A troubling video has recently circulated on social media, capturing a heated exchange between a Filipina and a non-Filipino passenger aboard a train in Hong Kong. The Filipina, who was carrying two Jollibee chicken buckets, was mocked and called “fat,” with the other passenger accusing her of taking up more than her share of the seat.
What began as an isolated insult quickly escalated, drawing in other Filipino domestic workers and exposing deeper prejudices.
Racism, in all its forms, continues to affect people across the world. It can be blatant or subtle, physical or verbal, just like the video above showed. Whether it takes the form of mocking someone’s accent, refusing service, online slurs, unequal pay, or physical intimidation, the emotional and psychological impact is very real.
Many individuals—especially those working or living in foreign countries—have encountered discrimination based on their appearance, nationality, language, or assumed social class.
This guide aims to help people of all backgrounds understand how to respond when they experience or witness racism, whether at home, in public, at work, or online.
Recognizing the issue
Understanding what racism looks like is the first step. Sometimes it’s obvious: being called a racial slur, being excluded from a social activity, or being physically threatened. Other times, it appears as microaggressions; offhand comments that stereotype or belittle someone’s identity, or policies that disadvantage certain groups.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States. Notably, an elderly Filipino-American woman was physically assaulted in New York on March 2021. A study released by Morning Consult highlighted that over 50% of Filipino adults living in the United States have experienced racism firsthand. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Filipino immigrants in the United States were subjected to racially motivated violence.
The kafala system, prevalent in several Middle Eastern countries, ties migrant workers’ legal status to their employers. This arrangement can severely restrict workers’ rights, making it difficult for them to change jobs or leave the country without their employer’s consent.
Such dependency has led to widespread abuses, including non-payment of wages, overwork, and physical and psychological maltreatment. A tragic case where the body of Joanna Demafelis, a Filipino domestic worker, was discovered in a freezer in Kuwait, showing signs of torture and strangulation.
In 2020, the Philippine Senate Labor Committee reported 4,302 cases of maltreatment of Filipino workers in the Middle East, underscoring the persistent nature of these abuses despite ongoing reforms.
Cultural biases and xenophobia further exacerbate the challenges faced by Filipino workers. In 2018, Kuwaiti influencer Sondos Alqattan sparked outrage by criticizing new labor laws that granted Filipino domestic workers a weekly day off and prohibited employers from confiscating their passports.
Staying calm and safe
If you find yourself facing racism, the first and most important thing is to remain calm. Emotions may naturally flare, especially when you’re hurt or shocked, but your safety must come first. If the situation seems dangerous, step away if possible.
Try to remember the details about the incident: the time it occured, the location where it happened, what was said or done, and who was involved, as this can be important later if you decide to report it. Even if you do not plan to pursue formal action, having a clear memory can help you process the experience more clearly and share it with others.
Responding with dignity
In many cases, it is appropriate and even empowering to respond assertively. Calmly telling someone that their behaviour or comment is inappropriate can help set boundaries and draw attention to the issue. You do not need to shout or argue.
A simple, firm response such as, “That comment is not acceptable,” or “Please don’t speak to me like that,” can be enough to challenge the behaviour while maintaining your own dignity.
That said, responding is always a personal choice. If you are too distressed or afraid, it is perfectly okay to walk away and seek support instead. Your emotional wellbeing is just as important as speaking out.
Finding support
Experiencing racism can leave you feeling isolated or powerless, but you are not alone. Talking to trusted friends, co-workers, or community members can help you process your emotions and gain perspective.
Many countries have cultural or migrant resource centres that offer both emotional and legal assistance to people affected by racism. For those living or working abroad, embassies or consulates may be able to provide guidance or support as well.
Seeking professional counselling is also a valuable step, especially if the experience has affected your confidence, mental health, or sense of safety. Counsellors trained in cross-cultural issues can offer a safe space to talk through your feelings without judgment.
Reporting racist incidents
In many countries, racism is not only unacceptable, it is illegal. If you’ve experienced discrimination in the workplace, at school, while renting a property, or in public services, you have the right to report it.
Most employers have anti-discrimination policies in place, and human resources departments are expected to take such complaints seriously. If the incident occurred in a public space, you can often report it to the police or to a human rights commission.
Legal frameworks vary by country, but many provide strong protections:
- In Australia, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, descent, or ethnic origin.
- In the United States, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment on the basis of race or national origin.
- In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from racial harassment and discrimination.
- In Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act covers racial discrimination in federally regulated activities.
- In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10929 (Anti-Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Discrimination Act) outlines penalties for discrimination, particularly in schools, workplaces, and public services.
Knowing your rights helps you act with confidence and ensures that racism is addressed through proper channels.
Choosing education over retribution
There may be times when the person who made a hurtful comment did not fully understand its impact. In situations where you feel safe and emotionally ready, calmly explaining why a remark or action was offensive can promote awareness and understanding.
Personal stories often have more power than abstract arguments. Many people don’t realise the effect their words or assumptions have until someone points it out with clarity and respect.
Of course, educating others is not your obligation—especially if you’re the one being targeted. But if you feel up to it, it can turn an ugly moment into a learning opportunity.
Standing up for others
You don’t have to be the direct target of racism to respond. Being a bystander who speaks up can make a significant difference. If you witness someone being harassed or mistreated because of their race, you can offer support by standing nearby, interrupting politely, or checking in with the person afterward. Showing solidarity sends a powerful message—not just to the aggressor, but to everyone watching.
Allyship means using your voice to support those who are silenced or mistreated. It could be as simple as saying, “That’s not right,” or helping someone file a complaint. Together, small acts create a culture where racism is less likely to be tolerated.
Racism is a global problem, but collective action, legal protections, and growing awareness are making change possible. Responding to racism isn’t just about confronting individuals—it’s about building a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
No matter where you come from or what language you speak, you have the right to live, work, and grow without being judged by the colour of your skin or your heritage. And by standing up—not with hate, but with courage and humanity—you help move the world toward justice and equality.