Final Word: Tough to swallow a drinking game that can kill

It’s time to stop vilifying the Irish as the big drinkers of the world.

The game Neknominate may have started in and around the UK or Australia, but it’s swept social media, a world where exhibitionism knows no borders.

Back when “Jackass was just a reality TV show, you at least KNEW when your kids were watching it. Now, your son or daughter may be dared via social media to drink more than the idiot before them.

This is how it works: A “friend” of yours records him or herself doing something outrageous while drinking a dangerous amount of alcohol. They commit their act, and then dare you to out- do them within 24 hours. And shockingly, people do it.

Five have died, and the call is out for Facebook and other social-media sites to stop posting the game.
In Ireland, a country known for drinking, known for celebrating it as a part of its culture, calls are loudest.

Hey, if the Irish are calling the drinking game too dangerous, shouldn’t we pay attention?

It’s not Facebook’s job, or Instagram’s job to stop posting examples of stupid behavior. It’s your job to look away. And talk to your kids about it.

Don’t have kids? Then talk to your friends. Who knows? Someone YOU know might actually think that playing this game is a good idea.

It’s not a game if the loser dies.

And in the end, no one is in control of your actions but you.

Do you need to know anymore about this stupid game after you look at the picture that accompanies the news story: a guy doing a headstand in a toilet.

Boy, we just love a game of truth or dare. Nothing makes us feel better than besting someone else. Unless it kills you.

That’s the truth part of Truth or Dare.