- Netizen slammed insensitive post about Igorots.
- Digital influencer Jon Gutierrez poked fun on Igorot culture.
Social media influencer and internet sensation Jon Gutierez was slammed by a netizen for his irresponsible post about the Igorot culture.
Netizen Jason V (@VerzoLaTiDo) on his Twitter account criticized Gutierrez and her girlfriend Jelai Andres for their insensitive post about the Igorot culture.
“Aaaargh some media influencer throws an irresponsible and offensive joke about the traditional attire of us Igorots,” he tweeted
Jason V also added, “Our traditional attire symbolizes our history, our unity, our pride as national minorities which has been long fought by forefathers with their blood and sweat.”
Jason V’s tweet was in response to Gutierrez’ January 1 post poking fun on his Igorot costume.
On his post, Gutierrez jokingly said he forgot to wear briefs but that’s ok because that is part of Igorot’s tradition. He also teased his girlfriend about being confused on what to pick between strawberry and his “dragon balls”.
“HAPPY NEW YEAR BAGUIO..nakalimutan ko nanaman mag brief sakto ganito tradition dito. Sorry sa mga nasa likuran ko dahilpanigurado pag ani ko ng mga strawberry may makikita kayong dragon balls. tuwang tuwa naman si madam ungasis ko di alam kung stawberry ang pipitasin nya o yung itlog pugo ko,” he wrote.
That prompted the netizen’s outburst on Twitter calling out “bastardization” of their cultural tradition and identity.
“Some ignoramus “innocently” bastardizes our cultural tradition and identity no one bats an eyelash. Some Cordillera activist wears traditional attire in a rally as a symbol of indigenous unity and pride everybody loses their head”.
He also advised people that if they want to promote Igorot’s culture they should immerse with the indigenous people.
Meanwhile, the post has since been taken down on Gutierrez Facebook page and he also issued an apology to the people offended by his insensitive actions.
“I didn’t disrespect nor say anything negative about your tradition. I wore the attire how your national minorities wore it. I have actually embraced your tradition by wearing it the way your minority wore it. I apologized if it offended you but I mean no harm in this post. Happy new year.” he explained
