It’s no laughing matter to realize that the so-called mainstream media most Filipinos are exposed to these days can really dumb down a generation. I am deeply concerned about a story I heard about filmmakers speaking to some kids in Malaybalay, Bukidnon who were asked what they aspired to become. Their daunting reply: to become one of the dancers of Wowowee.
I don’t mind gregarious lunch time entertainment but some things are definitely exaggerated. The usual exchange between Willy and his contestants is only humorous when the latter is made fun of. Touching, maybe, but their momentary joy in being part of the festivities hardly compensates for the reality after the show. Moreover, the mechanics of acquiring the coveted cash prize has been a guessing game for the most part. And self-jest. Filipinos are used to it, we can argue, we’re all good sports – that’s always good. But the image you put forth is that when it comes to poverty, nothing lifts the spirits but a game of chance. And that’s why kids would rather be good at dancing for Wowowee someday. Easy money.
But nothing is easy. While Wowowee was playing on, if you go through the other channels, you’ll find that news about corruption in our country is at a plethora. A mind numbing plethora. I bet so many people count more on “Papi” than they do on our nation’s leaders. The reason why we turn to the horse blinds is because we don’t want to see. Numerous Filipino viewers have self-denial in their psyche. It’s too painful to watch your struggling life and its entire infrastructure crumble to the ground.
And why has everyone forgotten about the Wowowee stampede? I can’t imagine why such a display of recklessness had been easily forgot. I’m so angry. Are people simply apathetic or pathetic these days? There’s a fundamental difference, and neither is the other’s consolation prize.
www.kim.southisms.com
#1 by iceman9 - November 24th, 2008 at 21:41
phew! its hard to believe things like are happening like these days! well no one can blame them, they’re willing to sacrifice their dignity simply to feed their stomachs.
#2 by bitch varsity - December 3rd, 2008 at 09:11
and i thought wowowee was like, a celebration of humanity =)
#3 by Abaniko - December 13th, 2008 at 01:43
This is the reason why I don’t watch TV except probably for occasional news to get updated with the current events. TV makes me feel I’m wasting my time. I’d rather blog.
#4 by Kim - January 5th, 2009 at 01:53
Comment for Southisms
@iceman 9 – I’m just disappointed at how little consciousness is ever put in to their programming. And how people respond to them is circumstantial.
@bitch varsity – I suppose I can say I am aware of what you’re talking about, however, to me it’s humanity to a fault. I believe that all media generates knowledge. I think the flow of information and how this information is used to manipulate people.
@Abaniko – In Television’s defence, I don’t think it’s a waste of time. You can learn from it. Problem is where to look to learn what can set your mind free rather than inhibit its potential.
#5 by khangkhung - January 27th, 2009 at 18:33
Wowowee is an illusion the mass can’t recognize. Although the show is a short-term solution to make ends meet for people that are ‘poor’, its effect on people’s consciousness is detrimental. Not that the mass understand this though.
#6 by Kim - January 28th, 2009 at 23:24
@ khanhkhung – For some reason, Plato’s Cave comes to mind.
#7 by khangkhung - February 5th, 2009 at 22:17
And I’m supposed to be the guy that gets mobbed by the prisoners? hehe.
#8 by davao blog - February 25th, 2009 at 17:16
I don’t think the problem is Wowowee. A healthy life is filled with balance. Work, play, education, family. I don’t even understand most of what is said on Wowowee, but it is entertaining and it certainly makes my wife laugh.
There’s hundreds of “mind-numbing” shows in every nation. In fact, the top shows in the Philippines right now seem to be Betty La Feya, Philippines Survivor, American Idol. Do any of these have any redeeming qualities? In the US there’s long running shows that are similar (The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune). Few TV shows have quality better than Wowowee.
Certainly if someone accomplishes nothing during the day besides watching Wowowee, obviously they have a problem. Same is true of any TV show.
There’s alot of poverty in the Philippines, with few options for people to work their way out of it. In the United States, many work their way out of ghettos by being really good at basketball and aspiring to do sports. Being a dancer on Wowowee isn’t much different in that aspect. Can you imagine anything off the top of your head that would guarantee a girl to make nearly as much money? (Aside from being a prostitute or marrying a foreigner 30 years older than her.)
Wowowee is good entertainment. So is going out to the movies, or taking a trip to Samal Island. Taken in moderation with everything else in a healthy life, its a good thing.
In many cases, people watch Wowowee to cheer themselves up from the poverty they endure every day. In that case, Wowowee is a better option than alcohol?
I like the Philippines culture, Wowowee included. There is alot of poverty here for certain, and in general I don’t notice a strong desire for people to get ahead, work really hard strategically planning a business and making investments. That has to do with many things, I just don’t think Wowowee is one of them, or at worst its merely a symptom but certainly not the cause.