The Igorot is a Myth

While there is now a better understanding of the Igorot as physically and culturally different from the rest of Philippine society, there is still a lingering negative point of view about them from the cultural majority. Blame it on the wrong depiction or representation of the Igorot in books and mass media; blame it on the little information people have about them which in their own little worlds have become gospel truths; blame it on the Igorot himself who has become resentful of anything Igorot and has become defensive, at times offensive in dealing with issues about his Igorotness; blame it on a lot of factors - still, the fact remains, for some, the Igorot is a myth.

MYTH: Igorots have tails.

FACT: Traditionally, male Igorots used loin cloths [wanes] and the females wore belts [bakget] over their skirts [tapis]. Both garments are worn with a considerable length of threads hanging from behind, hence were mistaken to cover a tail.

MYTH: Igorots are dark, short and kinky-haired.

FACT: The word Igorot is a general term that refers to the people of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges, home to several ethno-linguistic groups like the Kankanaeys, Kalanguyas, Bontoks, Ifugaos, Kalingas, Itnegs, Ibalois and many others; and like many Filipino cultural groups, they share similar physical characteristics which are quite different from the Pygmies [Negritoes, Aetas, Ita, Agta] of Pampanga, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon and Negros. The Igorots are generally medium built but one can find really short or tall individuals; they are mostly from fair to very dark-skinned and have a straight hair. Some do have curly hair, specifically from among the Bontoks. Physically, the Igorots are generally similar with the Filipino majority.

MYTH: All Igorots eat dogs.

FACT: Dog eating has been a way of life for a lot of people, not only in the Cordilleras, but also in many parts of Southeast Asia and China until the birth of animal rights movements. Dog meat is believed to keep the human body warm during cold seasons and a rich source of protein. Like all the other farm animals, the dog is treated with respect but with the purpose that soon it will end up on the table. Nonetheless, dog eating is now down to one's personal preference for many Igorots and is not and has never been a matter of cultural practice.

MYTH: Igorots are [like any taga-bundok] poor, uncivilized, uneducated and they lack manners.

FACT: The provinces of the Cordilleras have been listed as some of the poorest provinces in the Philippines but this does not mean that one's economic status is directly related to one's ethnicity. All cultural groups in the Philippines have their share of rich and less previleged individuals and to say that one group is better off than the other is wrong, unless one talks about government negligence on the welfare of certain cultural groups. On the other hand, coming from the mountains and being poor have nothing to do with being civilized, educated or having good manners. Even the most shrouded hermit gains wisdom and education in his seclusion.