For those who haven't seen my username yet, I'm in China. As a foreign teacher, I love sharing all those obscure cultural tidbits that sometimes don't compute in the minds of my students. Now I'm wondering if I try to play an April Fool's joke on them, say fake a heart attack, will they get it? Is it worth the risk of freaking some of my students out and making them cry? Maybe I'll find out how much they do or don't care about me. Maybe they'll like it. The jury's out on this one and I like some comments please. Hurry since it's already April Fool's here and I have class in an hour.
Additionally, my questions about the prank tolerance level of my students applies to others as well. Is it mean to fake your death to loved ones on such a day as today? I personally think it would be hilarious if someone did it to me. However, I know my mom would have a very large cow if I pulled that on her. Thus, I guess you have to consider your audience.
But what if you've been waiting and saving a good prank for a special someone, whether a friend or a foe? I used to think of my April Fool's scenario right after St. Patrick's Day every year for my sister. I can't help but think that I overdid it. What does this say about the cultures that celebrate the holiday? What does it say about the person who fakes his or her death? Has April Fool's become too cruel?
So should I even share this with my students?
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That prank seems a little too dramatic. It's just my opinion, but I just don't think that death is something to joke with. A babysitter I had when I was really young faked her death to scare me and my brother. It really just was NOT in the least bit funny.
You can pretend to be on drugs or drunk? That would give them something to talk about AND laugh at (well, depending on their age).
They're in high school and nothing really offends my school, so public drunkenness and pretending to smoke pot are acceptable. Maybe not ethical though.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina