STATESIDE STORIES: April Fool’s Day, a Relic of the Past?

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April Fool’s is still on the calendar, so someone must remember it in the midst of hack attacks in cyberspace and identity theft and barbaric beheadings

By Mary Foran

April one is April Fool’s Day in the USA, and many parts of the world as well, specially in those places with strong American influence. In the States people used to play innocent tricks on each other on that day and cry out “April Fool’s!” when the person finally realized they’d been had. It was a fun thing to do, and some people liked it and some people didn’t. Some people actually don’t mind being fooled, and some people really do.

Since 9/11, people are more cautious about everything, no one wants to offend anyone, and jokes are sent to the trash. We’re all a little sensitive and concerned, and silliness is frowned upon. But April Fool’s is still on the calendar, so someone must remember it in the midst of hack attacks in cyberspace and identity theft and barbaric beheadings.

We live in a world now that doesn’t stand for a joke as much, and which really doesn’t have much of a sense of humor. Dry wit may be the only solution to stifling your giggles.

A laconic drawl could be another answer: American country music is known for telling it like it is.

So, remember April Fool’s Day with fondness as of another time and place.

Practical jokes just aren’t funny anymore.

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Featured image/Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay