InTact

 

                                                  (image: youtube.com)

Jaon lagi usahay masobrahan an mga sulti…

Cebu Daily News reported on March 13, 2025: The online frenzy over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) intensified when political scientist and media personality Richard Heydarian compared Mindanao to Sub-Saharan Africa.

This sparked an outpouring of criticism from netizens in the Mindanao area, who wasted no time in lambasting the media personality. The backlash quickly escalated, with memes and other humorous content flooding online platforms, mocking the seemingly degrading "analysis" put forth by the figure in question.

Heydarian later shared another video clarifying that his previous remarks had been misunderstood. He explained that he made the comparisons in order to help the international community grasp the context, as terms like *barangays* and *sitios* might not be familiar to a global audience. He emphasized that his intent was to provide a clearer perspective for those outside the Philippines to understand the complexities of the situation.

But what is really the Sub-Saharan Region?

Sub-Saharan Africa refers to the region of Africa located south of the Sahara Desert, encompassing a diverse range of countries, cultures, and ecosystems. It is characterized by a complex interplay of geographic, economic, and social factors. The region includes various climates, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, and has some of the world's most biodiverse areas.

Economically, Sub-Saharan Africa faces numerous challenges, including high poverty rates, limited access to education, and political instability (Moyo, 2009).

Upon reviewing the description, it seems that the analyst’s comparison could have some merit. However, one might wonder: what triggered such a strong reaction from the people of Mindanao?

This writer's reflection focuses on the untimeliness of Heydarian's comments, made when the people of Mindanao were still reeling from the shock and pain of recent events involving their revered leader. His remarks appeared to deepen the wound, adding insult to injury at a time when sensitivity and empathy were most needed.

The personality became TACTLESS. Tact involves understanding the appropriate choice of words and timing, ensuring that communication is sensitive, considerate, and respectful of the situation or the audience. It’s about being diplomatic and using discretion when expressing thoughts or opinions, particularly in delicate or challenging situations.

While it’s true that we have the right to express our opinions and ideas in a democracy, exercising this freedom requires a thoughtful balance between honesty and sensitivity. Applying tact means communicating our views in a way that respects others' perspectives and emotions, ensuring that our words are both truthful and considerate, especially in delicate situations.

Does he deserve the online backlash? This is a reality that all vloggers and bloggers must acknowledge. While the freedom to share content on the internet is a right, it also comes with the understanding that others are equally free to express their opinions—whether positive or negative. When you post for a global audience, you must expect that people will react openly, sharing their thoughts and critiques just as freely as you share your own.

This is why journalism should be studied thoroughly, or at the very least, understood before one takes on the role of an online personality. Concepts like libel, plagiarism, proper writing techniques, syntax, tact, coherence, and the principles of crafting newsworthy stories must be fully grasped in order to apply them effectively.

Otherwise, gobbledygook takes place.