The sting of disappointment runs deep among many Filipinos after hearing Shay Mitchell, an actress known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars and Netflix's You, deny her Filipino heritage.
Recently, during an episode of her show Thirst with Shay Mitchell, she described her ethnic background, saying, “My dad’s Irish. My mom’s Spanish. I can drink a lot and then, I get f— spicy.” As someone who has benefited from the following and support of the Filipino community, her words felt like a betrayal to many who see her as part of our representation in mainstream media.
Mitchell’s mother, Precious Garcia, hails from Pampanga, Philippines, making Shay half-Filipino. Fans quickly pointed out that Shay’s response sidestepped her Filipino heritage, leading to a backlash online. Critics accused her of selectively acknowledging her heritage only when it’s convenient—a point underscored by her previous work on the Netflix animated series Trese, where she voiced the main character. Trese is a Filipino graphic novel that dives deep into our country’s folklore and her Filipino roots were a key part of her involvement.
This controversy raises broader questions about identity and the pressures that come with navigating a multicultural heritage. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing and celebrating one’s roots, especially for expats, diplomats abroad, immigrants, and their children.
The risks of denying one’s heritage
We’ve seen mixed-race Filipinos in Hollywood and beyond deny their heritage before. It’s not a new phenomenon. Many have come to realize, however, that denying an obvious part of their identity is neither a good look nor beneficial in the long run, often finding instead that embracing their Filipino heritage brings support and even opens many doors. What makes Mitchell’s comments troubling is how she seems to be regressing in her journey toward embracing her identity.
In past interviews, especially during the promotion of Pretty Little Liars and Trese, Shay spoke candidly about how she once felt ashamed of her Filipino roots but had grown to love and celebrate her identity. She recounted how she used to want to fit in, but had since embraced her own skin and culture. This message resonated with many, serving as a powerful testament to personal growth and acceptance.
Mitchell’s comments illustrate a broader issue faced by many children of immigrants: the struggle to balance multiple cultural identities and find a sense of belonging. In trying to navigate different cultural expectations, some may feel compelled to downplay or even deny aspects of their heritage. This can lead to a loss of cultural knowledge and a disconnect from one’s community.
By now claiming to be Spanish—a claim that further distances her from her Filipino heritage—Mitchell appears to be regressing to a place of denial. This is not just a disservice to herself but also to her fans who found inspiration in her journey of self-acceptance. Such statements undermine the progress she seemed to have made and contradict the narrative of embracing one’s true identity (something she once said she’d like to pass on to her daughters), which she previously championed.
The problem with claiming Spanish ancestry
The assertion that she is Spanish rather than Filipino is especially problematic given the historical context. Spain colonized the Philippines for over 300 years, and while some Filipinos might claim Spanish ancestry, true Spanish bloodlines are exceedingly rare in the Philippines. Historical records suggest that only about two percent of Filipinos have genuine Spanish heritage. The prevalence of Spanish surnames among Filipinos stems from colonial imposition rather than actual lineage. This imposition was a form of erasure and oppression, making it critical for Filipinos to distinguish their own rich cultural identity from our colonial history.
What Mitchell did inadvertently perpetuates a colonial mindset. Many children of Filipino immigrants who grew up abroad often share that their parents encouraged them to assimilate into their new environment, sometimes at the expense of their cultural identity, by not teaching them Filipino or emphasizing their heritage. Some even face ridicule from other Filipinos for not speaking the language. This unfortunate situation could be mitigated if Filipino parents stopped viewing their cultural identity as inferior to that of their foreign partners. Even in the Philippines, we often see children encouraged to speak only in English as a way to seemingly elevate their status in society. While there’s nothing wrong with speaking more than one language, encouragement to forego the vernacular is a damaging byproduct of colonial mentality and even self-loathing. When people downplay or dismiss their heritage, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the erasure of that culture in public consciousness.
We often expect respect from other nationalities, yet many of us still struggle to extend this value to ourselves. How can we expect to be treated with dignity on the international stage when we’re so quick to let go of our own value while putting other nationalities on a pedestal?
Mitchell’s situation serves as a reminder that embracing one’s roots should be consistent and authentic, not selective. Embracing the complexity of having a multicultural background is possible though it does take work. Celebrate all aspects of your identity without feeling the need to simplify or prioritize one over the other. Parents of multicultural kids should also have a strong sense of identity to be able to pass it on to their children and communities should educate, not alienate.
Ultimately, this controversy is a call to action for all of us. Whether we are in the public eye or not, we should strive to understand and honor our heritage, recognize its value, and proudly share it with the world. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more diverse and vibrant global community.