Point of View on Jan-Jan
In the official statement of TV-5, it was emphasized that there was no intention to humiliate and abuse Jan-Jan Suan. Nevertheless, the resulting segment was found offensive by a portion of the viewing public. It is not the first time that the show and host Willie Revillame, were seen to be going beyond the boundaries of entertainment in good taste, compromising the dignity of ordinary Filipinos who become part of the show.
Points raised by TV-5 were that the participation was completely voluntary (of course, to win the prize) and that the young boy appeared to be in tears due to reasons other than feeling abused or humiliated (especially because of Bonel Balingit’s presence). But the bottom line is, there had been insensitivity on the part of the staff who could have decided to put the child to rest instead of continuing making fun of / exploiting the contestant.
Moreover, children belong to the sectors that require greater sensitivity and protection. What might have been the psychological effect on Jan-Jan, when he was made to dance repeatedly to the amusement of the audience? After all, the nature of the dance was highly questionable!
If we only find this entertaining instead of a case of child abuse, then something is wrong with our ethical standards. Society should be bothered.
Points raised by TV-5 were that the participation was completely voluntary (of course, to win the prize) and that the young boy appeared to be in tears due to reasons other than feeling abused or humiliated (especially because of Bonel Balingit’s presence). But the bottom line is, there had been insensitivity on the part of the staff who could have decided to put the child to rest instead of continuing making fun of / exploiting the contestant.
Moreover, children belong to the sectors that require greater sensitivity and protection. What might have been the psychological effect on Jan-Jan, when he was made to dance repeatedly to the amusement of the audience? After all, the nature of the dance was highly questionable!
If we only find this entertaining instead of a case of child abuse, then something is wrong with our ethical standards. Society should be bothered.
