Some people take jokes way too far.
It’s been a wild month for Super Junior fans, and August isn’t even halfway done. ELFs experienced sadness, grief, and anger in the span of one week. They had to deal with a member’s COVID news, the loss of a family member, and a concert postponement. Now, they’re dealing with Tropang LOL and the program’s insensitivity.
One question sparked rage among ELFs during the noontime show’s game segment. It was about which K-pop group canceled their concert after the passing of a member’s father. First of all, the concert is postponed, not canceled. Second, why so tone deaf, Tropang LOL?
Never invalidate someone’s grief
Among those who took offense to the segment was Happee Sy-Go. The event organizer spoke of why fans were mad in a series of tweets.
What happened last August 6 between ELFs and SJ can never be understood by common folks. Only those who had followed them all these years can.. for me, I started last 2009. That’s 13 years of friendship and familiarity.. they have become family.. it was a painful time for all…
— ? HAPPEE ???? (@happeehour) August 11, 2022
She goes on to say that not everything is a joke and that we should not normalize tactlessness. She also pointed out how people make a joke about everything for content. Happee ended the thread by asking for more emphasis on accountability and respect.
That’s not the only mess at Tropang LOL
The other big mess that happened on the show was between Matteo Guidicelli and Alex Gonzaga. Everyone knows that Matteo and Sarah Geronimo are happily married. Despite this, Tropang LOL hosts continue to tease Matteo when they have female guests.
On the same day as the Super Junior incident, Matteo had enough of it and called out Alex’s behavior. Speaking to Alex, Matteo confessed to crying the night before and feeling hurt for his wife. He also asked Tropang LOL to show more respect toward their respective spouses.
Netizens chime in
The hashtag #CancelTropangLOL trended on Twitter for almost 24 hours. Netizens had plenty to say, whether it was for Super Junior or Matteo and Sarah.
And to all those that say we’re being dramatic, I hope you never have to experience your loved ones’ deaths become the butt of the jokes, to have your feelings of loss and distraught be downplayed and become unimportant for the sake of fame or clout #CancelTropangLOL
— el? (@kyutiekyuh) August 11, 2022
Remember when Matteo had so many obstacles just to fight for Sarah Geronimo?
— ?? (@konichiwiser) August 11, 2022
Even the wedding, dami niyang sacrifices to achieve the Happiness na meron sila ngayon and sisirain lang ni Alex Gonzaga NATIONWIDE WOWWWW THE AUDACITY
Netizens also had praises for Matteo and how he handled the situation.
To call out someone’s behavior in a very calm and gentle way is difficult esp if the one involved is your partner. Matteo deserves respect for doing and showing to the world how much he respects his wife, Sarah. May this be a lesson learned for Alex Gonzaga.
— E.S.M.R (@sphirogalaxy) August 11, 2022
Things need to change
Beyond calls to cancel Tropang LOL was a bigger call for change. Netizens pointed out how Philippine comedy still relies on off-color jokes. Think back to how a former president dropped misogynist jokes during formal speeches. The worst part is that it’s the norm.
I hope that with what happened to #CancelTropangLOL many people will realize that most of the comedians in the Philippines are always using someone’s “struggle” “insecurities” “sufferings” and sometimes even “disabilities” to make a joke because they thought its alright
— W??????????L? ??????Djqanwndqq2!!! (@M1n0sjunjuN) August 11, 2022
Another netizen shared their thoughts on canceling Tropang LOL.
Canceling the entire show is unnecessary just because Matteo Guidicelli called out Alex Gonzaga for her extreme behavior.
— MR. HOLMES (@BakerStrLondon) August 11, 2022
One thing is for sure, Matteo loves his wife, Sarah.
The lesson here?
“There is no fun in pun if it becomes uncomfortable.”
Whether the show or Philippine comedy changes, only time will tell.