Gripping tale: The day a meme star unlocked the secrets of a soviet relic
In an adventure that reads like a script from a thriller, Drew Scanlon, a name synonymous with the viral “shocked blinking guy” meme, took his curiosity to the brinks of history by venturing into the heart of an abandoned Soviet-era nuclear base in Ukraine. His harrowing exploration, documented for his travel series Cloth Map in 2017, has garnered over 1.6 million views, captivating audiences with a rare glimpse into a relic of the Cold War that once teetered on the precipice of global annihilation.
The derelict facility, a silent witness to the tense standoffs of a bygone era, was meticulously designed to survive an apocalyptic war scenario, complete with provisions for a 45-day siege, including stocked fridges and medical supplies—a stark reminder of the grim reality that was once considered imminent. Scanlon’s guide, Dmytro, infused the tour with a blend of eerie facts and dark humour, highlighting the surreal juxtaposition of everyday comforts against the backdrop of a potential nuclear holocaust.
The climax of this chilling expedition was the unveiling of “the room to destroy the world.” Here, Scanlon stood at the very controls that, if used, could have initiated a nuclear strike capable of decimating cities continents away. Following Dmytro’s guidance, Scanlon simulated the launch sequence, a procedure dramatized in countless films but starkly more menacing in its authentic setting—a grey button, when pressed, would unleash unimaginable destruction.
Dmytro’s casual remark, “It takes 22 minutes to nuke Washington DC. Goodbye America,” served as a grim reminder of the power humans wield and the fragility of our existence. Scanlon’s nervous jest in the face of this somber reality, “Sorry, everyone,” underscored the surreal nature of standing on such a precipice, even in simulation.
This expedition into the shadows of history not only highlighted the eerie fascination with humanity’s darker capabilities but also served as a poignant reflection on the paths not taken. As the world continues to grapple with the legacy of its nuclear past, Scanlon’s journey offers a powerful narrative on the importance of remembering and learning from the echoes of history
