OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS
By Atty. Gilberto Lauengco, J.D.
There is a new viral video of a female blogger who went inside a grocery freezer to create online content. Apparently, the content creator decided to climb inside the freezer and lie on tubes of ice to get attention and views. Unfortunately for her, the reactions were mostly negative. First, the convenience store owners have decided to take legal action against all those involved with the prank video. Citing health and safety concerns, the store owners vowed to initiate all relevant proceedings against the said persons for compromising hygiene protocols involving the said ice cubes. Second, thousands of netizens bashed the girl in the freezer online relentlessly. Several Filipinos online expressed their frustration and even disgust. Many called the stunt childish, risky and even dangerous.
What is disturbing about the matter is the cavalier attitude that the girl in the freezer has adopted. After issuing a pro forma apology, the said girl attempted to defend her actions by saying she was clean and even said “try again uli”. Clearly, the girl showed neither remorse nor a realization of the error of her ways. Her attitude shows the typical attitude of many of the young content creators. What is worse is that some people are actually supporting her and calling the negative reactions as overreactions.
It must be noted that the convenience store chain management is taking the matter seriously. They intend to take legal action against the content creator for: a) improper use of their store equipment b) violation of food safety standards and c) brand damage. The content creator will surely suffer some consequences because of her acts. If her acts will go unpunished then surely more content-hungry creators will think of more harmful pranks to generate their all-important views.
Enough is enough. The hammer must be brought down hard on these content creators. Before this incident, we had a foreign vlogger who was detained and charged with various criminal offenses for various acts. This should be the policy now. More stringent legislation against these acts must be enacted. Our youth especially must see the consequences of such action lest they emulate the shenanigans of these creators. An example must be given to online creators that if they will suffer extremely negative consequences for their actions. In this way, we can hammer into everyone’s consciousness the aspect of respect towards all. There are things that one must not do as a sign of respect for others. Perhaps, it is time for many to learn that lesson.
