Aggies discuss do’s and dont’s of pranking
The days of classic pranks like whoopee cushions, hand buzzers and rubber chickens are over. People are getting more creative on how to make others laugh on April Fools’ Day.
Although there are many speculations on how this holiday first started, it remains a mystery. In America, April Fools’ is a day where it is more socially acceptable for people to bring out the humorous, flamboyant side of their personality and show it off to family and friends in the form of antics, jokes and pranks.
“My freshman year, my roommate and I got involved in this prank war with some guys from Mountain View,” said Kassi Brandow, a senior majoring in music education. “Somehow they broke into our room and left us a note that said, ‘Good luck finding it.'”
After a long period of searching, Brandow and her roommate never found anything, but they were amused nonetheless. However, she said not all ideas should be carried out.
“A few years back, some guys wanted to soak bread in NyQuil and feed it to ducks, and then they wanted to take those ducks and put them into their RA’s room because he always left his door open,” Brandow said. “Some ideas might seem funny, but do not do them if they are dangerous or stupid.”
Utah State University students had many stories to share about pranks that have happened around campus.
Kia Sundberg, a sophomore in music performance, noted a prank she saw last year. She was crossing the parking lot when she saw a vehicle that had newspaper and Saran Wrap spray painted onto it. She spoke with the owner of the car and found that the inside was loaded with balloons that were filled with glitter.
“Even the air conditioning vents were filled with sparkles,” Sundberg said. “It must have been torture to clean up.”
In order to avoid these disastrous messes, pranksters should also consider cleaning up after April Fools’ fun.
“I think pranks are hysterical, particularly when they aren’t pulled on me,” said Clair Canfield, a lecturer in communications at USU. “Once, a few people brought socks and nylons full of flour and just rushed in and started smacking people. Every time you hit someone, a gigantic cloud of powder would pop out and create a disaster.”
With pranks, it’s important to be really sure what kind of relationship the pranker has with the prankee, he said.
“I don’t really like pranks,” said Kylen Wyatt, a freshman majoring in English. “They can be hurtful and time-consuming to clean up.
Wyatt also said what makes a great prank is incorporating humor with consideration for the prankee.
“If they were positive and complimentary, then I would find them great,” she said. “I like pranks that make the prankee smile. Perhaps going up to a stranger and saying something strange, but it’s actually a compliment. Just pranks that show people you care.”
— monica.a.delatorre@gmail.com