On August 13, 2021, the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok presented a talk “Gender, Media and Language in the Philippines and Thailand: A transnational conversation.” This talk presented cross-cultural perspectives focusing on elements of sexism in languages and the media.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Jayson D. Petras’ talk entitled Linguistic Sexism: Survey of Filipino language in everyday communication examined elements of sexism in Filipino words and expressions. Contrary to the general view on Filipino as a gender-neutral language, this lecture argued that gender was not completely unmarked in Filipino and sex-/gender-based discrimination remained a serious problem in the country. The discussion highlighted the views on gender and sexuality in Philippine society and the issues that existed in this regard.

Dr. Porranee Singpliam’s talk entitled Sexism and Gendered Oppression: An overview in contemporary Thai media explored how sexualities and genders were presented and mediated through the media such as news coverage, statist promotion, or entertainment industry. It offered a review of an ambiguous autonomy, of visibility, and of selective sanction among diverse gender and sexual identities in Thai society. This talk emphasized how different social categories intersected to create oppression to some groups but not the others. It also discussed the mediated influence on the compulsive heterosexuality and homonormativity.

To view the recording, please log on to the Faculty of Arts Facebook page.