A Lesson in Invincibility

Every time a new superhero movie comes out, children are overcome with the notion that they can do everything Superman, Spider-Man, Batman or The Green Lantern can do. As role models, they are far from ideal; no one can fly faster than a speeding bullet or leap tall buildings in a single bound. Kids were all caught up in having unique powers and fighting crime. Then, along came "Jackass" to ruin that superhero facade. A quirky MTV show in which everyday Joes put themselves through ridiculous tasks and pull outlandish pranks on one other in order to make people laugh and earn big bucks, "Jackass" gave kids something new to aspire to – idiocy.

Though every episode of the series, which eventually went on to make millions of dollars in theaters all over the world, was prefaced with distinct instructions that people not try the stunts at home, I think it's safe to say that was hardly a deterrent. Sad, but true, these gents became heroes in the eyes of many people from my generation. While horribly tragic in nature, I think the events that transpired early last week will leave a lasting impression on everyone who watched the cast of "Jackass" perform raunchy and often life-threatening stunts. And that message is trifold: no one is invincible and speeding, as well as getting behind the wheel drunk, can be lethal.

When I first heard the news that Ryan Dunn's life had been unexpectedly cut short at the age of 34, I was absolutely stunned. I mean, here's this stunt man who risks life and limb to earn his paycheck and it's a car accident that takes his life. It just did not seem possible. Having watched "Jackass" when it first debuted on MTV back in 2000, I continued following the hijinks of Dunn and company on Viva La Bam and Wildboyz, right on through to the box office blockbuster "Jackass 3D." I practically grew up with those guys. As such, when I heard the news of Dunn's death, it took a while to really sink in; like so many others, I never knew the guy personally, but it felt as though I had lost a friend.

And as the details of the accident began to come out, all I could do was shake my head. Dunn had his entire life ahead of him, a career most would kill for and he ruins it by drinking and driving. Not only that, but his recklessness also took the life of his friend, Zachary Hartwell, a newlywed who survived three tours of duty in Iraq. Though his is probably the most controversial passing since Elvis Presley, as some are inclined to believe it's all just an elaborate hoax and that Dunn is very much alive, I hope his death helps open the eyes of today's youth. Sure, parents and teachers can point out the dangers of drinking and driving, but seeing someone they look up to and idolize pay the ultimate price might actually help get the message across.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times