Mark Twain, the renowned American author, once stated the profound truth that laughter is an incredibly powerful weapon possessed by the human race. This statement proved particularly poignant when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) unveiled their new logo, which cost an astounding P3 million to create. The logo features a stylized letter P resembling a vibrant red and blue flame, intended to symbolize the agency’s ability to ignite change and drive progress.
However, the general public wasted no time in expressing their disdain for the logo on social media, using their creativity to mock it with humorous adaptations. Some transformed it into a horned devil, while others likened it to Loki’s helmet or the fireball from the iconic “Street Fighter” game. This playful humor served as a potent tool for dissent, subtly planting ideas in people’s minds and encouraging them to consider alternative perspectives they may not have otherwise explored.
Humor has been proven to stimulate cognitive processes that facilitate critical thinking. When our brains and senses encounter something funny, it triggers a sense of surprise, opening up space for us to entertain new insights and reevaluate our preconceived notions. The plethora of absurd Pagcor logo memes dominating social media made dissenting opinions more easily digestible and entertaining to consume. These jokes likely prompted more individuals to reflect on the exorbitant price tag of P3 million and question whether it is a fair expense or a glaringly unreasonable one, especially considering the questionable business registration and quality of output from Printplus Graphic Services.
Corruption is unfortunately all too prevalent in the Philippines, with the country ranking sixth in corruption among Asia-Pacific countries and an estimated annual loss of P700 billion to corrupt practices. Many individuals may choose to cope with this reality by accepting corruption as the societal norm rather than becoming frustrated. However, humor can serve as an antidote to apathy. It provides therapeutic release while engaging with emotionally heavy topics like injustice and corruption, helping to keep citizens engaged and motivated rather than defeated.
Furthermore, humor can make dissenting ideas less threatening by providing a level of protection against immediate retribution from those in power. An excellent example of this is Bassem Youssef, a pioneer of political satire in Arabic, who used comedy to push back against Egypt’s authoritarian regime. Through his humor, Youssef navigated the boundaries of permissible speech, encouraging citizens to think critically about the government’s problematic policies.
Approaching serious topics with humor does not diminish their potential for leading to real action. In fact, one could argue that the public backlash through memes and jokes against Pagcor’s logo prompted more individuals in power to speak up and hold the agency accountable. Several party-list organizations like ACT Teachers, Gabriela, and Kabataan have called for an investigation, while Senator Grace Poe has questioned the validity of the bidding process and whether the P3 million cost was justified as the best use of funds. The resounding answer to these questions is a clear NO. Experience shows that a logo and brand refresh typically cost between P30,000 to P50,000 from a reputable graphic designer, even if the most expensive ad agency is involved. The cost of the Pagcor logo is unjustifiably inflated.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations and risks of using humor as a form of dissent. Oppressive systems have long recognized the power of humor and have even resorted to legal means to criminalize it. Many comedians and satirists worldwide have been jailed or even murdered by tyrannical politicians who felt threatened by their influence. Bassem Youssef himself continues his stand-up comedy career but is currently living in exile. Despite these risks, the importance of humor as a tool in shaping perception and influencing public discourse cannot be understated.
As we await developments in the accountability of the logo fiasco, it is likely that a scapegoat will be identified while the true culprits go unpunished, based on past similar cases. However, those in power should be aware that the public will never tire of calling them out and demanding good governance. Our memes stand ready and waiting to continue holding them accountable.
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