Of TV Patrol and the Hunger Games on TV

So President Aquino publicly scolded (or alluded to) former Vice President Noli De Castro, berating him for having been purportedly negative and critical toward his administration through his comments on TV Patrol (and Aquino did so on the news program’s 25th Anniversary, no less). He laments that De Castro was given ample time and influence when he was Vice President to correct all those he thought was wrong with how the country was being run, from infrastructure (NAIA 1) to basic services, yet he supposedly never did anything. Fair enough. That’s the president’s opinion.

But even a modicum of manners is enough to say that the president’s choice of venue and timing is ill-advised. Though I am not surprised (this forthright but rather crass approach is something this particular president has apparently made a habit of), and though he does make a point in saying there’s much negativity in media, it still doesn’t justify pulling off a stunt like he did.

Some people defend his actions saying that he was only speaking of the truth, that at least, this president speaks the truth of his heart. Of all people, I should appreciate it when people go out of their way to be honest and straightforward, but there is a line that’s drawn to keep us from saying the truth all the time. That line is called many things: manners, respect, decorum, propriety, decency. Sometimes, it’s just timing.

Those who defend him and this insolent performance ought to be careful; saying it’s okay because he was saying the truth anyway is like giving just about anyone the license to say the truth at your expense, to purposely embarrass or shame you. Imagine inviting someone to your birthday party, a ‘frenemy’ who has a knack for ‘telling the truth.’ What if the truth is you’re ugly (by universal superficial standards), or that you’ve black underarms, or that you have halitosis, do you think it appropriate for your guest to declare any of these out loud for all your guests to hear even if it’s the truth? Most certainly not.

I know this is so two weeks ago, the act has been executed and the damage has been done. I just hope the President stops complaining of the generally favorable coverage he’s been getting from the media, and most especially against how they report the news. There’s such a thing as editorial freedom, and in the case of TV Patrol, the fact that they subscribe to tabloid TV news programming kind of gives them the leeway to editorialize, don’t you think? He should simply count his blessings; if Arroyo enjoyed the same positive (more like biased) reportage from mainstream media (particularly the Philippines’ largest network), she might’ve been even more successful in effecting change and pushing for her national agenda.

Also, if the President earnestly wants to challenge media organizations to be his valuable co-agents in nation-building, his tirade should’ve been less focused on how news is delivered (and what kind of news is delivered), and more focused on network programming in general. Focusing one’s criticism on news in the face of all that’s twisted and perverse in entertainment media is missing the point big time.

I am not a fan of news reports on fires, erring cops, murders, in other words, “negative news,” those that supposedly discourage tourists from coming over and paint a bleak image of our country overseas. But these things are reported in other countries too, and these never deter tourists from visiting them. I think the problems is attitudinal and behavioral, a matter of mindsets.

And much to do with this mindsetting is the kind of network programming we have. The “Hunger Games” that pervade noontime and primetime television—where the less fortunate are enticed to subscribe to a life of mendicancy (or living vicariously) through the triumphs of contestants in get-rich-quick games—has perhaps damaged the Filipino psyche more than any news program has. This, along with the reality shows that have somehow made show business and superstardom the ultimate goal of our youth, ahead of an education, ahead of erstwhile dreams of being a doctor, lawyer, engineer, writer, or artist.

 This, this should be the president’s target. Network programming, not Kabayan’s side comments, no, that’s too small time. Besides, Kabayan’s side comments are also spoken from the truth of his heart (Get real, NAIA 1 IS UGLY). Again, network programming. 

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