Cancel Culture in the Philippines
Lea Salonga praised in 2020, blasted in 2021
In 2020, Lea Salonga tweeted, “Dear Pilipinas, p***** ina, ang hirap mong mahalin.” (Dear Philippines, [expletives], it’s tough to love you). It appears to be a jab against Duterte’s leadership.
Lea’s rant (and cuss), although inappropriate was received well, got netizens to say, “We support you,” “That’s free speech,” “Respect.”
The next year, netizens blasted Salong after tweeting, “We were doing so well, what the hell happened?” (referring to COVID response last year). A quick backlash, Pinoy netizens called her out-of-touch, out of reality, appalling, daydreaming.
Manny Pacquiao, praised as a hero, canceled for his “religious rhetoric”
From a Boxing champion to a Senator, some of Manny Pacquiao some fans turned against him. A blog claimed Manny’s victory at the Senate is “Proof Filipinos are idiots.”
Things got worse for Manny when he began quoting Bible verses. A few reckless comments got him into hot water as well.
Brewing “Cancel Culture” in the Philippines may eventually create a new breed of “Woke Netizens”
Big Brother tech Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter gave the public a unique platform to either support or took down a political figure, celebrity, or what have you. However, it can also be used to destroy someone.
Here in the U.S., the “Cancel Culture” snowballed as soon as Trumpism was over. Even atheist Bill Maher, who often cancels conservatives, realized how pernicious the trend is. He said, “The never-ending woke competition’ is destroying America.”
Filipinos need not copy everything the west does. We need to remain strong in our values. Maging magalang at mahinahon! (Be calm and respectful)
