By Miggy Cruz
In “Filipino Sea Men: Identity and Masculinity in a Global
Labor Niche,” McKay discussed the emergence of Filipino sea men and how
societal stratification affected their lives both on this “third space” and while
they are back in the Philippines. McKay discussed Filipino demographics on ships,
and examined the ethnic hierarchy separating crewmembers. A large majority of
the Filipinos worked the lowest paid jobs. Also, he analyzed “masculinity,” and
relating it back to Filipinoness. Some
took pride in their work, while continually disproving the idea that Filipinos
are generally subservient and feminine.
With the Philippines’s constant promotion of the “Bagong
Bayani” to the Oversees Filipino Workers (OFWs), I do not think it is simply a
way to show gratitude for the sacrifices made by the these Filipino workers. It
is a way of the Philippine government to continue bringing in remittances to
the country, so that they could use that money, not on the people but
elsewhere. I agree with the seafarer who coined the term “Gagong Bayani,” (77). These Filipinos have proven their skill and
masculinity in the different niches respectively, but because they lack the ability
to move up in rank, they can still be classified as “less masculine” say
compared to the German seafarer.
Question:
How does this discussion of Filipino seafarers compare
to the Filipino nurses overseas? Similarities and differences, comparing male
and female Filipinos.
Sources:
McKay, Steven C. “Filipino Sea Men: Identity and Masculinity
in a Global Labor Niche.” Asian Diasporas.
Ed. Rachel S. Parreñas and Lok C.D. Siu. Stanford, California: Stanford
University Press, 2007. 63-83. Print.
The Seafarer Times. “They face no only the issues of
salaries and benefits, but also the problem of safety at work.” Safety4Sea. The Seafarer Times. 30 Sept
2011. Web. 20 Nov 2015.
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