NekNominations have been somewhat of a phenomenon over the past month or so. A strange concept in which you down a drink of choice thereafter nominating several of your mates to do the same within the proceeding 24 hours: A simple concept that has caught on quick. Unfortunately, however, what started as 'a bit of craic' has now made national headlines due to the death of 2 young adults in their prime. This is tragic beyond words, and while nothing can predict events such as this, we can, however, analyse the culture that encouraged it.
NekNominations, while they change in style and ridiculousness from video to video, promotes a certain bravado, a machoism that can quickly descend into something resembling a competition rather than a jovial happening for your mates. What began as a few lads necking a can of beer mutated into something more serious, leading to people searching for ideas that seemed more impressive for camera. Therein, lies the problem. An extension of the relationship we already have with alcohol in this country except now it's in a recorded format. If anything, the NekNominations trend may have exposed the underbelly of drink culture in Ireland in all its horrible glory. We've stood by and watched for many weeks now, heck we've laughed from time to time, let's admit, but there have been little or no attempts to stop it in its tracks, or re-examine its premise and, moreover, the behaviour it advertises. NekNominations, it seemed, would have to go through everyone, home and abroad before we would be rid of it. But, now we're in a position where lives have been taken, and other's changed forever, and that is something that can't be ignored. I would hope that two tragic events is enough to stop the reckless fad from growing any further, I would hope that this is the end of it, altogether. More pressing, and long term, I would hope further that we are sickened enough by this news that we review the ideas we have, as a nation, about drink, and the extent to which we consume it. Let us not forget the scenes of last Monday night outside Copper Face Jacks, an event in which 1500 people queued up for a night themed 'Messy Mondays', culminating in the injuring of 7 people.
This, I can assure you, is not an attack on your social hours, we like to drink in this country and that is fine. It's the way in which we celebrate and wind down from our hard work, we all deserve that. But the virtue of moderation, and the appreciation of a substance that changes us chemically is something that can't be overlooked let alone it be the central character in a craze that thrives on its lack thereof. If you're nominated over the coming days or weeks, the best thing you can do is ignore it, or, better yet, film yourself sipping a beer over the course of an hour while eating your dinner, at least that may promote something worth promoting.
Brent Lindeque, from South Africa, decided he would do a good deed for his nomination. It has been doing the rounds across the globe this morning, let's hope this can be a sentiment that catches on.
Also, check out this Irish Facebook page, Ban NekNominations set up by Irish woman Mary Carroll. Good work Mary!