Friday, March 16, 2012

The Cinnamon Challenge: Today's Example of Stupid

Dear Readers and Fellow Foodies,

It has come to my attention that our generation's latest idea of fun is to videotape yourself/your friend/your enemy doing the Cinnamon Challenge. Technically, the challenge has been around since 2006, but thanks to social media and digital technology, the trend is experiencing record popularity.

To accomplish the Cinnamon Challenge, a person need only swallow a rounded teaspoon of cinnamon in 60 seconds without drinking anything, and of course, post the video on Youtube.

I'm sorry, why? Just: WHY?

Let's just talk about this for a second:

In the Youtube videos, (please watch at your own discretion), many attempts end in the person vomiting -- or worse.

While this challenge is stupid, it's also potentially very dangerous. Failed attempts can potentially result in choking, or inhaling the cinnamon -- which can lead to lung and throat damage. There have even been reports of people being hospitalized after participating in the challenge.

I'm including the Wall Street Journal's feature about the trend, which continues to grow in popularity each day.

Where do these trends come from? Should we blame similar "handle the heat" challenges in restaurants? I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this and similar issues.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Stephanie, I'm enjoying your blog. Can you provide the recipe for parmesan and parsley crusted cod you enjoy so much?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Louise! And yes, I'll be sure to post that recipe.

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  2. what is this world comming to. What ever happened to the good old days, days when kids didnt try to kill themselvs with cinnamon on a dare... it's just silly. Now the GALLON CHALLENGE! that's fun =D drink a whole gallon of milk without vommiting, my friend sullly came very close once accept someone punched him in the stomach and he lost...

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