As college students in the 21st century, we have been witness to more ridiculous and unexplainable trends than we know what to do with. No amount of time can erase from my memory the sting of seeing an arm swaddled with tiny colorful Silly Bandz or the unforgettable clog-like rubber presence of Crocs, both of which most of us have partaken in. But there is one recent trend I cannot seem to wrap my mind around: the Minions.
We have all seen them lurking from around every corner and plastered in every grocery store. Their plump, yellow bodies are seemingly inhuman and their large bespectacled eyes leer at us, sizing us up as perfect targets.
The Minion craze began after the first “Despicable Me” movie, in which the Minions were merely supporting characters. After seeing the audience’s positive response to the horde of friendly helpers, directors gave the Minions a larger role in the second film, and eventually their own feature film, released earlier this year. For me, the obsession just does not compute.
Minions are characterized by a small, yellow, bean-shaped body, one or two eyes covered with goggles, denim overalls and several strands of hair. They all seem to be rather jovial, energetic, and, I must say, mischievous. Many people are unaware of the craze associated with the characters or they claim to be indifferent. Once one becomes aware of the Minions, I warn that it is hard to stay indifferent for long. There is no neutrality when it comes to Minions: it is either love or hate.
Their little faces decorate T-shirts, backpacks, piñatas, shoes; everyday another medium seems to appear. And what is more infuriating is that people seem to be able to distinguish one Minion from another. Several of them have names and apparent personalities. To me, they are one irritating enigma. Singling one Minion from the herd would be beyond my will and mental capacity. A Bible verse I feel is very applicable here is Mark 5:9, “And Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.'”
I do not believe that this obsession will fade as quickly as those in the past, for now Minions have dug their little heels into our culture and are preying on consumers who happily welcome them into their homes and closets. If you are a Minion fan, this does not mean that we cannot be friends. But I do not get it, and I will question your judgment.
