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| Dignity and Respect for the Filipino Worker | 2791 Signatures |
Published by Philippine Foundation on Oct 05, 2008
Closed on Oct 31, 2008
Closed on Oct 31, 2008
Category: Media Issues
Region: United Kingdom
Target: Broadcast Industry in the UK
Result:
After a simultaneous protest at the Tiger Aspect Production Office in Soho, Central London and BBC White Chapel Office in which a partial copy of this signed petition was submitted to the respective companies by representatives of the Filipino Community, Tiger Aspect Production issued an email apology to all those who filed a complain while BBC echoed the same apology.
Furthermore, BBC director general Mark Thompson apologized, in a letter dated Oct. 10, 2008, to Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James Edgardo Espiritu, for the offense caused by the episode of Harry and Paul.
Tiger Aspect Productions Chief Executive Andrew Zane issued an apology before the members of the Filipino community who joined the Soho vigil.
However, both BBC and TAP's email letter of supposed apology was additionally insulting when they said in their letter that "The fact that the maid is from the Philippines isn't relevant to the comedy." and that "It in no way represents real people".
While the Filipino Community demanded a PUBLIC APOLOGY, a down-graded hush-hush apology was given but with tiny sting at the end.
The Petition however was able to convey the message that various forms of racism, sexual abuse, racial discrimination, gross insult and disrespect for others will not be tolerated now or in the future by decent and law-abiding citizens. Furthermore the petition achieved in making people more aware and resposnsible in their actions and thinking.
Many thanks to all who signed the petition and supported the campaign of promoting Dignity and Respect for the Filipino Worker.
Furthermore, BBC director general Mark Thompson apologized, in a letter dated Oct. 10, 2008, to Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James Edgardo Espiritu, for the offense caused by the episode of Harry and Paul.
Tiger Aspect Productions Chief Executive Andrew Zane issued an apology before the members of the Filipino community who joined the Soho vigil.
However, both BBC and TAP's email letter of supposed apology was additionally insulting when they said in their letter that "The fact that the maid is from the Philippines isn't relevant to the comedy." and that "It in no way represents real people".
While the Filipino Community demanded a PUBLIC APOLOGY, a down-graded hush-hush apology was given but with tiny sting at the end.
The Petition however was able to convey the message that various forms of racism, sexual abuse, racial discrimination, gross insult and disrespect for others will not be tolerated now or in the future by decent and law-abiding citizens. Furthermore the petition achieved in making people more aware and resposnsible in their actions and thinking.
Many thanks to all who signed the petition and supported the campaign of promoting Dignity and Respect for the Filipino Worker.
Petition text:
The Filipino community in the United Kingdom hereby condemns the BBC and the Harry and Paul Show for their tactless and insensitive behaviour and for inciting stereo-typed racial discrimination, vulgarity and violation of the maid's human rights. The show demeaned the dignity of honest labour while promoting the sex industry, domestic abuse and maltreatment of the blue-collar worker that effectively sustains this economy.
We now call on all the Filipinos, the British people and other nationals here in the United Kingdom and abroad to re-educate the BBC and the Television Broadcasting Industry about responsible and culturally sensitive broadcasting. As the UK government promotes equality and human rights of the people who live here now, the Harry and Paul Show and the BBC have shown that they have failed to do the same. The Filipinos in the UK are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work here. We all wish this country well and are trying our best to be accepted as a part of this great Nation. It is also part of our culture to respect women highly. Episode 4 of the show dishonoured our culture and our women and our workers. We are truly sad about that.
We therefore ask for your support to endorse this petition by signing your name below. We intend to send this Petition to the BBC.
NOTE: THis is NOT a Forum. Please only sign if you support the petition and campaign.
We now call on all the Filipinos, the British people and other nationals here in the United Kingdom and abroad to re-educate the BBC and the Television Broadcasting Industry about responsible and culturally sensitive broadcasting. As the UK government promotes equality and human rights of the people who live here now, the Harry and Paul Show and the BBC have shown that they have failed to do the same. The Filipinos in the UK are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work here. We all wish this country well and are trying our best to be accepted as a part of this great Nation. It is also part of our culture to respect women highly. Episode 4 of the show dishonoured our culture and our women and our workers. We are truly sad about that.
We therefore ask for your support to endorse this petition by signing your name below. We intend to send this Petition to the BBC.
NOTE: THis is NOT a Forum. Please only sign if you support the petition and campaign.
This petition is now closed.
View entire petition text including preamble
