Tag Archives: Meredith Talusan

The meaning of Fairest

With Fairest coming to an end in chapter 17 (no title), the audience is met with an even more curious Meredith Talusan, who is seen reading for The Vagina Monologues in October of 2001. After having read aloud to a group of undergrad women, one of the producers had bluntly asked her what reason she had for participating in this show, which Talusan had answered honestly. This experience led her to be more open with strangers, although, not everyone appreciated her honesty. For example, when discussing with other transgender women in an online chat room called, “TGForum”, she noticed that most women there believed that if they passed as a woman (physically), then they should be shut about being trans, which Talusan did not concur with. “A lot of the girls there took that as judgment of their choices, which left me isolated even among trans people. But I couldn’t help feeling that withholding my history not only implied I was ashamed of it but also sacrificed too much of myself and my life,” (Talusan, 2020). Though her stance wasn’t taken in with open arms by others in that part of the trans community, the way Talusan expressed herself in that brief moment was integral to the meaning of transgender. This read was definitely worth while, and while I don’t feel the same way they do, I respect them for what they are.

https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/18/plume-is-building-a-healthcare-service-specifically-for-the-transgender-community/

Separation and Distance in Fairest

As we enter chapter 13, “LADY WEDGWOOD, 2000–2002,” Meredith Talusan discovers a predicament that occurred by not having gone back home in 10 whole years. When she returned to the Philippines, she was greeted by bittersweet tears from her family, especially from her grandmother. Although this was a fond memory to take note of, Talusan realizes how long she hasn’t kept in touch properly with her family, and what effect it could have on their relationship. “It was Nanay Coro’s voice I picked out among the relatives who called my name, and my grandmother greeted me with a gush of tears, lamenting that I had not seen my grandfather before he died. As we hugged, I wished I’d kept in better touch, but I was too busy earning the life she wanted for me, too focused on notches of achievement instead of sentimental letters or expensive calls.” (Talusan, 2020). After being told of the news of her grandfather’s passing, Talusan could see how distant she was, but as it goes without saying, nothing comes without risks. I’ve had quite a few distant relatives of my own, and as tenacious as they were, they all ended up severing ties with me and other relatives of mine. Obviously, this doesn’t compare with Talusan, but with the right mindset, this type of action can have positive effects that outweigh the negative in life, even if it means not keeping in touch with one’s own family for a while, I’ve definitely been there myself.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/technology/coronavirus-how-to-live-online.html?smid=url-share

Meredith Talusan’s, “Fairest”

At the start of the book, we’re introduced to the first chapter, “Sun Child, 1980-1990,” and I noticed that the title is connected to the first paragraph, which speaks of a child who’s born with pale skin. Though, this was not seen as a good thing, as it was usually a warning to mothers not to stay in the sun for too long.  Miraculously, Talusan wasn’t completely blind, which was what allowed Talusan to read, which is why she enjoys reading to begin with. Later in the text, she quotes her grandmother, who had felt much appreciation for her granddaughter, and somewhat discontent with the skin she was in herself. “‘This is because you are fair and beautiful,’ she said, ‘not dark and ugly like me.’” (Talusan, 2020). This would imply that her grandmother has a different view of people compared to those around her, and challenges the idea that a child with pale skin is not something that should be labeled as ‘taboo’, but rather should be revered as part of one’s community. While this can be seen as discrimination towards oneself, I feel as though it’s more related to the idea that she was tired of the views her people had, and forced onto others, because of her ‘normal’ skin color.

After getting a brief look into who Talusan is, it’s safe to assume that she’s gone through much struggle within the start of her life, and will most likely have issues to overcome in the future (which will be seen in later chapters of the book). 

How it all started

Talusan, Meredith. Fairest: A Memoir. Penguin, 2021. Print.