Do not chastise Malu Fernandez, she was definitely joking.
I was blog hopping the other night and found the article “From Boracay to Greece” by Malu Fernandez that infuritated Filipino bloggers worldwide, most especially the OFW’s whom she insulted on her write-up. I was affected by it as well and although I am not an OFW, I have very close friends who are. To say the least, I was a bit annoyed. Hate would be too big to use because she did, and I’m sure of it – mean it as a joke.
Why am I certain of that? I’m an 80s kid and you all certainly remember Donya Buding. A comedienne by art, her character to be a rich, famous, and elite Donya was hilarious and very entertaining. She used the poor to create her persona. She would make fun of the have-nots and I found it very funny!! Actually, a lot of people did!! I used to wait for her ‘skit’ on ‘Penthouse Live’ every Sunday evening and laugh my arse off! To tell you the truth, if I was reading Malu’s article under a different pretense, I would probably be on the floor hyperventilating in laughter.
What is the difference between the two? Nothing. They both stated their statements to be funny. The only thing that separates them is that Donya Buding is/was a comedienne – - Malu Fernandez, on the other hand is not although she may have thought that she is. The damage has been done and Malu Fernandez like Ruffa Gutierrez, or O.J. Simpson will move on and go on with their lives. I also understand that she has apologized and tendered her resignation (still awaiting confirmation).
I am gay, and gay jokes can be harsh. If you’ve hung out with gay guys and hear the way we insult (in jest) other people – you will probably send us all packing as well! We say these things to be funny and we laugh about it when it is funny. And don’t get me wrong because I understand what happened fully. It’s like Malu made a joke about a gay person dying of AIDS, and to me – that is not funny. But it was a joke and I may be annoyed at first but I am willing to let it go. Just don’t do it again and we’ll be fine. I am not being self-righteous here.. just stating what I would do if I’m offended by something.
So come on guys – - let it go. She made a mistake, she apologized. This is not a witch hunt. Let’s welcome her back and let this be for her, a GREAT lesson learned.
An excellent movie that I recommend for this is “PRIEST“. The movie climaxed at the end wherein through the silence of both victims (the priest and the girl), they understood each other’s pain. Very moving – - – rent it this weekend!
Cheers everyone!!
