Category Archives: Cross-cultural Communication

When There’s a Will, there’s a Way – Tackling ethnicism

Cross-cultural Communication, immigration and multiculturalism, Societal Issues, Values and Principles,

(This is not AI-generated. It’s the required essay I submitted to Harvard University’s X AESTHINT15 Course “Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking” – 8/8 peer- reviewed and graded)

“I’m not a racist; my sister-in-law is from Asia.”

“I’m not a racist; my best friend is from Africa.”

 “I’m not a racist, but I can’t stand people from that country because …”

These kinds of statements reveal a troubling reality.  Racism, as we once understood it, may no longer exist because biology and skin colour are blurred categories in today’s diverse societies. However, I urge you to look closer. Racism has not vanished; it has shifted form.

That new form is ethnicism.

Ethnicism is discrimination based not on your skin colour, but on your ethnic identity — your language, your nationality, your traditions, or even your accent. Unlike racism, ethnicism can exist between people who appear physically identical.

Ethnicism happens in workplaces when managers promote only those from their own ethnic group, even when others are just as qualified. Ethnicism happens in friendship circles when people whisper, “They don’t understand our humour.” Ethnicism happens in societies when certain groups are stereotyped, excluded, or constantly asked to “prove” where they belong. That single word “they” builds invisible walls that separate people who should be working together.

You might say: “Isn’t this just a matter of personal bias? Aren’t you overthinking everyday preferences or harmless jokes?”

The answer is no. Ethnicism is not harmless.

When we tolerate ethnicism, we limit our future. How many great discoveries, how much art, how much leadership and creativity have we lost because someone’s ethnic background caused doors to close before they had a chance to knock?

Consider the student with a strong accent who is mocked rather than mentored. The job candidate with a “foreign”-sounding surname whose resume is quietly pushed aside. The employee who works hard but never gets promoted because “they don’t quite fit in.” These are not just individual tragedies; they are collective losses. Every time we allow ethnicism to flourish, we silence ideas that could transform industries, communities, even nations.

Addressing ethnicism isn’t just a moral duty; it is a practical necessity. How do we confront this hidden form of discrimination?

Here are three ways.

Words matter

Language shapes perception. Phrases like, “But where do you really come from?” may sound innocent, but they carry heavy implications. They imply exclusion, “You are not truly one of us.” Words can wound or heal. We must choose words that bring people in, not push them out.

Actions matter

Even small actions can move mountains. Do not laugh along when someone mocks an accent. Do not excuse hiring decisions that are clearly biased. Do not overlook exclusion in social circles. Standing by silently is complicity. Speaking up, whether in a boardroom, classroom, or café, signals that ethnicism isn’t tolerated.

Awareness and humility matter

We are proud of our heritage, and rightly so, but pride must never become prejudice. We must examine our own biases honestly, admit when we are wrong, and commit to fairness in daily life. We must see people first as individuals, not as representatives of a stereotype.

Ethnicism may not always make the headlines like racism once did, but it is no less destructive.

Imagine a future where every child, regardless of their accent, surname, or cultural traditions, feels they belong. Imagine workplaces where promotions are earned through talent and merit, not determined by ethnicity or group affiliation. Imagine communities that celebrate our differences, not as divisions, but as sources of strength and unity.

So let us not turn a blind eye to ethnicism. Let us dismantle it wherever it appears. This fight is not only a moral obligation; it is a matter of survival, innovation, and justice.

(I discuss the concept and reality of ethnicity in my book “Where You Are Really From”.)

Connection and Inclusion: Let’s row the boat together

Cross-cultural Communication, language, personal and social development, Societal Issues, society, Values and Principles, ,

Meteorologically, autumn in Europe begins today, September 1 which sounds official, but it just means the calendar is trying to boss us around. Thankfully, the sky is still a cheerful blue, and the air feels like summer forgot to collect its belongings before leaving.

Thus, I wasn’t shocked when one of my friends texted me that she was sitting in the coffee shop right across from my place. What I didn’t expect was that she’d bought “Where You Are Really From.” That’s what true friends do: they buy your books and pop up in random cafés, making your day brighter. Their actions remind us that we share the same boat, and by rowing together, we can reach the shore with strength and safety.”

This friend isn’t into “I, me, and selfie” routine, so you won’t find her in the frame. It’s a pity because you’re missing out on her beautiful Irish smiles — the kind that could probably qualify for cultural heritage status.

“Where You Are Really From” was born from an unholy union of righteous indignation and the unshakable urge to prove a point with footnotes. It all started in October last year at the book fair in Luxembourg. I was having a pleasant, literary day until an American shattered the peace. With the breezy confidence of someone who had just Googled the quote on my stand, he triumphantly declared that I was Filipino. It was not in a curious or conversational tone but in the proud voice of a person who believed he had just discovered me, had planted a flag with a golden sun that symbolises independence and democracy, and was awaiting to be appointed the Philippines’ honorary consul in Luxembourg.

Naturally, I was offended; but rather than trigger an international incident, I chose the nobler path (i.e. weaponising passive-aggressive humour in book form … ha!ha!). It is diplomacy with a smirk, a tasteful hint of reality, and just enough seriousness to keep a straight face.

I began with a table of contents before the actual content, which was like building a menu before learning to cook.  Five months later, in March, I met John (another American), who agreed to be my beta reader. In June, came one more American, Karen! Isn’t this mysteriously coincidental? It is a story that started and concluded with Americans, at a moment in history when their president is not exactly enjoying a wave of global affection.

After some deliberations and numerous cups of herbal tea, I landed on three contenders for the cover. After soul-searching and pixel-pushing, I ended up designing a cover that looked suspiciously like an Australian passport. I wanted to go with the classy French “burgundy” look that I also have, but (apparently) blue covers outsell red ones. (Capitalism – 1, Aesthetics – 0). Then, I resorted to the ultimate decision-making strategy: emailing 17 friends around the world to cast their votes.  My final choice was influenced by this message from my Aussie friend: “Hi Rolade, given the topic, I think that the first cover is by far the best. It is warm and human, the second design is too impersonal for me”.

So, there you have it:“Where You Are Really From” isa journey of identity, accidental offence, new friendship, humour, and a manuscript sprinkled with existential seasoning.