Screengrab from Youtube
What’s “Pabebe”?
Screengrab from Youtube
Should we not be concerned about this phenomenon? When young children revert to baby talk, parents would usually remind them the inappropriateness of such behavior. This kind of behavior is similar to children throwing temper tantrums or crying when they want something. When parents are busy and do not want to be disturbed there is a tendency to give in to their children even if the things they asked are not good for them. In a way because of previous experience children learn how to get their attention and get what they want.
Vice Ganda, a popular TV host and entertainer, has a music video entitled “Wag Kang Pabebe.” Its message appears to question such kind of behavior. However, the end of the video features the Pabebe Warriors, a trending duo, who boldly assert “Wala kayong pakialam!”
This kind of behavior among some youths or even with some adults is usually resorted to for some reasons. It is a way of getting attention or getting favors. Perhaps between lovers this can be a way of showing affection.
The Pabebe Warriors became popular because of their YouTube post and consequently got an invitation to Vice Ganda’s TV show. What does this action communicate to the youth? Instead of correcting, it reinforces inappropriate behavior. Because it is a trending topic, it is being exploited for its commercial value.
When does society own to its responsibility towards the youth? Aren’t we also behaving like “pabebe” when instead of teaching them appropriate behaviors we tolerate and even exploit their need?
Behaviors like the “pabebe” are indicative of some emotional need. What do we adults do to help them learn to communicate their needs without being manipulative? So many “pabebe” YouTube posts are proliferating, aren’t our youth telling us something? (Nena Quijano)
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