Mocha Uson’s critics overestimate their capacity to influence the ‘masa’

Mariel de Leon vs Mocha Uson: “Disente” versus “bastos” face-off?

Are you one of those people who are reeling with anger over singer/dancer and social media blogger Mocha Uson’s appointment as assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)? Do you feel so outraged that you have resorted to slut-shaming Uson? If you are, then you are a loser.

Those of you who think “there are so many other unbiased, educated, and people who deserve her place” are missing the point. Let me explain it to you. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, just like any other President before him including BS Aquino, will not appoint someone who does not support him. So of course it makes sense for Duterte to use a die-hard supporter like Uson to strengthen his communication team. As a matter of fact, it is a wise move considering that Uson has over five million followers on social media – both Facebook and Twitter combined. Having Uson around means Duterte would need mainstream media less in order to reach out to the public.

It doesn’t even make any sense for some people to feel outraged over Uson’s appointment because the Liberal Party had hired celebrity endorsers in the past. They even spent millions of pesos on celebrities who failed to deliver. Even American politicians use celebrity endorsers. Using Uson’s popularity is therefore, a no-brainer. The problem is, some of her critics are acting like they are not using their brains.

Some of Uson’s critics are not ashamed to show they are bitter about being left out in the cold. Some say there are people who are more intelligent and have PhD’s or doctorate degrees, but earn peanuts compared to what Uson is going to earn. They think her educational background is not worthy of the salary she will receive, which is over 100 thousand pesos every month. Well, life is like that sometimes – it’s not fair especially in the Philippines where scientists and engineers are not celebrated and are underpaid.

Of course there are more intelligent people than Uson. But if you think about it, Uson has skills not all of us have. She’s going places because she dares go where some of us can’t or won’t go. I’ll give myself as an example. Someone asked why couldn’t someone like me be appointed as part of the communications team. Well, for one thing, I remain non-partisan. I do not support politicians. I support the rule of law. Second, I am not a people person like Uson. I am an introvert. I definitely do not have “masa” appeal. Heck, I can’t even write my articles in Filipino so I would just be faking it if someone forced me to go out and engage the general public. In short, I don’t have Uson’s natural skills in charming the public. I am not ashamed to admit that I have my niche market and it does not include the masa, unfortunately.

This brings me back to the losers who are crying foul, weeping and gnashing their teeth over the fact that they will now see and hear more of Uson in an official capacity. Uson’s critics are exhibiting signs of insecurity. They cannot accept their own weaknesses and are overestimating their own capacity. I cannot imagine them doing the same thing as what Uson is doing and succeeding. Even if they tried, they won’t be able to attract the same number of followers as Uson does. Some of her critics need to get real and stop acting like they deserve to be in her place.

None of us can deny that Uson’s popularity on social media is strong. It is a good indication that she can rally people behind important issues plaguing the Philippines. She will definitely not have a hard time communicating to the masses. She already got their attention way before she started campaigning for Duterte, albeit by wearing her Birthday suit. She’s also proven that she can still hold people’s attention even with her clothes on.

While it appears like Uson’s appointment in the Malacanang communication’s team is a reflection of Philippine society’s anti-intellectualism, people should realise that she’s going to be handling social media – a very informal platform. Social media is a great equaliser. Ranks and titles mean very little on social media. Even ordinary people can communicate with a public official. This is a huge improvement from just a few years ago when people had no idea how to reach out to their representatives in government. Members of the public even had to show deference when speaking to a politician. Now members of the public can swear at them.

So do yourself a favour. Stop acting like a loser and get over the fact that you are not as influential as people like Uson. She worked hard to get to where she is and she deserves it.

Ilda

In life, things are not always what they seem.