Friday, August 28, 2009

A Stigma As An Iban In Malaysia Part 2

I made this two posts to let you know how i feel this past few years. Most of the people i met would give me that LOOK or totally ignore me because i look like filipino. I admit 4 years in JB, i have noticed some Iban or Bidayuh girl working in pubs & clubs downtown JB although they would tell me they are from elsewhere when i asked them. Some are embarrased to admit it. I don't mind it anyway.

In our street also have Iban ladies work in pubs. I know they are Iban. I'd love to approach them and chat but i believe it is best just to smile and wave from far. I respect their privacy. They came to JB for certain reason. Whatever the work they take must have been the best they can get. At least they earn a living.
Although, not all Iban / Bidayuh girl come here to work in pubs. Some land decent job like engineer, technicians, Store manager, Shop keeper...i know i've met them. They also recognised me as an Iban too. 50.000 Dayak in JB doing just fine after all.

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Location : Restoran F***, Masai . 4 years ago.
A conversation with the restaurant owner.
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Tauke Neo : Oh...so you are from Sarawak? Can eat pork kah?

TLL : Can, why not?

TN : No lah...i heard there are two types of Malay there. One can eat pork, one cannot eat pork.

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So little information that lead to misconception. Sigh! After 4 years staying in Johor Bahru, i am getting fed up and tired trying to introduce myself to people. It was so weird. They have the first impression that i am a foreigner (not ang moh but filipino ) and immediately their body language changed. I feel being double standard almost all the time. Not only because i'm a woman but as a woman with a stigma.
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