The phrase “Chicken Jockey” can be found in the recently released Minecraft movie. Jack Black, who plays the character Steve, utters this legendary line during a fight between Garrett, played by Jason Momoa, and a baby chicken-riding zombie. What was originally meant to be a comedic line in a movie has become trigger words for young movie-goers to incite chaos by hurling buckets of popcorn, drinks, and other more dangerous projectiles.
“Chicken Jockey” Turns Into a Meme
Someone who isn’t an avid Minecraft player may believe that a chicken-riding zombie is a phenomenon constructed for the big screen with no pertinence to the original game. Surprisingly, a “Chicken Jockey” can be found in specific circumstances in Minecraft, tending to be a formidable opponent when it appears. This is due to the chicken’s unpredictability and the rider’s rage, as accurately highlighted in the movie.
The unusual enemy’s TV appearance quickly took the internet by storm, with various social media like TikTok and Instagram being flooded with posts, videos, and songs of the character. The most commonly created video is where someone films a few seconds leading up to the phrase and after it. Before Jack Black speaks, the theatre is typically quiet, save for the occasional chatter of excited individuals. Then, as the A-list actors speak those infamous words, the audience does as well, followed by cheering, yelling, and popcorn/liquid confetti. While it may seem innocent and harmless enough, this trend has caused legitimate issues.
The Minecraft Meme’s Fallout
Besides bringing together groups of young theatre-goers, the Minecraft Movie has had negative consequences. The most tame effect so far is the additional cleaning burdens on the theatre workers who have to clean up the popcorn and liquids. Another relatively harmless outcome is the noise complaints that have been issued. However, some fans have taken this trend to the extreme, causing property damage and injuries as a result.
An article by NBC claims that a theatre in New Jersey has prohibited minors and groups of boys from watching the movie without an accompanying adult. This is following a group of young people who reportedly vandalized the property as well as generally disrupting the establishment. Another article by NBC even goes so far as to say that they broke the theatre’s seats. This is not an isolated case, as similar behaviors in other businesses have even resulted in having the police escorting, especially rowdy Minecraft enthusiasts, off the premises.
Concluding Thoughts on “Chicken Jockey”
Truthfully, I can see both sides of the argument. On one hand, young adults/children are simply letting off steam. With all the pressures and negativity in today’s society, joy should be rightfully cherished. However, it appears that many individuals are not just harmlessly chanting “Chicken Jockey” and then being done with it. They are breaking chairs, vandalizing, littering, hurling objects, and causing disruptions for others throughout the whole movie. If you want to partake in this particularly viral trend, just ponder being considerate of others who do not.
