National Federation of Filipino American Associations

At high noon today across from the busy Union Square in San Francisco, the Filpino Anti-Defamation Coalition (FAC) organized a well attendedf picket of over 50 people, mostly Filipino phycicians and nurses, along with community people, social justice groups, and students in front of the Disney Store at Powell and Post. with plenty of picket signs and leaflets, the protestors took their angry message about the first episode of ” Desperate Housewives” to the several hundred shoppers, tourists, and Asians who were out on this sunny Saturday. The beautiful day was perfect for our protest.

Desperate’s premier episode struck a nerve, counter response were boisterous chants “Desperate Housewives call Filipino doctors quacks.”, “Disney/ABC, We need more than an apology.”, “Filipinos doctors demand respect.”

The Filipino Anti-Defamation Coalition, formed days after last Sunday’s tv show, were joined by Filipino Medical Association of Northern California, Philippine Murses Association of Northern California, Filipino Civil Rights Advocates, National Association for Filipino concerns, physicians from PRimary Care Physicians Medical Corporation, NaFFAA Northern California, Region 8, and PYDC - Pilipino Youth Development.

A few comments from non-Filipino passerbys:

“Yeah, I saw it. I thought is was pretty funny!”

“My pediatrician is great! She’s Filipino.”

“I’m a distributor for dental supplies and work with dozens of very professional Filipinos.”

“That’s terrible.”

“Are Filipinos trained in good medical schools? So are your doctors trained to work here?”

“It was not funny.”

“I saw it and I thought it was pretty bad.

“I don’t watch the show but what was said was wrong.”.

“Don’t you have anything better to do. It was joke.”

The buzz on the street was lively and educational. After the end of the picket, half of the group went to a nearby medical office where we crammed into a small reception area, standing room only.

A Filipino doctor hosted the debrief and speakers spoke to the next steps of the coalition and the legal action that has an urgent deadline by this Tuesday October 16 when the $500 M suit will be filed. 50 doctors will be needed as plaintiffs. Doctors tend to be conservative, so the challenge will be to persuade them that a 2-hour deposition would not be a big sacrifice and to put their money where their mouths are. Others emphasized the need for consensus building, respect for other groups preferred ways of protesting, and honest, in good faith, cooperation. Appeal for funds to file the suit was made. Legal consultants spoke to the steps to file, and how it could reach arbitration or mediation.

ABC has conceded an apology, a retraction of the comment from dvds, an invitation to representatives to discuss remedies with the diversity director. Already, others are listing possible, qualified Filipino media professionals who could apply for positions in ABC. Many creative ideas to reverse the impact of the slight to our doctors were put forward.

October is Filipino American History Month and a simple banner at the bottom of the screen promoting the month, as well listing and announcing the many activities in the Bay Area in ABC’s community events. There are many sources for programming to increase exposure to our history in the U.S. A couple of profiles of the Filipino doctors for Clinton and Reagan would be good examples, like they do for other ethnicities.

The groundswell movement is growing to restore dignity and respect to Filipinos and acknowledge their many contributions to the betterment of life in the U.S. A serious commitment ws made by all who stayed the extra couple of hours to answer questions and suggest future actions.

Today’s response reflects a good spectrum of diverse sectors in our community and people will keep on, they’re not going to stop. One nurse will present the information shared today to her will discuss at he next board meeting. I was pleasae that these folks were not your typical radical.

The response is still unfolding . . .