Was Desperate Housewives Remark Racist?

I got an email from Rob Klaproth this morning that points to a scene in a recent episode of well-known TV show Desperate Housewives, which he and his Filipino boyfriend found offensive and racist.

In this particular scene, Susan Mayer Delfino, played by actress Teri Hatcher, is talking with her doctor (Nathan Fillion), which, I presume, is her OB-Gyn. She then tells him this line which marked the spot:

Okay, before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? Cause I would just like to make sure they are not from some med school in the Philippines.

Filipinos are talented and smart (but kinda stupid, yeah), and I can’t understand why a show like Desperate Housewives would stoop so low as to offhandedly throw an insult just like that. I know a couple of medical professionals who graduated in reputable medical schools in the Philippines. I know some medical students studying in “some med school in the Philippines.” They are all passionate and good doctors (but, mind you, I still disagree with the planned hospital holiday in private hospitals), so it escapes the mind why such a remark has been made, and what they think of the Filipino medical professionals in other countries.

I’ve never watched a single episode of Desperate Housewives, and right now, I’m glad that’s the case. I have quite a different taste when it comes to TV shows.

Here's the scene:


Hmmmmm.... interesting.... I found it actually funny.... I think the source of this is getting to be a bit overreacting....

Misteryosa