Disclaimer: there are no spoilers, because this is the life you live. You're already familiar with the content of this article.
One might find it difficult to get online and not come across a political scandal, meme or post from someone concerning recent events in society that have significantly taken a toll on daily routines and the lifestyles of millions. From coast to coast the United States is under a lot of pressure to not fall short of the "freedom" mentality it has engraved into the minds of all its inhabitants. But just how far can a country dig themselves into a pit before someone recognizes that the only way out is by going in reverse? Somehow, political leaders have collectively decided that they can solve a nation's problems by continuing to dig, looking for new ways out of media spotlight and journalism frenzies. Really, the only answer is to go in full reverse; however, that will take a lot of nerve.
The word nerve is defined as a person's steadiness, courage, and sense of purpose when facing a demanding situation. Would it be so far off to suggest we need a new leader with a sense of purpose and courage? I like to believe that charity begins at home. In other words, how can we expect one man or woman to change our nation when we ourselves sit idle by waiting for a long list of conflicting issues to be solved instead of becoming a part of the solution? The choice to not make a decision, is fact a decision.
Fortunately, when actions fail writing speaks. That was presumably the mantra of Jeanne Ryan and Jessica Sharzer when writing the recently debuted film "NERVE". A synopsis of the film describes it as portraying an industrious high school senior, Vee Delmonico, who has had it with living life on the sidelines. When pressured by friends to join the popular online game Nerve, Vee decides to sign up for just one dare in what seems like harmless fun. But as she finds herself caught up in the thrill of the adrenaline-fueled competition partnered with a mysterious stranger. The game begins to take a sinister turn with increasingly dangerous acts, leading her into a high stakes finale that will determine her entire future.
In the movie, when joining the game you are asked if you would like to be a watcher or player. Essentially, would you like to take part in the daring world of Nerve or simply watch the players from your device? For those that choose to watch- there is a price to pay. It seems there's always a price to pay. The movie set the watcher price at $19.99 for 24 hours of viewing-but in the real world, we know that being a watcher comes at a much higher cost.
From flashing a crowd at a high school pep rally to eating dog food in a grocery store, the dares start out straightforward and seemingly harmless. Described as a direct democracy, Nerve allows the watchers to say what they'd like to see the players do.
Often times there are citizens of the US that do a lot of commenting, "I'd like to see this happen for America", or "this person should take part in this dilemma and help solve a series of issues." But where are they really? The people who choose to follow but never comment, like or share your posts are what I like to call ghost followers. This term also applies to us as a country. The United States chooses to fight battles overseas instead of ghost-busting its own backyard, which is constantly being haunted by ghost followers who choose to live here without voting, speaking up or making a difference. Isn't there something that should be done about these followers who want change, but do nothing to encourage it?
We know from the trailer of 'NERVE', Vee makes the decision to become a player, however it doesn't take long her to become a prisoner of the game. The complicated web once weaved by unknown sources is torn apart by a single ounce of honesty from the 'watchers'. As a player, she has the opportunity to change the game.
The origin of this article was founded on the belief that one could either sit and watch the world go by without having any say on the outcome or become a player and actively seek out ways to be involved. While those two options are widely chosen, there is however an alternative. It is easy to be become a prisoner, whether one of culture or political structure. We are all prisoners to things, whether it is within your own mind, by strategically placed legislation or addicting media outlets where you need an audience for validation and ultimately to thrive.
We all have the choice to take prisoner- or overcome it to do something to enforce change, even if it means taking some chances. Are you will to take the challenge? Ask yourself, are you a watcher or a player?
