NCDA calls out 'disrespectful' 'One Wish Willow' videos on TikTok
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has called out a "One Wish Willow" trend on TikTok, where users appear to mock individuals with disabilities.
"This trend misuses the phrase 'I wish I was special' to ridicule serious conditions for entertainment, which is deeply disrespectful and dehumanizing," the agency said in a statement.
The NCDA added that it has reported the trend on TikTok, urging users to also call out any degrading content about persons with disabilities.
It also reiterated that mocking or ridiculing persons with disabilities in any media is illegal under Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.
Sec. 40 of the amended version of the law states: "No individual, group or community shall execute any of these acts of ridicule against persons with disability in any time and place which could intimidate or result in loss of self-esteem of the latter."
The agency continued to say that users hopping on the trend may also face violations of the CyberCrime Prevention Act of 2012, as it "could apply if mockery involves impersonating a person with disability."
"The Council urges social media users, content creators, and platform moderators to share uplifting and positive content about persons with disabilities," it continued.
The trend apparently make reference to the horror flick Obsession, which features the "One Wish Willow," a novelty item that supposedly grants a person's wishes when broken.
In the film, main character Bear (Michael Johnston) breaks his One Wish Willow, wishing for Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to love him more than anyone in the world. His wish, however, takes a dark turn and sees horrific results.
Not all the videos in the trend are disrespectful, as some users make comedic wishes about their relationships, appearances, and gaining fame.
