After encountering racist gig requests, Filipina comic Fatimah Dumagay tells reserving brokers: ‘You might have the ability to say ‘no’ to this type of follow, to face up for what is true and to verify everybody’s acquired a good shot’
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A Filipina humorist, who has been a staple of main comedy occasions on this metropolis for years, has decried what she described as a few racist inquiries for gigs that she acquired individually previously three weeks.
“It’s unhappy that we dwell in a rustic that promotes equality and tolerance, but there nonetheless are individuals who, sadly, have this backward mentality, who don’t perceive that racism shouldn’t be cool, that discrimination has by no means resulted to something good,” Fatimah Dumagay, who goes by the stage title, Imah, stated in her Instagram publish.
The matter stemmed from a WhatsApp message Dumagay acquired not too long ago inquiring a few humorist who may carry out quarter-hour at an upcoming company occasion for AED2,000.
“Strictly, no Philippines as per shopper directions,” learn the message that Dumagay shared on her IG publish.
She stated she acquired one other invite weeks later with the identical racist instruction.
“I get it, folks have the fitting to decide on whoever they wish to work with. Okay, preferences are a factor. All of us have them. However this isn’t choice. That is prejudice. When your so-called choice is about excluding a whole group of individuals based mostly on their nationality, you’re not being choosy, you’re being racist.
“It’s disgusting, okay? And by the best way, for those who’re being discriminatory, no less than have the price range to again it up as a result of AED2,000 isn’t precisely premium for that stage of vanity.
“Low-cost and racism don’t combine properly, okay?”
Dumagay stated she at first thought she’d let it go and transfer on.
“However then I acquired one other name with the identical story. It was going okay till I requested him concerning the demographic of the viewers. If they’ve my kabayan Filipinos, and he was like ‘Oh you’re Filipino. Let me first verify with the shopper if she’s okay with this.’ He comes again to me and says, ‘I’m sorry however the shopper prefers a non-Filipino comic.’
“I used to be like, you already know what? Perhaps that is only a one-time factor. However then, twice in three weeks, it’s beginning to really feel like a development and I really feel prefer it’s time to say one thing about this,” Dumagay stated.
Dumagay additionally urged bookers and brokers to not enable this follow.
“Please, let’s not encourage this type of exclusion. I do know on the finish of the day, enterprise is enterprise. Cash talks. However please, can you’re taking it upon your self to boost the usual slightly bit? You might have the ability to say ‘no’ to this type of follow, to face up for what is true and to verify everybody’s acquired a good shot,” she stated.
Dumagay stated brokers making exclusions are limiting themselves, lacking out on a few of the greatest skills.
Feedback on Dumagay’s IG publish, which thus far has greater than 1,300 likes, supported her.
Dumagay, who hails from Cotabato Metropolis, began her profession at small Dubai bars operating open mics in 2018. She went full-time in 2022.
An everyday on the annual Dubai Comedy Pageant since 2020, Dumagay has additionally carried out at Dubai Opera, The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, Pageant Enviornment, and Zabeel Theatre.
Likewise, she has at the moment been doing worldwide gigs, coaching budding comedians and producing reveals. She is co-founder of one of many widespread comedy golf equipment in UAE, Comedy Kix.
She’s going to for the primary time be on the upcoming Abu Dhabi Comedy Week.
Majority of Dumagay’s viewers are non-Filipinos. “Fatimah” is a well-liked Muslim title, following after a number of of Prophet Muhammad’s kin, together with his daughter. – Rappler.com
