Nagsalita na ang Filipino-American runway model na si Leyna Bloom sa mga nagsasabing hindi siya Pilipino dahil mas pinangangalandakan niya ang lahing banyaga.
Naging matunog ang pangalan ni Bloom matapos niyang walisin ang claims na si Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach ang kauna-unahang Pilipinang rumampa sa L'Oreal Fashion Show, kaya't maituturing na makasaysayan.
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MAKI-BALITA: Leyna Bloom, may sinabi kay Pia Wurtzbach matapos sumunod sa yapak niya
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Makikita sa Instagram post ni Bloom ang paliwanag niya tungkol dito.
Mababasa, "In the past 24 hours, I’ve heard the painful reminder that I’m “not Filipino enough” how many times I heard this my whole life. It’s hard to understand how the Philippines, with its rich blend of cultures Spanish, American, Japanese, and even the most important African."
"These diverse influences have shaped us beautifully, yet internalized racism often robs us of our unique essence. It’s heartbreaking to witness how, as we strive for progress, we sometimes forget who we are and where we come from. The Philippines has been shaped by many nations, but in that process, it feels like our collective soul has been fractured. We have so much soul-searching to do as a nation."
"As someone caught between the complex legacies of America and the Philippines as a by product of war, I feel this burden deeply. Despite my accomplishments in film, fashion, and other creative endeavors, my own country often fails to see me as a true representative."
"Does my skin, my hair, and my African heritage mixed with Filipino really threaten a country that prides itself on healing people around the world? How contradictory is that?"
"Those in power question my credibility and authenticity, while children of mixed heritage with white foreigners receive more recognition and value than even full-blooded Filipinos."
Masakit daw para kay Leyna na hanggang ngayon ay may "colorism" pa rin kahit 2024 na.
"It’s painful because there’s so much beauty and strength in our Filipino identity, yet colorism and a preference for “foreign” continue to persist."
"The notion that lighter skin or Western features are more valuable is a lasting impact of our colonial history, affecting how we view ourselves and each other."
Panghuli, "Philippines is home to incredible talent, yet we struggle to embrace and celebrate who we truly are. We need to reclaim our identity, honor our roots, and challenge the colonial mindset that has caused us so much pain for too long. This is the internal and external work we need to do the most as a society and country as a whole."
