With "The Walking Dead" being such a popular show and more and more apocalypse-centered shows coming to television, it seems people are ready for the end of the world; but have you ever taken a look at your actual chances of survival?
Everyone has a hero fantasy. At least a small portion of every person is betting that they can survive the apocalypse and will probably lead a group of people to salvation. Regardless of what's happened - whether it be zombies, tyrannical leader, cyber dystopia or the planet dying - a small part of every person believes they can handle anything life throws at them. I have a part of me like that, but another part, a larger part, is more realistic on where I stand on survival.
I've been lead to believe that the body can go four days without water and four weeks without food. The average person can run a mile and throw a punch given fight or flight instincts. When put in a confrontational situation I see people and can think that 'They would handle it.'
I know for a fact I would not. The day the power permanently goes out, I'm done. I live my life on electricity, I have no practical skills. How do I start a fire? I Google how to start a fire. The average body can go four days without water. I have a problem with water; I think it tastes funny. The only way I'm surviving the apocalypse is if there are enough drink mix packets to put in whatever water is found. The average body can go four weeks without food. The half-full tub of chocolate chunk vanilla ice cream in my freezer begs to differ. My stomach is dying within 10 minutes of skipping breakfast, let alone several days of rationing. I am not an average person. I cannot run a mile without stopping, as the inhaler on my dresser should explain.
In the case of a tyrannical leader that we, as a collective whole, have to overthrow? I'm done for. I say "fight me" around five times per day. I say "fight me" as someone who should not invite people to fight them. At some point, that's going to happen and I'm going to panic and lay on the ground.
The only thing I have going for me is my sparkling personality. I'm helping no one. So, if the world ends and you decide you need someone for comedic relief, I'm your man. So how about you? Would you take yourself on an adventure for safety if the world ends?
