What’s wrong with these vloggers-turned-pseudo fighters?
The most recent trending videos showing the so-called YouTube sensations cursing against one another, exchanging blows, and unleashing appropriate words in face-off rites before their supposed showdown sets a bad example of how sports should be played.
Whether scripted or not, their antics denigrate the sport of boxing and martial arts sport and put to shame the honorable men and women of professional prizefighting.
Worse, with millions of viewers and most of them probably minors, the videos showed the regularity of violence and disrespect to what is supposed to be a sports battle among gentlemen.
In this age of open era of information where social media can be accessed by as young as a toddler enough to hold and watch on a smartphone, these kinds of shows—or whatever kind of trash these might be called—are setting off a decaying generation.
The government should start flexing its muscle and stomping its feet on these low-lifers on social media.
If mainstream media like TV and movies have the MTRCB, should the Department of Information and Technology be given the power to take action on social media platforms that abuse their freedom or go beyond the standard?
Or the Games and Amusement Board should step in and check the activities of the organizers and promoters if these supposed sporting activities have acquired the necessary permits from the government.
If it’s a combat sports activity done to earn money either through online viewing or gate attendance, the fighters and officials must have mandatory licenses to be allowed to proceed and perform.
Otherwise, it can be considered an underground fight that can be stopped or raided by the authorities.
The time is now to put a stop to these kinds of videos that smack of violence and indecency.