You can’t buy class

“Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes.”

This sentence, horrific in both grammatical structure and intention, is the product of Manila Standard Today columnist Malu Fernandez, who suddenly finds herself in the eye of a furious tempest surrounding some very appalling comments she made about Filipino overseas contract workers in her column, Fierce and Fabulous.

While I do join all other Filipino bloggers who have said their pieces about Miss Malu Fernandez, and add my name and voice to the growing list of people seeking her ouster from the Manila Standard Today, I would also like to point out Malu Fernandez is right. Miss Malu Fernandez hit the nail on the head when she wrote the quote at the beginning of this entry: “Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes.”

The Philippines, like any democratic country, does have its social divisions, although rarely do we see the elite flaunt its riches and so-called class so tactlessly and insensitively, as ironically exhibited by Miss Malu Fernandez. This is not the first time I have read potentially controversial pieces by writers blessed to lead lives of privilege and wealth *cough initials CL cough*.

However, never have I read such a brazen display of contempt for the struggling Filipino.

Suffer Miss Fernandez the indignity of Axe Deocologne! Pity the privileged journalist the abhorrent trauma of flying economy!

We do live in a society of haves, have-nots, and wannabes, Miss Malu Fernandez. We, the middle class and masses, have the comfort and joy of an honest day’s work and the privilege of friends and family – here and abroad – who value us for who we are. Sure, we have not bank accounts overflowing with *undeserved* wealth, but at the end of the day, a piping-hot bowl of lugaw is more filling and heartwarming than the little Beluga caviar appetizers they serve over at first-class.

We would never mock the social standing of another human being, Malu Fernandez, for the sake of satire, sarcasm, ‘acerbic wit’ or humor.

There is just no accounting for class, Malu Fernandez, and, sad to say, class is something that, apparently, you have not.

Care to read more? These bloggers weigh in on Malu Fernandez:
Mahaderang matapobre sa OFWs
Still more on ‘La Diva Loca’
The devil wears Jo Malone
The abominable snob-woman
Bitter, spiteful snob
Supilin si Malu Fernandez ng Manila Standard Today
Fire Malu Fernandez, Boycott Manila Standard Today and People Asia Magazine

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