Jo Koy and the Golden Globes

When Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy was announced to be the host of this year's Golden Globes, we were all thrilled. It was a win for Philippine representation on a big stage; we were yet to prove what we are capable of. It was as if we had not gathered enough international recognition in the entertainment industry. However, when Koy delivered his monologue at the start of the show, the tables started to turn. He stepped into the stage with blank, sharp eyes which were unable to read the room. His quips were off timing, uncalled for, and obviously off script.

In the middle of his speech, he threw his writers under the bus for the material that he was reading. It was a disaster waiting to happen. While this issue may have seemed to die down, we do not forget why his monologue was flawed. It was a reflection of poor standards and societal awareness. To me, it was not only about the Taylor Swift remark in comparison to the National Football League coverage. It was filled with racist, misogynistic comments that were all unsolicited.

For instance, he called the film “Barbie” a movie about a doll with big "boobies". He also kept on repeating how veteran actress Meryl Streep "wins everything" while inserting his mother's Filipino-English accent and her favorite word "stupid". Worse, he even asked Streep to do the "Wakanda Forever" sign which the actress willingly obliged. These words are not all entertainment but a reflection of masochistic views aired on global television. Koy must have forgotten the times that we live in or it could just be the nerves talking.

Either way, there is no point in blaming the organizers for offering him a gig at the last minute. In journalism and live reporting, we were taught to always know your story "front, back, side, and center". Koy must have slipped up in this technique thinking he got away with his comedic lines. On the other hand, organizers of prestigious awards must ponder on what they need for the show. If they need a person who could thread the parts of the program with rhetoric and speech then they need a host, not a comedian.

Those who do not see the gravity of his offensive speech defend Koy by saying he still did a good job. To them, it was a tremendous accomplishment. Gigs like these might not come often but he can always choose to do it right with a sound mind and body. We can commend him for his confidence to continue the job despite short notice, but we cannot let rude jokes just slip through. I'd like to believe that it is always key to practice and rehearse for events that require full attention. Hosting is not an overnight thing; it is a craft to master over time. Jo Koy's case is a testament to how these roles are vital in a program. Thus, we must choose and write wisely.