For all the imperfections Pinoy Big Brother has had, they really did something right during last night’s episode.
Banjo Dangalan was kicked out after he told a rape joke toward his fellow housemate. “Siguro masarap itong katabi pagtulog,” (I think it would be great to sleep next to him) he said, pertaining to Gino Roque IV. “Pagsasamantalahan ko lang ito. Paggising nito, wala na ‘tong saplot.” (I’ll just take advantage of him. When he wakes up, he won’t have clothes.)
Some of the female housemates talked to Big Brother (aka “Kuya”) about the incident, noting how uncomfortable it made them feel. “Yung mga ganung biro, alarming yun e. Sa lalaki mo binibiro pero may mga babae,” (Those kinds of jokes are alarming. You tell that to guys while women are around) Jamie Salenga said in the confession room.
Kuya later talked to Banjo and told him that such jokes aren’t welcome in the Big Brother House, especially since this wasn’t the first time he has made such comments. He also cited the rule that prohibits inappropriate language toward fellow housemates. Banjo was later force-evicted from the house.
This move is important since we live in a society where rape jokes are prevalent—so much that we hear it from our own president. For a primetime show like Pinoy Big Brother to condemn such actions from a housemate is a big deal. It means a lot of people got to see it and hopefully learned from it.
READ MORE: How rape culture starts with simple words
But based on the comments on Pinoy Big Brother‘s Facebook page, it seems some can’t tell the gravity of telling rape jokes compared to seeing two consenting adults kiss on TV.
Several netizens are saying Kuya should have punished those who made out on the show before, and not just Banjo who made a “joke.” One noted that if Banjo did the same, he would probably be in the Big 4—which is obviously a jab at Lou Yanong and Andre Brouillette.
The real-life couple met in the Big Brother House and were in the middle of a “controversy” after a party. We say that with quotation marks because seeing two consenting adults be affectionate shouldn’t be a huge issue in the first place.
READ MORE: #PBBTheKiss: When a kiss turns into a scandal and a woman is slut-shamed
Further, netizens emphasized that the forced eviction was unfair because they believe Banjo didn’t mean it. It’s the same comment when Pres. Duterte would tell an inappropriate joke, and his supporters and aides would make excuses for him. Certain actions can have consequences and Banjo got his after saying in national TV that he will take advantage of someone in bed. That is cause for alarm.
And don’t give us the excuse that kids shouldn’t see housemates kissing on TV. First of all: Young kids shouldn’t hear rape jokes. Kissing is a normal thing humans do; what Banjo did was not. Secondly, Pinoy Big Brother airs late at night—why are they up and why are you allowing them to watch this?
Before we digress even more, we’re also glad there are people educating others on why this eviction had to happen. They’re also begging for the government to do the same to Duterte. Of course that’s a joke, but we all want that, too.
one pbb housemate made a rape joke and he got forced evicted…
Yes, Philippine Government. Anything to say? #PBB8BadJoke
— P A B L O (@ivancasapao) June 4, 2019
Tonight's episode is an eye-opener to some guys who think that sexual jokes are okay to girls. It's not and will never be okay. Some girls may find it funny but not all. Know your boundaries.#PBB8BadJoke
— Migo (@phlpmrckrms) June 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/ganezzaf/status/1135919788226621441
We hope this PBB does serve as a lesson for the current and future housemates, as well as viewers of the show. Rape jokes shouldn’t be normal. If you have to resort to this type of humor to make people laugh, then you should check yourself and find better material.
Featured image screengrabbed from Pinoy Big Brother‘s YouTube channel
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