A recent Quantitative study conducted by University Cologne, Germany, examined the correlation between Youtubers becoming role models for young people and the influence that they have on political and societal topics. The study concluded that Youtubers today play a significant role in shaping the minds of young people regarding politics and their perception of society. It also concluded that the status of Youtubers as role models had become on par with popular musicians. Other studies suggest how Youtubers are deemed to be very trustworthy by children and teenagers alike.
Taking this into consideration, surely it is imperative in this day and age for influencers who are doted upon by millions of young and impressionable Gen Z’s, to be cautious and responsible with the language that they use. This, however, does not seem to be the case with some.
Let’s examine the case of KSI- the popular Youtuber and social media influencer landed in hot waters, following his use of a racial slur, during a seemingly light-hearted and entertaining Sidemen Youtube video.
In the recent Youtube clip, viewers were privy to the likes of ‘Chunks’, ‘Yung Filly’ and other prominent British youtubers, playing their own rendition of ‘Countdown’.
During the show, the thriving influencer (who has amassed a whopping 24.1 million subscribers on Youtube), uttered the word ‘P*ki’.
What was alarming to many viewers, was the nonchalant manner in which he did so and how some members of ‘Sidemen’ and ‘Beta squad’ began chuckling.
Many individuals and organisations have condemned KSI for using the derogatory term “p*ki,” which is used as a racial epithet against individuals of South Asian descent.
The origins of the word derive from the 60s, during an increase in South Asian immigration to the United Kingdom. The term has always been used as a slur in England and is commonly used by white supremacists and racists; directed at Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Indians, as well as other demographics who physically resemble South Asians.
In addition, it was used during episodes of ‘P*ki bashing’, where groups of white thugs in England would hunt down brown people in order to destroy their businesses (for an example smashing shop windows) and physically beating people with brown skin.
British Pakistani actor and media personality Ghulam “Guz” Khan called the YouTuber an ‘…..immature fool for using such language and laughing about it…’
Youtuber-turned boxer, Jake Paul tweeted the following message to KSI, ‘I look forward to knocking you the f*** out on behalf of all South Asians around the world’.
Paul has since been criticised for merely using the incident as a marketing tool to promote his own career (due to his apparent fued with KSI). Ironically, Paul himself has historically used the ‘n’ word.
The video was subsequently taken down from YouTube as apologies from both Sidemen and the YouTuber sparked outrage on social media. The following statement was issued on Twitter on behalf of the Sidemen.
“We have reflected on this incident both collectively and individually and are truly ashamed that we let ourselves and you guys down this way.”
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, synonymously posted the following message on his Twitter account,
“I’ve always said to my audience that they shouldn’t worship me or put me on a pedestal because I’m human. Im not perfect, I’m gonna mess up in life, and lately I’ve been messing up a lot. So I’ve decided I’m gonna just take a break from social media for a while.”
Many people have taken issue with his apology, as he initially defended his use of the word as “banter” prior to issuing an apology.
KSI should’ve surely behaved in more of a responsible manner and acknowledged any potential hurt and harm that such language can cause prior to speaking.
This incident serves as a reminder regarding the racial bias which is prevalent in society today. Language which is deemed as acceptable amongst peers during ostensive harmless moments of humour is not harmless. It serves as a precedent for many children and teenagers who follow the likes of KSI, to be okay with using such words as part of their everyday lexicon.
Public figures who have successfully influenced young people to invest their money and time on them, ought to foster a more inclusive and respectful online community, particularly when much of their following is of South Asian descent.
What is perhaps more perplexing is the fact that KSI is of African origin and should therefore know better- given his own ancestorial history.
Interestingly, Islam is the only religion in the world that takes racism very seriously. It is the only religion which speaks about racism and discrimination explicitly. During his very last sermon, the Prophet Mohammed (saw) said:
“There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab. Neither is the white superior over the black, nor is the black superior over the white — except by piety.”
In this sermon, known as the Farewell Address, the final Prophet (saw) of Allah, left his followers with a moral compass for how they ought to live their lives, in order to bring about community cohesion. At the time, Prophet Mohammed (saw’s) words jolted a society divided by notions of tribal and ethnic superiority.
In addition, in the Quran (49:13), Allah says, “O humankind! We have made you…into nations and tribes, so that you may get to know one another. The noblest of you in God’s sight is the one who is most righteous.”
Some may say that KSI’s comments were not malicious but rather a slip of the tongue. Islam’s moral superiority is evidenced in the fact that our speech should be taken seriously. Mocking others or using foul language is strongly disliked by Allah. Allah says in the Quran (49, 11):
“…..Do not defame one another, nor call each other by offensive nicknames.”
Although humans are not expected to reach perfection in Islam and everyone makes mistakes (Allah is the most forgiving towards those who repent), we see how the need for young impressionable minds to have sound role models in today’s day and age, is more needed than ever. The need for role models who’s corpus of morality derive from the true teachings of Islam is synonymous with the flourishing of young people.
A good reminder to keep our tongues safe from harming others.