From Bumbay To Indiyano

I would like to believe that in this modern age, Filipinos have (finally) realised that calling Indians bumbay is not only inaccurate but can also be potentially offensive. Bombay (stress on the first syllable), which is the origin of bumbay (stress on the last syllable), apparently comes from a 16th century Portuguese pronunciation of Mumbai - the financial capital of India. Do you think the Indians call us manila or makati?

Anyroad, with the fading usage of bumbay, Filipinos have now come to use another word; one that would appear politically correct but is in fact another poorly chosen name: indiyano.

In popular linguistics, words such as this would be dubbed 'salitang siyokoy' (I will share other examples sometime else). Like the folkloric siyokoy (roughly, mermen), who are neither fully human nor fully fish, this new word is neither Spanish nor English but something else: an abomination born out of ignorance of both languages.

In English, the appropriate (and only) word for someone who is a native of India would be 'Indian'. In Spanish, believe it or not, the word is 'indio' (masculine) or 'india' (feminine). If this is confusing, remember that when European colonists first encountered the natives of the Americas and the Malayan archipelago, they thought they were in India.

Now where does this all lead us? I am not too sure, really. Whilst I am sure that the ancient, pre-colonial Filipinos traded with the Indians, what I am not sure about is what they called them. Can somebody direct me to the correct answer? Until then, I confine myself to "Indian" or "indio".

By the way, the beautiful (and foxy) lady above is Aishwarya Rai - a popular Bollywood actress of Tulu descent. A beauty, is she not?

Christians Persecuted Once Again

Sorry, I could not help but share this:

Christians Persecuted Once Again

I usually don't pay much heed to Christians in North America crying that they are being persecuted and discriminated against, but I think they just might have a case here:



The latest assault against Christianity is a nefarious organization calling for a (gasp) "No Name-Calling Week" at schools. The fact that many gay rights organizations support the initiative is evidence enough that this is all a liberal plot to take away children's god-given right to torment homosexuals.

Imagine good Christian children having to survive for a whole week without being able to call anybody a faggot. If that isn't persecution I don't know what is. In fact, Linda Harvey, spokeswoman for the Christian activist group Mission America "contends the effort promotes hate, not tolerance", because homosexuality is actually a hate crime. "The only hate around is homosexuality itself. It hates the natural human body and spirit, and opposes truth at every level".

They feel that forcing children to be respectful to each other goes against everything the bible teaches. And according to Harvey the world began descending into anarchy and darkness the moment we began teaching kids to be tolerant of others. "Christians are not the oppressors, nor the creators of division in schools. This horrendous behavior is. And it will not end, even if Christians were to leave. Actually, all that's restraining total barbarism is the few true Christians left,".

Another glass of Kool-Aid Linda Harvey?

Posted by Brian at 17:14 Tuesday, 27 January 2009

"Dirty Dancing" with Brandon and Logan

Some say these guys are straight. Some say they're gay. I say: Does it really matter? I wouldn't give a shit. These strapping young lads are way too cool! Isn't it just fun to be secure?

New Blog: Man Talks

MTM is a blog about men, for men, written by men.

You can check them out at: http://mantalksmanstuff.blogspot.com.

"Because real men can hold hands."

MTM is about male-male relationships: about men and their need for intimacy, affection, and bonding with other men.

MTM promotes brotherhood between blokes who desire only the best for their fellow blokes. We aim to limit if not nullify the effects of social oppression towards men (whether by other men or by women, or by society in general). We are not unlike Men's Movement in this respect.

MTM is about male-male sexuality: about men and their sexual attraction to other men, and the need to eliminate irrational fears and inhibitions in regard to these feelings.

MTM is not about 'homosexuality', as it includes female-female sexuality, and has historically been [incorrectly] associated with sexual misconduct (eg: sodomy), mental conditions (eg: GID), culture-specific sexual identities (eg: Gay), and transgender - which all deserve blogs of their own.

MTM is not about misogyny. We do not think that males are better than females. We do not, and cannot, hate women. We believe that both sexes have their differences but are nonetheless born equal.

MTM is not against male-female sexuality. By all means, indulge in it if you feel it natural. Humans, like most primates, are naturally "bisexual" beings. We are attracted to whoever is "hot" regardless of gender.

MTM is not for perverts looking to get laid. Sex is a good thing but this is not a channel for meaningless sexual exploits. We believe that sex should be treated with respect.

And lastly, the bros of MTM are not infallible. We do not claim to be experts on sexual health, sociology, psychology or anthropology. You may use the comments section to argue with, for, or against any material you see as unacceptable on an objective level.

Note: Posts from MTM shall be cross posted here under 'ManTalks'.

Rak Haeng (the love of) Siam

I know the movie aired 15 months ago but I just watched it two days ago.

And I loved it!

However, as I am not too good with reviews unless rage is involved, often just redirecting others to identical sentiments made by better review-writers, I quote user huangtianci from IMDb [parentheses are mine]:

Melancholic yet hopeful

I love this movie!

Despite the recent controversy about gay issues in Thailand, this movie is not focused only on gay romances, [or even being "gay"] but love in general.

In the movie, we witness various types of people's relationships and the acts of love they do to each other, whether they are of mother and son, brother and sister, grandmother and grandson, husband and wife, or the love among friends.

'As long as there's love, there's hope'. This sentence is from one of the film's theme songs (which are mostly written by the director-writer himself [and sung by both him and Witwisit]), and it exactly presents the tone of the movie: heartwarming and hopeful.

While being promoted as a movie about love, 'Rak haeng Siam' is also one of the best family and coming of age movies ever made. We can see how the characters have to cope with their past losses, and how they overcome their grief. The teenagers have found who they really are, what they want, and go on with their lives. These serious topics are delicately presented, [like a drama minus the stress] thanks to the director who brilliantly helms the movie.

All the main cast are at their best, especially veteran Sinjai Plengpanit, as a woman who's desperate to save her family from being torn apart. Her performance is heartbreaking. Another praise for newcomers Witwisit Hirunwongkul and Mario Maurer, who play the major teenage roles. They are so into the characters we could believe this is real.

'Rak haeng Siam' is indeed a good film as many have said. It tells us even though our love is unanswered, we can still learn from it, and we should be grateful that, at least, we are once capable of loving.

Principessa

"If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness." [Marjorie Garber]

Last week that 'profound sadness' came to be. My dog of 17 years passed away. I cried...more of wept, actually. I did not think I would, but I did. And honestly, I do not think I have gotten over her loss yet. She was not a pet. I do not believe in keeping 'pets'. She was that member of the family who happened to be a dog.

This space I leave in honour of my Principessa: friend and guardian. Run along, mighty paw; run along with the holy hounds. Run along with Artemis. Her bow and arrows look after you now.

And to Artemis Potnia Theron, I thank you for your mercy. On my dog's grave I placed some rice, sugar and an egg. Please give it to her. Take her to the fields and help her cross mountains of wild thyme. She likes the open spaces. And when the time comes that I am ready to meet her on the Rainbow Bridge, please accompany her.

This space is also for you, Mistress.



"Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of Man without his vices." [Lord Byron at the grave of his beloved Boatswain]

I can say the same for my Principessa.

Anubis In Dallas

This is the God Anubis or Yinepu.

According to this man in his article: "He is that wacky Egyptian god with the head of a jackal and the body of a human, [who] is [now] hanging around Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Actually, a 26-foot-tall statue of Mr. Anubis, known as the god of the dead or the underworld, was installed Friday at Founders Plaza, at the airport's northwest corner."

We had a few things to say in regard to this, however.

Posted by random @ 3:37 AM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

Isn't Anubis supposed to be the Gatekeeper of the Underworld? I mean I know airports are Hell during the holidays, but isn't this taking things a little too literally...?

Posted by Rob @ 3:12 PM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

It might behoove you to be a little more respectful of the beliefs of others. Anubis still has adherents around the world (and no, I'm not one of them); would you be inclined to refer to Jesus as "that wacky Semitic god with the nifty crown of thorns?"

Anubis is not "Mr." anything; would you refer to Jehovah as "Mr. Jehovah?"

Kindly grow up and acquire a little respect for others.

Posted by Masks Off!!!! @ 7:51 PM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

Rob,

Were you offended? Are you practicing the religion of the pharaohs? If so, nice point.

If not, get over yourself.

Posted by R. Reidy @ 8:00 PM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

Your comments about the god Anubis are very offensive and betray a triumphalist christian smugness towards the gods of other cultures.

Learn a little humility towards those of other faiths. Would you say equally smart-mouth things about Jesus, or the Buddha, or the deities of Hindus, etc.?

Posted by Rob @ 2:20 AM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

Masks Off, I do not personally worship Anubis, but I do know that there are those who do. I do not believe I am out of line in asking for a little respect for their faith. As a member of a minority religion myself, I find myself having to stand up for unusual beliefs, so I also stand up for the beliefs of others.

And from the looks of things, I'm not alone.

Posted by HiC @ 11:43 AM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

I should like to toss my voice into the mix as having found the tone and reference to Anubis objectionable and insulting. I mean..."wacky"? Really?! That seems rather condescending and colonialist ("Oh those funny savages back then").

A bit of sensitivity towards things that aren't American or Christian in the future would be most appreciated.

Posted by Katherine M. @ 2:03 PM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

The worst part is that they replaced his traditional scepter with a candy cane. This statue was created to be a guard of honor for the pharaoh Tutankhamun- which was a wonderful gesture by the organizers of that king's tour- and now we caricature him into yet another cheap, commercial Christmas ornament? What's next, shall we have Jesus singing "Jingle Bells" while being nailed to the cross?

I would have loved to have visited this monument and seen it treated with a decent amount of respect. As it is, the placement of this statue hardly "highlights the cultural and economic significance" of anything- only the inability of the airport to appreciate the honor of hosting this illustrious guest and their failure to treat him appropriately. It is offensive on so many levels, and I encourage the people of DFW airport to replace the wAs scepter and issue an apology.

Posted by Dan @ 5:19 PM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

Actually I do worship the gods. I'm a Greco-Egyptian Reconstruction Polytheist (Basically I worship the gods of Greece and Egypt by the ways they did in Ancient Times ((though of course modifications like no animal sacrifice)) and other gods=I worship gods of Greece and Egypt but I honor and treat respectfully all gods (Yahweh, Yama, Oghma, and etc))).

But yeah....really tempting fate there with the god of embalming and guide of souls...
They do sell alcohol at airports do they? Well then people can before their flights make libations to him before their flights for safe passage (Underworld passage that is, Anubis is equated with Hermes the Arcadian god of Travel and Money AND he guides the souls of the living in travel and the dead to the underworld. BUT I doubt these fellows had that in mind when they did this....)!!!

As for smiting, I am not sure what Anubis would do-depends if he likes the statue or not-or candycanes. Again not sure but I know a few like myself who are staying away from Dallas airport for a while.....

Posted by Masks Off!!! @ 6:44 PM Mon, Dec 29, 2008

Dan,

You're not only the minority, you may be "it".

The PC culture of the US has gone too far. You can't say "boo" without someone who worships ghosts being offended.

Get over it. It wasn't meant as an anti-Greco-Egyptian slight. Nor was it meant as a slight of those that aren't Americans or Christians.

IN THE US, WE GENERALLY REFER TO A MALE AS MISTER, Mr. OR SOME OTHER VARIATION. WHY? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE'RE USED TO DOING.

We're not used to using surnames as the first name, nor the last name after the maternal grandmothers' name.

Get over yourselves. If you're so "offended", don't read the newspaper. Don't listen to the news. And above all, don't talk to the "normal" Texan or American.

Posted by Rob @ 3:19 AM Wed, Dec 31, 2008

Masksoff, Dan is not "it." Reconstructionist Pagans are not common, but they are around. But even if he were the only one, it would still be appropriate to show respect for his beliefs, just as it would be appropriate to show basic respect for any other religion.

This isn't a "PC" issue, it's one of basic decency. What happened to that famous Southern courtesy?

"IN THE US, WE GENERALLY REFER TO A MALE AS MISTER, Mr. OR SOME OTHER VARIATION. WHY? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE'RE USED TO DOING."

So you say "Mr. Jesus?"

"Get over yourselves. If you're so "offended", don't read the newspaper. Don't listen to the news. And above all, don't talk to the "normal" Texan or American."

Yes, apparently a number of people are offended, and it's only by those people speaking up that things get changed. If you don't like it when the article writer (or you) are called on insensitive remarks, don't read the paper or, better yet, stand up with us for religious equality. You know, "liberty and justice for all."

And I would hope that the "normal" Texan or American knows about the notion that all religions are respected in this country. If you don't believe that, perhaps you'd like to read up on what happens in theocracies?

Very well said, Rob. Whilst I can let the "Mister" part slide, the "wacky" bit though was quite off. Sometimes it can be hard for mainstream folks to understand the concept of cultural sensitivity unless they are finally marginalised themselves. Bigots are still worse than insensitive, hegemonic a-holes but they are still a-holes. And they need to be shoved back to realise that shoving is rude.

Shema Yisrael...

Israel, how will our trees grow out of all this blood and rubble?

I am literally crying. I cannot even move myself to anger.

You say you are against terrorists. Terrorists slay innocent civilians. You have done the same. When will this ever end?

Shema Yisrael, it is also our land.




I am your brother Aldrin: part Levantine, wholly human.

I.I.MMIX.CE

In the end, what matters most in life is not what we have bought but what we have built;
Not what we have got but what we have shared;
Not our success but our significance;
Not what we have learnt but what we have taught;
Not our competence but our character;
Not how long we will be remembered but by whom and for what?
Live a life that matters most, live a life that really cares.

(Nicked from Raymund Quinlo via Yuoseff)

This 2009, may we love and care more, build more and share more, and for goodness' sake, make more sense. Happy two thousand and ninth International New Year!