This statement was posted by my friend Chabeli in my comments box.
Chabeli wrote: For whatever its worth, thought of sharing the statement of Malu Fernandez which I just posted.
Statement from Malu Fernandez on the Controversy Sparked by the June 2007 Column in People Asia entitled, 'From Boracay to Greece!'
I do hope that this will finally settle the issue of Malu Fernadez's uncalled for comments which has affected our OFWs. I also hope that this be a lesson that humor and wit should be used with civility and sensitivity. Mainstream Media should be aware that readers will always react to columns which are close to their hearts.
Editors are responsible for what their columnists write. This would have been a non-issue had the editors done their jobs.
Chabeli wrote: For whatever its worth, thought of sharing the statement of Malu Fernandez which I just posted.
Statement from Malu Fernandez on the Controversy Sparked by the June 2007 Column in People Asia entitled, 'From Boracay to Greece!'
"I am humbled by the vehement and heated response provoked by my article entitled, 'From Boracay to Greece!' which came out in the June 2007 issue of People Asia. To say that this article was not meant to malign, hurt, or express prejudice against OFWs now sounds hollow after reading through all the blogs from Filipinos the world over. I am deeply apologetic for my insensitivity and the offensive manner in which this article was written. I hear you all and I am properly rebuked. It was truly not my intention to malign, hurt, or express prejudice against OFWs.
As the recent recipient and target of death threats, hate blogs, and deeply personal insults (ranging from my weight to my looks), I now truly understand the insidiousness of discrimination and prejudice disguised as humor. Our society is bound together by the human chains of kindness and decency. I have failed to observe this and am now reaping the consequences of my actions. It is my fervent hope that the lessons that Ive learned are also not lost on all those who, through anonymous blogs, engaged in bigotry, discrimination, and hatred (against overweight individuals, for example).
I take full responsibility for my actions. My friends and family have nothing to do with this matter. As I have tendered my resignation letters to both the Manila Standard and People Asia, may this matter be laid to rest."
I do hope that this will finally settle the issue of Malu Fernadez's uncalled for comments which has affected our OFWs. I also hope that this be a lesson that humor and wit should be used with civility and sensitivity. Mainstream Media should be aware that readers will always react to columns which are close to their hearts.
Editors are responsible for what their columnists write. This would have been a non-issue had the editors done their jobs.
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