It's important to understand that this term is no longer considered appropriate and is seen as offensive and outdated. It carries the baggage of colonialism and the hierarchy imposed by Spanish rule, where Filipinos were considered inferior to Spaniards.
Here's why the term is problematic:
* Colonial Hierarchy: "Indio" was used by the Spanish to denote a category of people considered less civilized and inferior to Europeans.
* Dehumanization: It reduces Filipinos to a single label and ignores their diverse cultures and identities.
* Historical Context: The term reflects a period of oppression and exploitation, and using it today can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Instead of "Indio Filipino", we should use respectful and accurate terms like:
* Filipino
* Indigenous Filipino
* Native Filipino
It's crucial to be mindful of the history and implications of the language we use, especially when referring to marginalized groups.