All Fool’s Day – Joke is on us!
A tradition that started in the 1500s when people who stubbornly refused to accept the Gregorian calendar were ridiculed for being “fools” seems to have gradually lost its sheen. A day that was exclusively dedicated to aimless errands and practical pranks has given way to spoilt sports and stereotypes these days.
Over the years, there has been a steady decline in mischief makers who made the most of April 1. Our parents’ generation continued to play pranks well into their middle ages but now the only reminder of the day seems to be the bogus stories newspapers carry as pranks.
Dhini D., a final year Science student, blames the modern lifestyle. “People just don’t have the time to bother playing pranks anymore. And most of them have lost their sense of humour and they don’t take pranks lightly,” she reasons.
Another aspect for this decline is the change in perception of fun. The constant urgency to achieve professional excellence has pushed frivolity to the back burner. Raksha Nagraj, a second year student says, “Of course, it is silly. It’s so lame to play random pranks just because is it April 1. It’s so childish.”
Those who do indulge in a prank or two are actually frowned upon. Making crank calls with friends or slapping notes on a classmate’s back that states “I am a Donkey. Kick me”, seem more stupid than fun these days.
Though each one of us has fond memories of All Fools’ Day, there won’t be many who will play a prank on someone and cry “April Fool” on Friday and the day will pass like any other. The joke’s clearly on us.
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