TikTokkers and YouTubers are coming under fire for visiting a poor Philadelphia community only to take videos of residents high on a highly powerful sedative called “tranq” in a movement known as “tranquil tourism.”
Some social videos documenting drug use in poor Kensington show people lying on the ground or zooming in on users who have taken the painkiller, which can lead to difficulty standing upright and flesh-eating injuries.
The videos often mock people who experience these symptoms, calling them “zombies”, “junkies” or even “demons”, an exploitative trend recently highlighted again in The Guardian Sunday.
In some of the clips, drug users are questioned about their personal lives in ways that opponents say are taking advantage of their vulnerabilities after using the drug.
Tranq is the nickname for xylazine, a horse tranquilizer that authorities warn could be hidden in the cocaine supply or laced with fentanyl, the super-deadly synthetic opioid.
Videos posted on social media have documented persistent drug use in Kensington, a low-income neighborhood in Philadelphia. Teun Voeten/Sipa USA
The powerful sedative causes difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, a slow heart rate and wounds that can become infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tranq is extremely economical; A kilogram of the dangerous powder can be purchased online from China for as little as $6, the Drug Enforcement Administration warned last year.
Tranq causes difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, and wounds that can become infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stephen Yang
“These videos don’t tug at the heartstrings; they make these people look like animals in a zoo rather than individuals who need help,” Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, a clinical psychologist, told the outlet.
“Here it has become very exploitative; People from all over Europe and the United States are coming to the area and putting their phones or cameras in people’s faces. It is harmful because it does not help.
“It continues to dehumanize. “These people are not in the right state of mind to consent or participate in a social media clip.”
Some videos show people lying on the ground after taking a powerful sedative known as “tranq.” TikTok / @thebizzleeffect
But the videos have persisted, and Sarah Laurel, founder of Savage Sisters, a nonprofit that supports those affected by substance abuse, estimates that there are now “over 150 channels dedicated to Kensington and all the things that happen.” here”.
Their faces are rarely blurred and #Kenzingtonzombies has millions of views.
In a video posted by “Addiction After Dark” that reached 1.5 million views, a woman is filmed in an unspecified location swinging back and forth.
The interviewer asks her how old she is, to which the woman responds, “I’m sorry, please give me a moment.”
She then raises her hand in front of her face and asks the person filming her to show her some respect.
“Addiction After Dark” captioned the video: “She is NOT crazy, she has a disease.
“Addiction is a disease that requires treatment. Spread awareness, stay informed.”
But as one TikTokker commented: “This is very exploitative. Sharing this video does not help her at all.”
In many other videos, content creators often use terms like “help” or “raise awareness” to justify their videos, and experts say some believe their clips are really the only way to show support or shed light on the issue. of drugs in Kensington.
But there’s usually never a way to donate funds or help those who are seeing, and in some cases content creators have even hosted online fundraising events for addicts who never see the money, one person told The Associated Press. content creator referred to only as “Jeff.” Guardian.
Others even admit that they make these videos mainly for money.
Other videos focus on users who have taken drugs, which can cause difficulty standing upright and flesh-eating injuries. Stephen Yang
Earnings on both TikTok and YouTube depend on the reach of the video.
In 2022, the typical compensation for YouTube content creators in the US was approximately $4,600 each month, according to Influencer Market Hub.
The website, owned by Google, typically pays about $20 per 1,000 visits.
TikTok is similar, but a user must have at least 10,000 followers to start making money.
Jeff, however, believes there is a way to film these videos and put money back into the community.
Opponents of this “quiet tourism” argue that content creators should funnel their money back into the community. Stephen Yang
He earns about $1,000 a month, which he spends on wound care and supplies such as clothing, according to the report.
Laurel, whose organization offers resources like wound care, showers and daily supplies at her store, agreed.
“Don’t just show up and record, bring resources and clean up,” he said.
“Ask the community what they need.”
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn