Police investigating a prank involving Malaysian influencers feeding chicken bones to a homeless individual, reportedly causing distress and potential health hazards.
In a recent social media post, a trio of content creators has come under fire for a video that has been accused of promoting inhumane practices and exploiting a homeless man in Malaysia. The video, filmed at a KFC restaurant, shows the creators eating fried chicken and offering the leftover bones wrapped in rice to a homeless man.
The video has sparked immediate backlash, with many viewers finding the portrayal disrespectful and degrading. Critics argue that the content creators have exploited the homeless man's situation for online entertainment, risking the trivialization of his dignity and circumstances.
Key ethical concerns include the exploitation and humiliation of the homeless man, consent and authenticity, the social responsibility of influencers, and the normalization of an inhumane culture in society. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has spoken out against the video, deeming its content unacceptable and cheap entertainment. The Commission has also accused the creators of "rage baiting"—provoking outrage for views—which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and disrespect.
Despite the controversy, the homeless man himself has expressed forgiveness and said he bears no ill feelings towards the creators. He appreciated receiving food, regardless of its form, and did not wish to hold a grudge.
The incident has caused public grievances and has led to calls for police action and an investigation by Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission. As public figures, the creators hold a responsibility to avoid actions that harm or demean marginalized groups and to act with compassion and integrity rather than exploiting outrage for social media engagement. The dissemination of content that degrades or insults the dignity of individuals is unethical and should be avoided at all costs.
The video, originally uploaded on social media, has stirred a significant debate about the ethical implications of content creation and the treatment of vulnerable individuals. While the homeless man was forgiving, the broader ethical implications revolve around respecting vulnerable individuals, avoiding manipulation or humiliation for entertainment, and the responsibility of content creators to act with empathy and integrity.
- The content creators' actions, by exploiting a homeless man for online entertainment, risk the trivialization of his dignity and circumstances, and contribute to a culture of inhumane treatment in society.
- The dissemination of degrading content towards marginalized individuals, such as the homeless man in this case, should be avoided by content creators, as it goes against their social responsibility and showcases a lack of empathy and integrity.
- The broader society has expressed concerns about the ethical implications of content creation, with many calling for police action and an investigation by the Communications and Multimedia Commission, emphasizing the need for content creators to respect vulnerable individuals and avoid using them as props for social media engagement.
