RUSSIAN vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy should have been detained at any city jail in Metro Manila instead of the Bureau of Immigration warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City after making a mockery of Filipino hospitality. That way, he could have learned the “dark side” of Filipinos, courtesy of inmates.
The Russian earned the ire of Filipinos when he harassed passersby at the Bonifacio Global City, took an industrial fan from a restaurant while livestreaming inside a mall, threatened to rob a woman, threatened to eat a dog, grabbed a security guard’s hat, and tried to seize the gun of another security guard.
He is among many pranksters worldwide who have earned notoriety for crossing the boundary between humor and hurting people.
‘Pranking, like everything else, has its limitations. It should never put a person being pranked in an emotionally risky spot or harm.’
Remember that American prankster who was shot in the abdomen by a delivery guy who felt threatened and humiliated by what the prankster was doing? Well, the delivery guy was declared not guilty by a jury.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco were quick to condemn the Russian.
“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable. Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders,” Viado said.
Frasco said the DOT “condemns any form of abusive behavior by tourists, whether it is disrespecting our local culture or violating the rights of individuals. This underscores the government’s unwavering determination in upholding our nation’s laws and ensuring public safety, in line with our shared commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every Filipino.”
Pranking, which has been with us for a long time, used to bring laughter to people and has emerged as one of the most followed genres. But today’s vloggers have turned pranking, which we used to enjoy with shows like “Just for Laughs,” into something else for clicks and views. Often, their pranks become dangerous, irritating, risky and violent, no longer harmless amusement.
Pranking, like everything else, has its limitations. It should never put a person being pranked in an emotionally risky spot or harm. Extreme pranks, especially on unsuspecting persons, must end.
So let this episode about Vitaly Zdorovetskiy serve as a lesson to pranksters, foreigners or otherwise. Don’t underestimate the Pinoy psyche, unless you want your face to be rubbed on dirt or the road or your n_ts kicked in.
