Ethnicity

What is Ethnicity?

Ethnicity refers to the shared cultural traits, ancestral heritage, language, and
often, a common historical experience that distinguishes a particular group of
people from others. It is a complex concept that includes factors such as
nationality, religion, language, and cultural practices. Ethnic groups can be
defined by a combination of these elements, and individuals within an ethnic
group typically share a sense of identity and belonging.

-cultural heritage
-ancestry
-origin myth
-history
-homeland
-language
-dialect
-religion
-mythology & folklore
-ritual
-cuisine
-dressing style
-physical appearance

The Philippines is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and it is home to
numerous ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and
customs.
Examples:
Tagalog: The largest ethnic group in the Philippines, they primarily inhabit the
central part of Luzon, including Metro Manila, and are known for their language,
Tagalog.
Cebuano: Found in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, the Cebuano people are
the second-largest ethnic group in the country. They speak Cebuano or Bisaya.

Hiligaynon (Ilonggo): Mainly found in the Western Visayas region, they speak
Hiligaynon and are often referred to as Ilonggos.

Moro: A collective term for various Muslim groups in the Philippines, mainly
residing in Mindanao. Some of the Moro ethnic groups include the Maranao,
Maguindanao, Tausug, and Yakan.

Igorot: Indigenous people living in the mountainous region of Luzon. The Igorot
comprise several subgroups, such as the Ifugao, Kankanaey, Bontoc, and others.

Aeta: Indigenous people often referred to as Negritos, they are scattered

throughout Luzon. Aeta groups include the Agta, Ayta, and Ati.
Issues
Issues related to ethnicity in popular culture can manifest in various ways,
reflecting the broader social and cultural dynamics of a society.

Representation and Stereotypes:

Underrepresentation: Certain ethnic groups may be underrepresented
or marginalized in popular culture, leading to a lack of diverse voices and
perspectives.
Stereotypes: Ethnic stereotypes can perpetuate negative and narrow
portrayals, reinforcing biased views and limiting the understanding of
diverse cultures.

Tokenism:
Token Characters: The inclusion of token ethnic characters can
sometimes be a superficial attempt at diversity without truly addressing
systemic issues, reinforcing a sense of tokenism rather than genuine
representation.

Language and Accents:

Stereotypical Accents: Characters from certain ethnic backgrounds
may be portrayed with exaggerated or stereotypical accents, reinforcing
cultural biases and misrepresentations.

Cultural Sensitivity:
Insensitive Storylines: Storylines or plot points that involve sensitive
cultural issues may perpetuate harm or reinforce negative stereotypes,
requiring a more nuanced and respectful approach.
Cultural Imperialism

Cultural imperialism refers to the domination or influence of one culture

over another, often resulting in the imposition of the dominant culture's
values, beliefs, and practices on the subordinate culture. This concept is
closely linked to the broader issue of imperialism, where one nation or
group exerts political, economic, or cultural control over another.
Cultural imperialism is often criticized for contributing to the erosion of local
cultures and traditions, as the dominant culture may overpower or replace
indigenous or local customs. This can occur through the widespread
dissemination of global media, including movies, music, television shows,
and other forms of entertainment, as well as through the influence of
multinational corporations and their products.
Critics argue that cultural imperialism can lead to cultural homogenization,
where diverse local cultures are assimilated into a globalized, dominant
culture, potentially leading to the loss of cultural diversity. Proponents, on
the other hand, may argue that the exchange of cultural elements can lead
to enrichment and hybridization of cultures, creating new and vibrant forms
of expression.

Cultural Censorship
Cultural censorship refers to the restriction or suppression of certain
cultural expressions, such as art, literature, music, films, or other forms of
creative and intellectual endeavors. This censorship can be imposed by
governments, religious institutions, or other authorities with the intention of
controlling or shaping public discourse, opinions, and values.
Reasons for cultural censorship vary widely and may include political,
religious, moral, or social considerations. Governments may censor cultural
works to maintain political control, suppress dissent, or promote a particular
ideology. Religious institutions might censor content that goes against their
beliefs or is deemed blasphemous. Societal norms and moral values may
also lead to the censorship of content deemed inappropriate or offensive.
1. Banning or restricting access: Governments may ban certain books,
movies, or artworks, preventing their distribution or exhibition.
2. Editing or altering content: Authorities may require changes to cultural
works to remove or modify content deemed objectionable.
3. Internet censorship: Governments or other entities may block or restrict
access to certain websites or online content to control the flow of
information.
4. Self-censorship: Artists or creators may choose to censor their own work
to avoid backlash or legal consequences.
5. Book burning or destruction of artworks: Throughout history, some
cultures have engaged in the physical destruction of cultural works that are
considered offensive or subversive.