Darwin Awards

Wendy Northcutt

Lendrem et al.-2014-Figure 1-The Darwin Awards sex differences in idiotic behavior

Darwin Awards are a tongue-in-cheek honor that recognizes individuals who have contributed to human evolution by selecting themselves out of the gene pool via their own actions. The concept is based on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. In contrast, the Darwin Awards highlight unusual and often foolish deaths, suggesting that those who die in such ways are doing a service to humanity's gene pool by removing themselves from it.

Origin and Criteria

The Darwin Awards were created by Wendy Northcutt in 1993. Northcutt, a graduate in molecular biology, started compiling the awards from submissions she received through a website she developed. The awards are given posthumously, although there are rare exceptions where individuals have survived their misadventures with their reproductive capabilities eliminated or severely impaired.

To qualify for a Darwin Award, the nominee must meet several criteria:

• The candidate must remove themselves from the gene pool.
• The candidate must exhibit an astounding misapplication of common sense.
• The incident must be verified.
• The act must be self-inflicted.
• The candidate must be capable of sound judgment.

Notable Awards

Over the years, the Darwin Awards have been "awarded" to a wide range of individuals for various bizarre and unfortunate incidents. These include, but are not limited to, individuals who have accidentally blown themselves up, attempted to use a lighter to look inside a fuel tank, or tried to take selfies with dangerous wildlife. The specific details of these incidents are often humorous, albeit tragic, highlighting the extreme lengths to which some individuals will go, often underestimating the dangers involved in their actions.

Reception and Criticism

The Darwin Awards have received a mixed reception. Proponents find them to be a humorous way to promote safety awareness, arguing that they serve as cautionary tales. Critics, however, argue that the awards are insensitive, as they make light of individuals' deaths. Despite the controversy, the Darwin Awards have become a cultural phenomenon, with several books published and a movie released in 2006.

Cultural Impact

The Darwin Awards have had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring not only books and films but also discussions about human behavior, risk, and the consequences of poor decision-making. They serve as a reminder of the importance of thinking actions through and recognizing the potential risks involved in reckless behavior.

See Also

• List of Darwin Awards
• Natural selection
• Human evolution