IT hasn't been a week since the "Desperate Housewives" hoopla over a joke that was taken out of context. And yet, here we are again with the Cory Aquino reference in "The Daily Show." Before some journalist write an editorial about pitying Jon Stewart or the producers of The Daily Show, I feel compelled to once again shed some light on the CONTEXT of the satire.
Before I start, please view the entire satirical skit if you haven't done so already. It's quite too common for people to get so riled up without even seeing the "offending" video.
Now that you have seen it, let me shed some light to the context of this segment. The main character on the segment, "Samantha Bee," embodies the typical ignorant American who, at this point in time, still thinks America is not ready for a woman president. It is actually her character and what she represents that the piece is actually poking fun of, not Corazon Aquino. Now, let's see the supporting arguments for this.
Near the opening of the segment, "Samantha Bee" interviews her feminist friend, the president of the National Organization of Women, on her take on whether America is ready for a woman president. We are shown her frivolous attitude by being more concerned about a dress than discussing the matter. We are then shown her discussing the same matter with her conservative friend, while satirically poking fun at the arguments presented on why America needs a male presidents (such as Jimmy Carter's sex appeal and the idea of a "nurturing" president).
We then see the "high" opinion of this character when she was working on her laptop while a gynecologist examines her vagina. It is actually during this time when we see the images of three highly respected women leaders, one of which has enraged some Filipinos. It started with former Israel Prime Minister Golda Meir with the "Oy!" marking, which is obviously poking fun at her Jewish heritage. Then, the word "Slut" on the image of Corazon Aquino, and a photoshopped Margaret Thatcher exposing her vagina that is reminiscent of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. This, of course, is in reference to gossip blogs like Perez Hilton in style and an obvious lack of substance. It is this lack of substance that makes those references to the "Oy" and "Slut" markings and Margaret Thatcher exposing her vagina, succinctly depict the idiocy of the reader "Samantha Bee." Sure, it is tasteless but THAT IS THE POINT. It is supposed to be tasteless to show how idiotic "Samantha Bee" is and the ignorant people she represents. In fact, if you listen carefully while they are showing this fake gossip blog, she says "Other countries have had girl leaders for years. And while Golda Meir fended off Egypt, Corazon Aquino faced down dictators and Margaret Thatcher kicked out communismâs ass, still they are women." It is actually Corazon Aquino's courageous image in bringing down Marcos that is the reason why she was included in this skit. It was actually meant to praise her, together with Golda Meir and Margaret Thatcher, as great examples of women leaders. How an ignorant and idiotic woman like "Samantha Bee" vilifying these women leaders, is really satirically shown as giving honor and admiration for these great women. Corazon Aquino should not feel insulted by such a gesture, but feel proud to be included in a group of noble women. She is indeed in good company.
The final scene says it all when it said: "In the end, maybe the question isn't 'Is America ready for a woman president' but 'Is a woman president ready for America'". "Samantha Bee" then followed that up with "That doesn't make any sense," which is followed by a complete hosing down by "Samantha Jones" from "Sex and the City." It is at this point that it is clearly shown what they really feel about this "Samantha Bee" character and how idiotic and stupid she is.
With the context of the satire laid out, it would probably make sense to view once again the "offending video". Yes, folks. It is not Corazon Aquino that is being attacked here. In fact, she should be proud for being included in this segment.
Cory Aquino was praised, not insulted on 'The Daily Show'
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[...] Until I realized that I didn’t see that particular segment of The Daily Show. As it turns out, the whole thing should really be taken in the context of the whole satire painstakingly explained here. [...]----- PING: TITLE: After desperate housewives issue, Now, they insult Cory Aquino! - noypi.org - Eh kasi Pinoy! URL: http://noypi.org/kontrobersya/1566-after-desperate-housewives-issue-now-they-insult-cory-aquino.html#post10205 DATE: 10/10/2007 08:47:06 AM IP: 207.58.141.224 [...] to the blog Vox Populi » Cory Aquino was praised, not insulted on ‘The Daily Show’ , if you watch the entire show, then Cory's 'SLUT" pic if taken in context actually praises [...]----- PING: TITLE: INQUIRER.net Blogs » Call centers, WCG and Newsvine URL: http://inquirerbloggers.net/home/2007/10/09/call-centers-wcg-and-newsvine/ DATE: 10/09/2007 05:13:39 PM IP: 208.113.187.102 [...] Vox Populi : Cory Aquino was praised, not insulted on ‘The Daily Show’ [...]----- -------- Read More
May be so, though at first glance I thought the slur was misplaced and must have been intended for the daughter.
@Delrey...ahahaha...wait...could ur comments be satirical as well like Daily Show's and Onion's? No wait, it is a straightforward comment...ahahaha ï
i have the same observations that's why i didn't react negatively to the news item. it's a satire, and not a serious show to be taken seriously
Most people who watch TV shows don't analyze, not because they are not capable of doing so, but because they watch TV purely for entertainment - don't they call it the boob tube for this? People will not painstakingly justify the "slut" comment as you did - rather, they will take the label as it is. Right or wrong, people who know Cory Aquino's righteousness and achievements would naturally take offense.
"IT hasnât been a week since the âDesperate Housewivesâ hoopla over a joke that was taken out of context."
Taken out of context? Are kidding me? Can you please explain? Teri Hatcher clearly implied that the Philippines is a diploma mill. What is there to say that it is taken out of context? Yes Teri was in denial with regards to menopause & she wanted to name an obscure country with dubious educational system to make her believe that the doctor is incompetent. And guess what, the script writer of Desperate for Ratings...uhmm I mean Desperate Housewives had to name the Philippines because clearly he/she does not know anything about the Philippines & was too lazy to do his research & strip off his prejudiced attitude & misconceptions about the Filipino professionals/workers as well as education system. To the the scriptwriter of Desperate for Ratings - Thousands of Filipino doctors & nurses educated in the Philippines are currently working & training in the US as well as in various locations of the world. So why is the US of A still hiring thousands of doctors & nurses if you feel that they are incomptent?
Calling Cory a "slut" is really improper. If she is a SLUT, what makes that of American women who will have sex at early age, at every boyfriend. Cory never got married after Ninoy died.
Maybe the writers have mistaken Cory for KRIS. Because of Kris' tumultous love affair, she can be labeled as such.
I may disagree with Cory in her political decisions but calling her a SLUT is improper.
it was kinda offending at first if you haven't seen the exact whole video of it where F.P. Cory Aquino was shown.
thanks for shedding some light! hopenext time they'll preview the whole thing first before making it big time hehe.
...so, how do you explain the word "slut" written on the picture? Understand that a slur does not have to be oral, it can be inferred as written.
It still does not give the show any right to malign anyone's dignity. Especially with Cory Aquino who hasn't had a scintilla of gossip as to any indiscretion.
Just because a person is a public figure(but only in th sense that they have held positions of responsibility in government, but are now retired) doesn't mean that anyone can take a potshot at them.
I resent this disrespect to women, not just to Aquino, but ro the others as well, especially since they made a difference in our lives, and showed us women that we can aspire, too.
And speaking of Kris, let those without sin, throw the first stone! I do not know why the sin of the daughter has to be visited on the mother. As to Kris, I believe she has admitted making mistakes in judgement and has changed and matured, which is more than I can say about others (I can't say any different because of the way we're handling all these insults to our Filipino senses, or mine, anyway...)who are older and has not gone thru the trauma of losing their father tragically because of his mistaken notion that we Filipinos are worth dying for, and so left his youngest child without paternal guidance and support.
I wonder if anyone shows your mother's picture on Philippine TV, then put the word "slut" or the crass equivalent native word across it, which you know she isn't, or even if she is, if you would still be so understanding...
we pinoys have too much pride in us that we can't accept any jokes thrown at us, in tagalog PIKON!
the daily show is one of the best shows on us tv. not because its funny but because it presents a sensible stand on u.s. issues in a funny way. there was clearly an over reaction in the philippines because no one bothered to watch the actual segment before rushing to conclusions. after watching the segment, cory was actually praised and not insulted as was golda meir and margaret thatcher. jon stewart, the host of the show is also a jew, by the way, so clearly the segment was not an insult.
I pity the people who don't know what "satire" is.
@The blogger
I believe Filipinos just don't understand satire. You even dumbed the thing down just to make them understand, yet they don't.
Why blame the government when the so-called intelligent people don't know about satire and shit, yet they complain on how asinine the institution is?
Reading some of the comments, I can't find the words to express my disappointment at the people taking offense.
Being PIKON does not even enter the equation here, as there was no insult to begin with. You were being praised people... and you missed it. I feel sorry for you.
This clip is old. I saw this the day it was showed in the US. I'm pretty sure Filipino viewers of that show felt proud when their former president was mentioned. I did.
So the whole skit goes unnoticed until some hack with a two digit IQ found it on YouTube and started making a fuss about it.
I mean cmon guys. The blog post even explained the whole thing, just for you people to understand.
Is it really that hard?
It would be interesting to see Jon Stewart "honoring" the Supreme Leaders of Iran, past or present, by satirizing them in his show with the same viciousness and also see what the Iranian fundamentalists would do. I won't be surprised if Jon will suddenly change his name to Jamal or some other Muslim name. ;-)
Are they allowed to make JOKES which are malicious, offensive and even violent and insulting to anyone´s dignity while justifying them by saying they are just satire? In making satire, the scripwriter should be a man with responsibility and delicadeza in his application of the truth. Be careful that while there are people made happy laughing by the satire, there are also sensitive people who are worthy of respect and should not be laughstocks or objects of insults. We are not accostumed to it. They can make the people laugh and be happy without offending them. DON`T INSULT OTHERS.
Its satire, folks! I guess Filipinos only understand caca jokes and joke ridiculing blacks, gays, and other Asians. It goes to show that recent situations (Desperate Housewives and now this) that Filipinos are thin skinned when the jokes are on them, but they don't see their own hypocrisy. Wowowee's recent segment where they get Filipinos to try to mimic other languages was offensive to me, I recently watched a Vic Sotto movie and they had a joke about a dark, big lipped negro. Add that to all the gay stereotypes (every Filipino movie), ignorant American (all Sam Milby's roles, because he can't act any other part) stereotypes, greedy, heartless Chinese stereotypes (Mano Po and how they made fun of Chinese traditions), etc.
Get off the high horse please!
@therealdeal: I wrote an entry on this blog about the whole Desperate Housewives hoopla and how it was taken out of context. Unfortunately, the admin as not yet (or will not) publish the entry for some unknown reason. I will send them an email so that they can publish it.
The picture tells it all, its not right to humiliate a person.
i watched that particular episode of the Daily Show and did not find it offensive. it was, in a way, poking fun at the hypocrisy of a nation that's supposed to be the bastion of democracy and equal rights for still assuming that a woman can't be a leader of a country.
to acero, jon stewart and the show's "reporters" have satirized the iranian leaders, north korea, bin laden and al qaeda and other countries/personalities belonging to the "axis of evil" (as bush calls them).
the show doesn't really care what religion or group you belong to. they poke fun on everyone who takes stupidity to new heights (like bush, jon's favorite subject :> ). one time, they even cracked a joke about "hitler anne frank" but it didn't sit well with the audience.
clearly, there was overreaction with cory's case and i bet it came from the people who didn't bother to watch the whole thing before opening their big mouths. the media didn't help either when it didn't explain the context of the skit where the "offending" picture was shown.
as for that desperate housewives barb, i bet the whole brouhaha over the leakage of the nursing board exam had something to do with it.
Hirap kasi sa ating mga Pinoy, masyadong balat sibuyas.
I watched DH and The Daily Show on the actual night it was shown here in Canada and honestly, I do not find it insulting. I was just surprised Pinoys take it so seriously. It is sad to note because Filipinos are only united in these situations and I wish we could altogether work out in making Phil a better country and not focus on these petty stuffs.
I firmly believe we Filipinos are really good and no amount of slur or insult could bring us down! :)
"what the daughter have sown, the mother has reaped"
so Cory should not in any way be too onion skinned
Great dissection of the segment. Some of the comments though...
@Josie S. Araneta
The "slut" is there to simulate a perezhilton type site. It's so outrageous (when applied to Cory) that it's silly to be offended by it.
@barorotroy
Yes, they're allowed to make jokes like that. It's called freedom of speech and it exists even in the Philippines (despite whatever Raul Gonzales may tell you).
No one is insulting Cory, they're just emphasizing how stupid and shallow the segment's main character is.
@Gerardo E
Only if they intended to label her one. But as the blogger explained, it actually is a compliment. To be offended by it just betrays your lack of understanding of satire.
@paetechie
On the contrary, satire is meant to be laughed at but should be taken seriously.
As Lauran Ingraham (lauraingraham.com) said, Jon Stewart is an ignoramus who spews out one liners like an 8 year old. This little man is pathetic and so overhyped. No one takes him seriously. He is a strange abberation and a freak of nature.
it's sad to see filipinos causing such upheavals and noises over minial issues based on stupid shows (that really no intelligent person will want to take seriously). philippines has bigger problems that filipinos should be more concerned about, like the NBN deal, corruptions in the government and so on. filipinos have so much passion and can be a big force when united, but they should learn to channel this passion and force to more important things and not waste so much time over petty stuff--which only make them look desperate...
LOL @ JunPindot:
The dumbest thing I've ever heard. For one thing Jon Stewart's show is a SATIRE on the mainstream news networks in the US. They poke fun on how mainstream media covers the news. His delivery is satire, since his show is on COMEDY network! It doesn't mean the things he cover (current events) are fake, it just means his style and delivery may come off as a real news show, but technically its not. Add to that, Jon Stewart has been right on a lot of things, if you actually believe what you stated, you're obviously don't understand humor or you're conservative. I think its both, since not understanding humor is a distinct conservative trait.
Also, Laura Ingraham is not even a reporter, but a conservative commentator . Main difference - one reports facts, the other just airs out her opinion, which is wrong majority of the time. She even got the nerve to state that reporters are not doing their job in Iraq to report the news, while she sits in her comfy chair at home, those reporters are dodging bullets. So give me a break! To actually listen to you quote Laura Ingraham for inspiration, while degrading Jon Stewart makes me laugh.
Just a note to the blog post's writer: Samantha Bee is really the correspondent's name, so no need to refer to her as "Samantha Bee." She plays numerous personas on the show, though.
As for the issue itself, it is totally a non-issue. Watch the entire segment and note that the "slut" tag was just used as a way to illustrate how odd it is for a supposedly progressive nation to still heap such comments on women and view them as unfit for leadership. People are hyping this up too much, especially online newspapers that use titles like "US Show Call Cory Aquino A Slut," especially when it so obviously didn't.