Jacqueline Arias in CulturePolitics

Makati Mayor Abigail Binay receives racist messages demanding class suspensions

Let’s get one thing straight: It’s never okay to use a racial slur against someone, regardless if it was meant as a joke or not.

Last night, Jan. 14, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay shared screenshots on her Facebook account of kids threatening her if she doesn’t suspend classes amid the Taal Volcano’s eruption. The messages are filled with expletives, including the N-word.

“This is a just one of several private messages I receive on a daily basis,” said Binay. “I see the side of other people’s kids that they don’t show to their parents. What is more scary is there are people who found this post funny!”

When Taal Volcano had a phreatic eruption on Sunday, Jan. 12, Makati was one of the cities affected by the volcanic ashfall. The local government suspended classes for two days in the city.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), air quality in Metro Manila is improving. However, it is still advisable to have protective gear on hand, especially since the Taal Volcano is still on Alert Level 4 and there are reports saying that magma is rising from the volcano.

We understand how frustrating it can be for students when local government units don’t announce school and work suspensions immediately. But you don’t have to spam and threaten a city official to do so.

Also, stop ridiculing people and calling them the N-word because they have dark skin. That word was used by White slaveowners and it is still used by people who want to oppress Black people. Let’s remember the fact that many Filipinos have naturally dark skin, so using a racial slur against them just makes you sound like you’re being prejudiced towards your own race and oppressing those who are different from you.

Photo courtesy of MyMakati’s Instagram account

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