Some sociologists and concerned Filipinos have lamented in the past that many Filipinos have seen only a few ways out of poverty – and one of them is show business.
Have you noticed that many aspiring actors and other talent show contestants would invariably say, “Nais ko pong maging artista upang maiahon ang pamilya ko sa kahirapan”?
Nowadays, however, with the rise of social media, instant-celebrities, and viral content, the line has changed. Now it’s “Nais ko pong maging content creator/vlogger para maiahon ang pamilya ko sa kahirapan.”
Yet we all know that in the Philippines, it’s always what I call the “cesspool content creators” – those who, as I had lamented in past articles, had little to show but half-baked opinions, insults, fake news and stupid stunts – that generate the most views and likes in our own social media sphere.
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For this week’s column, let me emphasize on “stupid stunts,” as was evidenced by two recent incidents of vloggers making total fools of themselves (and endangering their lives) for the pursuit of likes.
In Consolacion, Cebu, a vlogger dressed in a snail costume caused a stir after he crawled right in the middle of a busy street during rush hour, slowing down traffic in the process.
“Kung sa EDSA o sa Commonwealth Avenue niya ginawa iyan, malamang hindi na binuhay iyan,” was the acerbic observation of some netizens.
The vlogger has since posted another video apologizing for the incident, but local police are reportedly determined to file charges against him. (Incidentally, local media said the vlogger's apology had garnered 2.3 million views, 2.5 million likes, 2,500 comments, and 18,200 shares as of March 11.)
In Calinog, Iloilo, another vlogger was caught on video drinking gasoline and bathed himself with it before he touched a stick with flames held by another person. The result was predictable: he suffered third-degree burns and had to be hospitalized.
And this, apparently, wasn’t the first time this particular vlogger put his life in danger: according to a news report, he ate detergent powder and laundry soap and drank bleach and showed it on his social media page.
Holy guacamole! How is this guy still alive?
And the most shocking part? That video of setting himself on fire earned 1,300 reactions, 1,100 comments, and 167,000 shares!
Why in the world are we tolerating – even applauding – such acts that make no sense and even endanger their lives?
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