Long ago I was told that warning labels were needed because people actually tried to do whatever the label was warning you about. Over the years, I’ve seen some pretty interesting ones. Here we are, years later, and with another
Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.
— Netflix US (@netflix) January 2, 2019
While the challenge and premise could be fun to try in a safe environment, the internet has more than a few posts from people hurting themselves, or others, while undertaking it. Viewed over by over 45 million Netflix accounts, it’s no wonder that people are trying this out. Take a look at a few examples below — Darwin Awards anyone?
Y’all are taking this #BirdBoxChallenge entirely TOO far! pic.twitter.com/01IXjILLI4
— LastCrowned Mac (@A_Mack011) January 3, 2019
YouTuber Morgan Adams even took the challenge for 24 hours…
…and then you have these guys outside in NYC attempting it as well:
Only in NY #BirdBox #BirdBoxChallenge @NigelDPresents pic.twitter.com/VPemHPdovu
— Tommy (@THOMAS_RE89) December 25, 2018
The National Federation of the Blind is going a step further and actually condemning the Bird Box Challenge.
“It is generally a bad idea for people who are not blind to blindfold themselves to try and experience blindness. They’re going to get the wrong idea about blind people, and what blindness is actually like. When sighted people blindfold themselves, and perform any given task, they usually find it difficult or impossible – which reinforces the stereotype that blind people can’t do anything for themselves.”
National Federation of the Blind statement
What do you think about the fact Netflix has had to warn people to be safe while taking this challenge? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, Facebook, or MeWe.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
