If you're searching for proof that news media sources occasionally suppress critical information (for reasons they hide from the general public along with news), look no further than Bananageddon.

That's right. An apocalyptic event involving an unstoppable virus and the decimation of the world's banana supply. And no one knows about it.

It's incredible that we choose to focus on topics such as the 2016 presidential election when we are in imminent danger of losing the yellow fruit that has become such a critical part of 30-second breakfasts, middle school jokes, and "Mario Kart" races. Bananas are a staple of not only our meals, but our culture -- and we could lose them forever.

Panama Tropical Race 4, or TR4, is a disease that has attacked banana crops in Asia, Africa, and Australia. If it spreads to Latin and Central America, the center of banana production, TR4 could change the world of bananas forever. In fact, the virus has already started to do just that -- banana farmers have begun exploring different varieties of the fruit that are more resistant to TR4 rather than the Cavendish type, which is what most people in the banana business have been investing in almost entirely. But until the rulers of the banana world figure out the best way to solve the banana crisis, the rest of us are left facing the possibility of a universe without bananas. In light of this tragedy, the following are five steps we should all consider taking in preparation for Bananageddon.

1. Play more "Mario Kart."

I didn't fully realize how important bananas are until I had to weaponize them in order to beat my brother on Rainbow Road. Who even knew bananas could be weaponized? Nintendo, apparently. Bananas are a fantastic source of sugar and nerve-calming potassium during an intense race, and when you've finished your snack, you can confound your closest competitor with a well-placed peel.

2. Include bananas in contemporary art.

Yes, we've all drawn the bowl of fruit in art class -- a banana, two apples, and a bunch of grapes. Or something like that. But those amateur sketches don't count. Bananas deserve more recognition as a cultural symbol.

3. Tell everyone you know about Bananageddon.

We can't let people remain in the dark about the potential loss of their favorite fruit (or what should be their favorite fruit). Everyone deserves to know about the tragedy we are in danger of experiencing as a global community.

4. Eat more bananas.

I would recommend saving as many bananas as possible, but they go bad so quickly that the only solution is to eat them. Bake them into muffins and bread; eat them with peanut butter; put them in your cereal. Do everything possible to preserve the memory of a banana's delicious taste.

5. Always bring a banana to a party.

If you don't understand this reference, well, you shouldn't be eating bananas anyways.