Punk'd

I like that word.
But I must admit, as much as I wish to become/be known as a prankster, I don't have the creativity nor the skills to be one. Unbelievable? I suppose it depends on what context people have come to know me. Ooh... but the adrenaline rush to be able to pull a prank. Strange.

This is what the world thinks of prank-sters. On doing an "interesting" survey the BBC has online, together with the character traits of high levels of arousal (need for excitement.. thrill rides, horror movies), the need for novelty and vanity (looking in the mirror), it also uses your tendency to play cruel practical jokes on people to score the likelihood and possibility of how faithful you will be in your marriage. Hmm... albeit the BBC does have some strange quizzes, one of which fitted me in a category of having an androgynous brain, it does set one thinking about the true nature of pranking.

I do question my motives for prank-ing people. Do I just do it to make them look dumb, and make myself look good? How often do I compromise someone else's dignity when it comes to cracking a joke to make the whole room laugh?

To all those charges, I answer : Guilty.

Its hard not to tell a joke at someone else's expense; its even harder to tell it at your own.

Maybe it stems from pride. A need to show up better amongst others? I realised that I'd received the wrong end of the stick whilst growing up. Didn't really occur to me, until some hidden memories, possibly painfully repressed, came popping up during Word Alive. Believe you me, it isn't nice to be made fun of, even the "harmless" jibing. Singlish even has a special term for it: "suan"-ing. Just goes to show how innate it is within our culture to do so. [-shudder-]

Maybe its time we put things into perspective, and question what we've come to accept as norms. Even "cultural" norms. I've always struggled with Ephesians 5:4. Just as Paul was admonishing the Church in Ephesus to be set apart, different, and to walk in the ways of holiness. He curiously lists "foolish talking and coarse jesting" as part of the many things we should put away as God's children. Have we been playing down the true effects of such "harmless activites"?

No this isn't me getting all holier-than-thou. I struggle with this as well! Especially in the words I say. But rather than deny and cover-up, lets admit to what it really is, and what it does do to others. And maybe we can gain a little more respect, rather than lose it, the next time we crack a joke.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Have a good April Fools... but take it easy guys ;)