The Mannequin Challenge has frozen over social media within the last couple of weeks. Now, we’ve seen the must-watch video trend all over our news feeds, but are probably guilty of still not knowing what the purpose is behind the motionless people.
Story | Taylor Preza
Feature Image | raesremmurd.com
The trend consists of people standing still like mannequins and remaining motionless for about a minute or as long as the camera sprays over them. This is all going down as Rae Sremmurd’s song “Black Beatles” plays in the background.
The participants in the oddly addicting video clips have been getting creative with the challenge. People have been pretending to do such activities like talk on the phone, flip water bottles (another viral challenge), reach for a high-five, and even take a selfie.
There is no winner or loser, but each group does their best to get as creative as they can with it. Some groups are as big as high schools, and some are small as family members. The imaginative possibilities are endless.
The reason behind the challenge is unclear. The musical background is not even new. However, according to NPR, it originated on October 26 with a video from @pvrity___ on Twitter. It shows high school students participating from Edward H. White High School in Florida.
#manequinchallenge SHARE‼️ RT‼️ pic.twitter.com/k1BqR6iZ1p
— blackie (@pvrity___) October 26, 2016
Rae Sremmurd did not invent the Mannequin Challenge. After watching a high school perform the stunt, on November 4, Sremm commanded their audience at a show to freeze during their now-hit “Black Beatles”. And ever since November 1, Twitter reports that their account has gained over 19,000 followers. Even more impressive, the views for the song has shot up by the millions.
According to Forbes, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi from the hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd, are already thinking ahead. “We want to do the mannequin challenge and perform ‘Black Beatles’ at the Super Bowl,” the artists said.
Meanwhile, the trend has made its way all across the internet. Rappers, political figures, and animals are even starting to get involved.
Check out a few of our favorites below.
Don’t stand still. Vote today: https://t.co/jfd3CXLD1s #ElectionDay #MannequinChallenge pic.twitter.com/4KAv2zu0rd
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 8, 2016
Walking Dead Mannequin Challenge pic.twitter.com/P5XUOWZaYY
— Norman Thavaud (@NormanDesVideos) November 14, 2016
The Lunch Table also decided to join in on the motionless movement.
