and Prejudice
First, we need to rewind a bit. Imagine the Philippines under American rule (1898-1946). It wasn’t just about flags changing. It was a whole system designed to make Filipinos feel “less than” Americans.
- “Divide and Conquer”: The Americans knew that a united Philippines was a stronger Philippines. So they played up existing differences in our culture, sometimes even inventing some! This made it easier to control people.
- The Igorots: “The Noble Savages”: Igorots, with their unique culture and traditions, were seen as exotic and “primitive” by the Western world. This wasn’t about appreciation, though. It was about twisting the narrative to fit their racist ideas.
- Human Zoos: A Horrible Reality: Sadly, putting indigenous people on display in “human zoos” was common in the early 20th century. These exhibits weren’t about celebrating cultures; they were about exploiting and dehumanizing people for profit.
Carlos P. Romulo and the “Igorot” Question
Okay, now let’s talk about Romulo. His statement, while shocking today, needs to be seen in the context of his time.
- Fighting for Recognition: Romulo was fighting tooth and nail for Filipinos to be recognized as equals to Americans.
- A Different Time, A Different Mindset: Back then, ideas about race and identity were very different. Sadly, some Filipinos even internalized the racist views of the colonizers.
- Was it Right? Absolutely NOT! But understanding why he might have said it helps us learn from the past.
The “Tribal Headhunters of Coney Island” and Beyond: Filipinos on Display
The story of the Igorots in Coney Island and other places like the St. Louis Fair and the World’s Fair in San Francisco is heartbreaking.
- Exploitation, Not Celebration: These exhibits weren’t about cultural exchange. They were about making money by showing off “exotic” people.
- The Passport: A Symbol of a Larger Story: That Igorot man’s passport with his children born in different US cities tells a story of displacement, of families caught in a system designed to exploit them.
PASSPORT: 32293_1220706418_0001-00873_1 | Oloan: born about 1880 in th… | Flickr
Uluan and His Family: 32293_1220706418_0001-00876 | “Oloan”, born about 1880 in th… | Flickr
- The Damage of Stereotypes: These exhibits reinforced harmful stereotypes about Filipinos, painting them as “primitive” and “uncivilized.”
Moving Forward: Lessons Learned
So, what can we learn from all of this? A lot, actually.
- Question Everything: Don’t just accept what you hear, even from respected figures. Think critically about the context and the information.
- Recognize Our Shared History: Filipinos come from diverse backgrounds. It’s important to understand and appreciate our differences while recognizing our shared history of colonialism and its impact.
- Fight Against Prejudice: Sadly, racism and discrimination still exist. We need to call it out wherever we see it and work towards a more just and equitable society for everyone.
It’s not easy to confront these difficult parts of our past. But by learning from history, we can build a better future for all Filipinos.