No Virtue In Vice: Celebrating Sexual Perversion Is A Dangerous Trend

BY ISAAC ASABOR

In recent times, social media platforms have become both the judge and jury of society’s moral compass. From trending hashtags to viral scandals, nothing escapes the unforgiving glare of the internet. Unfortunately, in this rapidly evolving digital age, we are witnessing a troubling shift where certain behaviours that should be condemned outright are instead celebrated, often by those who are perceived as influencers or “yeyebrities.”

A recent case in point is the scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a man from Equatorial Guinea whose alleged sexual misconduct went viral. For the uninitiated, Engonga was exposed as a sexual pervert whose actions were nothing short of reprehensible. However, rather than being castigated and condemned for his Babylonic behaviour, some Nigerian celebrities, who easily pass for “Yeyebrities,” and some social media influencers have shockingly taken a different route: they appear to be romanticising his exploits, turning a blind eye to the moral depravity of his actions.

Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who is no doubt a prominent figure in Equatorial Guinea and the Director General of its National Financial Investigation Agency, recently became embroiled in a scandal involving over 400 explicit videos. These videos, reportedly discovered during a corruption investigation, featured Engonga engaging in sexual acts with multiple women, including high-profile figures such as relatives of senior officials and wives of government personnel. The encounters were allegedly recorded with consent, but the scandal drew significant backlash, especially as some tapes were filmed in official spaces like his office. This controversy not only tarnished his professional reputation but also sparked outrage over the misuse of public office for personal indulgence.

It is indeed alarming that in the wake of this scandal, instead of condemning such despicable behaviour, there has been a disturbing trend of celebrating it as some kind of “sexual prowess.” On various social media platforms, some posts glorify Engonga’s actions, with some even going as far as to suggest that he is a “ladies’ man” or that his conduct reflects a certain level of masculinity.

But what exactly is being celebrated here? This trend is symptomatic of a much larger problem: the erosion of values in our society. When deviant behaviour is applauded, it sends a message that morality no longer holds a place in the collective conscience of our communities. It creates a culture where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, leaving the younger generation confused about what is acceptable and what is not.

The influence of celebrities in today’s digital world cannot be overstated. Many young people look up to these figures as role models, emulating their actions and adopting their beliefs. However, when celebrities, particularly those with significant social media followings, choose to glorify reprehensible actions, they wield their influence irresponsibly.

These “yeyebrities” are often quick to jump on the latest trend for likes, comments, and shares without considering the consequences of their words and actions. In their bid to remain relevant, they have lost sight of the moral responsibility that comes with their influence. Instead of using their platforms to condemn vices and promote virtues, they contribute to the spread of a morally bankrupt culture that normalises sexual perversion.

It is indeed a worrying phenomenon when people with a significant following choose to ignore the immorality of the acts themselves and instead focus on praising the offender’s so-called “prowess.” By doing so, they not only trivialise the pain of the victims but also encourage others to see such behaviour as something to aspire to.

Lost in the sensationalism and eulogising of Engonga’s actions are the real victims, the women and individuals who have suffered due to his actions. These victims are often silenced or forgotten in the rush to sensationalise the story for social media clout. In a society where victims are already hesitant to speak up due to stigma and fear of not being believed, this kind of behaviour by influencers only worsens the situation.

By focusing on the perpetrator and glorifying his actions, we are effectively telling victims that their pain is insignificant. This not only discourages them from coming forward but also emboldens others to engage in similar acts, knowing that they too might be celebrated rather than condemned.

As a society, we have a collective responsibility to set boundaries and standards for acceptable behaviour. We cannot afford to be passive in the face of growing moral decadence. If we choose to remain silent or, worse, join in the chorus of those celebrating perversion, we are complicit in the erosion of our values.

There is nothing to admire or emulate in the actions of someone like Engonga, as sexual misconduct and perversion are not demonstrations of masculinity or strength; they are signs of weakness and moral bankruptcy. It takes no strength to prey on the vulnerable; it takes no honour to exploit others for personal gratification. In all relationships, acts of kindness, respect, and mutual consent should be celebrated.

One might wonder how we arrived at a point where the lines between decency and depravity are so blurred. Social media plays a significant role in this, as it has become a platform where anything can be sensationalised for the sake of clicks and engagement. The need for instant fame and recognition has driven many people to say or do anything, no matter how morally repugnant.

Additionally, the rise of influencer culture has led to the unfortunate reality that people who lack depth, substance, or any meaningful achievements are placed on pedestals simply because they are popular. When these individuals are the ones shaping the narrative, it is no surprise that our societal values are in decline.

To reverse this disturbing trend, we must return to the basics of what it means to be a society governed by principles and values. First, celebrities and social media influencers must realise the immense power they wield and use it responsibly. They should be at the forefront of condemning immoral acts, not glorifying them.

Second, as a society, we need to encourage critical thinking among young people. They should not take everything they see on social media at face value. Parents, educators, and community leaders have a role to play in teaching young people the difference between right and wrong and the importance of integrity and moral character.

We must hold individuals accountable for their actions. This includes those who commit heinous acts and those who use their influence to normalise or trivialise such behaviour. The celebration of sexual perversion and misconduct must be called out for what it is: a dangerous trend that has no place in a civilised society.

The time has come for us to draw a line in the sand. We must reject the idea that sexual perversion is something to be celebrated. There is no virtue in vice, and there is nothing admirable about behaviour that harms others. It is high time that we stop glorifying those who engage in such acts and instead celebrate those who uphold values that contribute to the betterment of society.

The world is watching, and the internet never forgets. If we continue celebrating depravity, we risk creating a future where moral bankruptcy becomes the norm. Let us choose instead to be champions of decency, respect, and integrity. It may not be the popular choice, but it is certainly the right one.