March 9, 2016

Saudis reject terrorism even in YouTube pranks

(Image from Al-Riyadh Newspaper)

Jeddah, (IINA) - A Saudi YouTube video prank about a bearded taxi driver wearing a bomb belt was widely rejected by the community, a majority of which agreed that terrorism should not be a laughing matter.
According to BBC, the video starts with a bearded taxi driver in traditional Saudi dress looking at the camera saying: "Now, we're going to look for a victim". The video then cuts to footage from a hidden camera of a young passenger exchanging greetings with the driver before settling in for a ride. However, the journey soon turns scary.
"Do you think about jihad?" the driver asks. He then unbuttons his robe to show off what looks like a bomb belt to the frightened passenger, who alternately cries, pleads and clings to the driver in apparent fear that his life is about to end. Eventually, the driver tells the passenger to calm down and points out the cameras placed strategically around the taxi.
Another young passenger subjected to the prank is clearly in fear for his life as he throws himself out of the car while it is still moving. He is seen moments later apparently physically unhurt, but in some state of shock as the pranksters explain that it was a joke.
"We're just joking around," the driver says, "in order to show you what terrorism is like".
The reactions from people on the social network fit mostly into the category of outrage.
"This is stupid", commented one. "Imagine if the boy was ill or had a heart condition". Another viewer sarcastically said: "What's more funny than religious extremism caused deaths!? Nothing!" before continuing with a string of expletives directed at the filmmakers.
Another commenter described the idea as “disgusting” while a fourth said that only 'retarded' people could think of this as funny. Some commenters even went as far and requested authorities to imprison or punish the video makers.
There were a few morsels of positive feedback however: "It's wrong to terrify people like this, but maybe this will help brainwashed young men to realize what terrorism is", said one comment.
Another said that he wished if the video taught people about what to do in case they encounter a real terrorist.
The video bears the logo of a Saudi group of YouTube pranksters Tube Up. But while various versions are still available online, the original video was taken down from Tube Up's channel.
AG/IINA

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service - if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at http://ift.tt/jcXqJW.



No comments:

Post a Comment