Thoughts on April Fools Day. Those of you who know me know that I have a warped sense of humor. And, you know that I am completely intolerant of being pranked. I intensely dislike the practice, I do not tolerate it from those around me, or among those with whom I work. I have terminated the employment of people who could not understand the simple concept that it was not permitted under my supervision. It is my contention that pranking of this sort is a form of bullying; one person or a group of people pull a stunt against someone or another group to elicit a response (often fear) for the amusement of others. It is an abuse of power, it is cruel, and though the claim is always Its just for fun it does not feel that way to the person being pranked. This claim Its just for fun does not excuse the practice for those who do not like it. Were not having fun, and were not here for you to have fun at our own expense. The worst, is that people who enjoy pranking of this sort take it as a personal challenge to abuse and prank those who do not. Its the same concept in bullying...the strong pick on the vulnerability of the weak, because they can. The only solution, of course, when in a new situation where someone thinks youre a good target for pranking is to immediately go completely nuclear. Subtle requests to cease and desist are to no avail. The point is to be so over the top unreasonable with the prankster so as to embarrass them into avoidance. Its unfortunate, but Ive learned that this is the only way. The question to ask yourself, if you are Christian, is who would Jesus prank? I suggest the answer would be no one. And thus, neither should we. So today, April 1st, instead of pulling a puerile, sophomoric prank on someone to see them jump or start in fear, perhaps you pranksters should think twice. Its not funny for everyone, and really, not good behavior in any situation.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:47:59 +0000