Mockery Isn’t Content: A call for media reform in Sierra Leone

 

Written by: George ojuku Momoh

 

On the 15th of July 2025, at exactly 11 p.m., I was scrolling through TikTok when I came across a particular video posted by an account named Laugh Nation SL.

 

The video showed a young girl asking a boy, “Mohamed,” to recite Sierra Leone’s national anthem. The boy, clearly naive and lacking confidence, started reciting the alphabet instead—but even that was incorrect. Then, confused, he suddenly switched to reciting the times table. Midway, he paused and asked the girl, “Na ihn ehn?” meaning, “Is that it?” She just smiled and nodded, and the boy kept jumping between the alphabet and the times table, trying to impress.

 

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen a video like this in the media. Time and again, people are taken advantage of, especially those who don’t know better—by so-called bloggers and interviewers. It’s become a trend,exploit someone’s ignorance just to boost views and gain followers.

 

While watching the video, I felt nothing but anger. All I saw was a boy who didn’t know, who needed help, not humiliation. But what did they do? They turned him into a joke. They used his innocence as content for entertainment. I immediately commented

 

“You should have asked him if he had even started school or what stage he’s in (off-camera) before putting him on the spot like that. From the way he said ‘Na ihn ehn,’ you could clearly tell he didn’t know what you were asking. Everyone just wants fame now even if it means embarrassing someone’s child. How do you think his parents or relatives will feel seeing this? You simply took advantage of his naivety.”

 

 

I closed the app and went to bed, trying to let it go. But when I woke up, it was the first thing on my mind. Later that day, after class, I decided to write this piece—not just to talk about that one video, but all the other videos where kids and unknowing individuals are publicly embarrassed by people chasing clout in the name of “street interviews.”

 

Many times, the victims don’t even realize they’re being filmed. Some even ask the bloggers to delete the video. But they post it anyway because getting likes and shares is more important to them than someone’s dignity.

 

This message isn’t for all interviewers—some use their platforms for good. But those who ask educational questions to random people on the street (questions they themselves probably can’t answer), and then mock the ones who get it wrong… this is for you.

 

In Sierra Leone today, content creation has turned into a competition of mockery. And I ask; What is the government doing about it?

 

Going back to that boy, Mohamed… did they ask him if he had even started school? Did they care about his background, his story, his reality? No. They only cared about how many people would laugh at his confusion.

 

That simple line “Na ihn ehn?” spoke volumes. He was just trying to get it right. But instead of correcting or helping him, they turned it into a punchline. A victim of life’s uncertainties, turned into content.

 

This is a call to action.

 

I’m calling on the Government of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

 

Please step in and take this seriously. Parliament must begin to address these humiliating acts being carried out by accounts like Laugh Nation SL and others.

 

There are better ways to create content,ways that uplift and educate, not embarrass.

 

If you meet someone who doesn’t know something, teach them. Sponsor them. Support their learning journey. Don’t make them a meme.

 

This country deserves better. Our children deserve better 💯

 

*Written by: ©️ George ojuku Momoh*

*@George the invisible writer*