For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the photos involving government officials and wanted fugitive Alice Guo are all part of “selfie culture.”
The head of the Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed disappointment over the “selfies” taken by government officials with wanted fugitive Alice Guo after Guo was finally arrested in Indonesia and brought back to the Philippines.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he was not satisfied with the explanation of immigration and National Bureau of Investigation personnel who took selfies with Guo.
Remulla also said apologies will not be enough and that the erring government officials should be reprimanded.
Public outrage
Photos of Guo, smiling and flashing the peace sign in both hands, alongside high-ranking officials as well as photos of her in what seems to be a van, smiling with immigration and law enforcement officials went viral recently,
The photos sparked significant public outrage with the primary criticism centered around the perceived lack of professionalism and respect shown by the officials involved.
Many argued that taking selfies with a wanted person, especially in such a high-profile case, was inappropriate and undermined the seriousness of the situation.
Key points related to the controversy
Government officials involved: The selfies were taken with high-ranking officials, including the Interior Secretary and the Philippine National Police chief.
Public reaction: The photos quickly went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
Government response: The government faced intense pressure to address the issue and took steps to investigate the incident.
Cultural implications: The controversy highlighted broader concerns about selfie culture and the potential for it to be misused in inappropriate situations.
The Alice Guo incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining professional conduct, especially in sensitive situations. It also raises questions about the role of social media and the potential for it to be exploited for personal gain or to undermine public trust.
What is selfie culture?
Selfie culture is described as the widespread practice of taking self-portraits and sharing them on social media platforms.
This phenomenon has become increasingly popular due to the rise of smartphones and digital cameras, which make it easy for anyone to capture and share their image.
Here are some key aspects of selfie culture:
Self-expression: Selfies are often used as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to share their experiences, moods, and identities with the world.
Social connection: Selfies can be a way to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and build a sense of community.
Instant gratification: The ability to capture and share a photo immediately can provide a sense of instant gratification and validation.
Cultural impact: Selfie culture has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing fashion trends, beauty standards, and social norms.
While selfies can be a fun and harmless way to connect with others, they can also raise concerns about body image, self-esteem, and privacy.
READ MORE ODD NEWS.
PHOTO CREDITS. Philippine Star and ABS-CBN News.
