Mel & Iz on being objectified as South East Asian women, dating traumas, microaggressions, beauty standards, and tokenism

There’s lots to unpack in this ep! Sit down with hosts Melissa and Isabelle as they rawly explore the complexities of being British-Filipino women in the UK and share their personal experiences growing up as Southeast Asian women in London.

They delve into topics like the fetishisation, objectification, and reduction of Asian female bodies - particularly in the context of interracial dating - and their experiences growing up in during the era of the ‘white boy default’. They also share experiences of microaggressions in professional spaces and the dynamics of working in predominantly white environments, plus the importance (and privilege) of being able to advocate for oneself.

Mel and Iz also discuss societal beauty standards in the Philippines, skin whitening culture, and the pressure to conform to Western ideals, sharing anecdotes about feeling othered when in the motherland. Family expectations, religion, and the experience of being the "Token Asian" in social circles are also examined, alongside the outrageous things that ignorant people sometimes say. Oof.

They end with celebrate the positives of belonging to the diaspora, and how far culture has evolved since they were teenagers. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review, subscribe & share! If you have any questions, drop us a DM at https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies

Melissa - https://www.instagram.com/instagram.com/illumelation

Isabelle - https://www.instagram.com/instagram.com/lethal_izzle

Editing: Gabby Lauren

Music: Muri & Lustbass

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