Double Standards that Exist in Filipino Culture between Men and Women
When world-renowned Filipino boxer, Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao was rumored to have been committing infidelity against his wife, the Filipino people were overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Of course, it led to questions regarding his morality, as well as his stature as a role model. The news was everywhere, and everyone in and around the country had his or her own opinion regarding the matter. But perhaps the most common opinion was that Manny was not as much in the wrong as his supposed lover. Why was this? Simply put, it was because Manny is a man, and his lover is a woman. In other words, there exists a double standard in the eyes of the Filipino people. Because of this double standard, it seemed more wrong for the woman to have engaged in the relationship, than for the man, even if, in reality, everyone knows that it always takes two to tango.
What is a double standard?
Double standard refers to any set of standards containing different provisions for one group of people than for another. In the US, feminists have worked long and hard for the complete level of equality between men and women, as well as for the complete eradication of the double standards that exist between them. A good example of a common double standard is, found in the case of infidelity (as mentioned earlier). Why is it that in many cases, the man is seen to have less fault in the matter than the woman?
Examples of double standards between Filipino men and women
In Filipino culture, there exists an undeniable sense of machismo and macho-ness when it comes to owning up as a real man. For instance, the rate of infidelity continues to increase as years go by. Unfortunately, it is always viewed as a greater evil when it is the woman who commits infidelity, as compared to when it is the man. This is a very common double standard. Another double standard that you may often find between Filipino men and women is found in the corporate realm. When a man does poorly in his daily job, it seems easier for the company to ask him to leave than for them to ask a woman to leave. This is because the double standard dictates that women, being more sensitive and vulnerable, deserve more of a second chance, lest they have an emotional breakdown of sorts.
Although it may seem impossible to eradicate the double standards that exist between Filipino men and women, one must not give up trying. No matter how small the situation is, each and every Filipino must own up to his or her identity (regardless of gender), and speak his or her mind for the sake of equality and fairness.
Related questions:
1. How can we change the double standards in our culture?
2. Are Filipino women still oppressed?
3. Is there a law pushing for equality between Filipino men and women?