“Keep that ignorance quiet right there.”

I saw a video of a Filipina partying, she was beautiful. No idea where she lives, who she is, where specifically she came from, but I knew she was Filipina.

The comments of Filipinos? Most of em concentrated on her underarm hair. She was so pretty, and joyful. But you can only see her armpit hair?

I get it. I was judgemental, too. I was childish at some point, too. I’m from the Philippines, too. I understand it is not the norm back home because we were fixated on the “light skinned, and hairless-neck-down” beauty standard. Sure.

But I had a wake up call moving abroad. I was reminded that my mother raised me to be worldly, and aware and respectful of different cultures. I grew up, and I learned and understood the different ways that different countries do things, and that people have the right to do whatever they want with their bodies especially if it’s harmless and makes them feel fantastic, wonderful, and beautiful.

I got it. It’s not YOUR normal. But sweetie, the world is such a big place. You can meet thousands of beautiful women and men and humans in all shades and forms.

Kindly take a step backwards and understand that YOUR normal is not the only standard in this world.

My favorite comedian once said, “oh, no, keep that ignorance quiet right there.”