Pranking with a Conscience

In the early morning air of April 1 out Cal State Monterey Bay, a group of merry pranksters who shall not be named gathered together to plan their celebration of April Fools Day. After a discussion about possible targets and suitable methods of merrymaking and pranks, they begin the first phase of the operation. They take a quick trip to Target to pick up the materials for the prank (duct tape, plastic wrap, toilet paper, and a box of oversized condoms, etc.) and after some searching, the pranksters locate the car of their victim, a small yellow Toyota convertible. They begin the process of sealing the car, and after 30 minutes of diligent work, they manage to effectively seal the car. As a last act in the name of humor, the pranksters leave a message saying "April fools" and leave the scene.

Some people like Max Arons, sophomore, Psychology thinks plastic wrapping someone's car is a prank that, "in a way is really screwed up, and if it happened to me I would be mad for a bit, but it's still hilarious and in good taste. Besides its not like plastic wrap is all that hard to remove from a car." Although to some the prank may be fiscally or physically irresponsible max feels that, "It does not physically or emotionally harm the person themselves."

Cat Pendleton, senior, RA, Global Studies might feel somewhat adverse about prank ing as a whole. "Depending on what what you use to seal the car, it may damage the paint or the windows, and if their just so happens to be an emergency when something like that happens, it could be really make a persons life so difficult." She also recommends to being mindful of how much of effect the prank would have on that person, and how well they will take it. "I mean have taken part in pranking and joking around too, but I know when it goes too far, like invading that person's personal space to perform the prank."

But for those who don't know the limit, here is some information to help you plan well for your next prank. The main campus housing agreement includes a reasonable idea of what could be considered within the realm of going too far, at least in regards to rooms. To paraphrase the agreement, "although some wear and tear is expected, take care of your room and the furnishings found within that room, and be ready to compensate for any damage or destruction of the room or its furniture". In other words, try to avoid destroying your room, and also keep in mind laws when planning your prank.

So remember to keep it simple and most importantly, have fun because that is what the spirit of joking is all about. Now where did someone put the last can of spray paint?