Disability Affairs council calls out TikTok trend mocking PWDs

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) called out a TikTok trend that seemingly mocks individuals with disabilities.

The “One Wish Willow” trend, which is inspired by the hit horror movie “Obsession,” “misuses the phrase ‘I wish I was special’ to ridicule serious conditions for entertainment, which is deeply disrespectful and dehumanizing,” said NCDA in a statement.

The agency said that it has already reported the trend to TikTok to enforce community guidelines and called on the public to report other contents degrading persons with disabilities (PWD).

“Under Section 32 of RA 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability (as amended), it is illegal to mock or ridicule persons with disabilities in any media. The law prohibits acts that intimidate or harm their self-esteem. This includes mocking posts on social media like memes, videos, or comments,” the NCDA said.

The NCDA also said that the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 addresses related violations.

This includes aiding and abetting cybercrimes—such as liking or sharing derogatory posts—as well as computer-related identity theft, which is applicable if the harassment involves impersonating an individual with a disability.

“The Council urges social media users, content creators, and platform moderators to share uplifting and positive content about persons with disabilities,” the agency said.

In the movie “Obsession,” the lead male character made a wish that the girl he likes will like him back by breaking a willow stick, the “One Wish Willow.” But his wish is granted in a way he did not expect. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA News