Machismo Manny
Filipino celebrity tabloids seem to be abuzz about Manny’s infidelity.
I had previously written about machismo/marianismo characteristics within the Filipino culture in a blog titled, “Filipino Masculinity & Infidelity Through Manny”.
Vestiges of Spanish colonization? Maybe. Considering the practice of egalitarian family systems from the indigenous roots of the Philippines, I ponder upon how Spanish influences and Catholicism has created systems where infidelity becomes practice. Husbands having mistresses is basic knowledge but never really discussed.
In no way am I being an apologist for this type of behavior, but truth be told, Manny’s not a saint that some paint him out to be.
Of course it’s cool/funny to see him sing on Jimmy Kimmel and during his post-fight interviews. His charisma and carefree energy is enduring and contagious. This is why many folks gravitate to the Pacman. When tabloid issues gain the attention of reporters and fans, folks are either going to defend him to death or call him out on what they perceive to be another case of adultery. Again, this news about Manny is not new to me.
But when we do criticize Manny for what he’s doing, we should also look at how patriarchy in our culture plays out.
Bam’s quote in the article hit’s the point on multiple levels, “He encompasses and embodies that Filipino spirit.”
How our community looks at that spirit is something that we should critically discuss and collectively address.
-Ninoy Brown
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I would rather see Filipino youth wear shirts with Lolita Lebron on them and express solidarity with other colonized folks, then express some superficial Filipino pride over Manny.
The Filipino community is absolutely soaked in patriarchy (one of many) and frankly it makes for whack…everything. Patriarchy always equals lame relationships, lame family dynamics, really boring predictable sex, lame steez because people don’t want to question gender roles and so they repeat the same outfits. The list just goes on and on. Oppression is self-oppression after all.
Manny, being good fighter from the hood, doesn’t need any more shoulder-dusting from us. His paycheck is more than enough props. It’s high time people started calling him out and I’d love if more Filipino men took the mic on this one (Salamat, Mr. Ninoy Kayumanggi).