I'm inclined to agree with the idea that it's mostly urban legend and panic. But I'll also bet that there are a few fools dressing up in make-up and trying to frighten people because the news stories and such gave them the stupid, stupid notion that this is fun and entertaining. For themselves, that is.
When they finally grow up and develop some honest-to-goodness shame over their stupidity, it'll be very well deserved.
And this thread has reminded me of something interesting that I hadn't thought about in years. An old room-mate had some sort of freak-out and just walked away from a white collar career. In short order, though, she was telling me about her new job. Delivering singing telegrams. Yep, I'm serious.
(I was astounded. For one thing, it was simply weird. Plus she wasn't a good singer. Poor voice. But she was good looking and didn't mind being appreciated for that. So I guess there was the possibility of some kind of success. It didn't last long though...But I'm getting off-track)
Within days she arranged a small prank. No harm meant. Her intent was innocent enough. I didn't know about it. But I was there when she pulled it off.
A mutual friend was visiting and he was in on the prank. He had his young son with him. The boy was three years old, I think.
There was a knock on the door and when I got up my friend said, "Let Nicholas get it", then "Go ahead, Nick!" I was puzzled but I was beginning to get a clue. This new visitor was expected and was there for Nicholas.
Young Nick opened the door and there was a smiling, lively bear. Like a mascot on a college football field. And she's kind of dancing and saying, "Hi, Nicholas! I've come to dance and play and sing with you!" or something like that.
The boy's face brightened into a big smile and he raised his hands and started almost dancing or almost jumping in place. That sort of stuff. But then almost immediately he shrunk down and stepped back and his face became fearful and he was very close to crying. Then he perked up and started laughing again. And then he shrunk back and became fearful again. In my memory each half of the pendulum swing lasted about one second and he went through perhaps half a dozen of these swings before I became alarmed.
Imagine this: a very convincing Bugs Bunny has a chat or some other small adventure with you. You have to choose between believing that such an incredible thing had happened or doubting your own sanity. This kid was in the same spot. Part of him wanted to enthusiastically join the fantastical world of friendly, comical talking animals. But, even at a mere three years old, there was another part of him that understood that the real world doesn't work like that. And that gave him the unsettling feeling that 'something is just not right".
I went to the door and I told her, "You've got to tell him who you are". She pulled off the bear head and looked at me with a great deal of disappointment. As if I'd spoiled the gag. But the fact that she took it off immediately and didn't argue makes me think that she could tell that this was going wrong. I don't remember what Nick's dad did or said during this. I suppose both of them were reluctant to let go because of their hope that they could still pull off the fantasy.
I seem to remember her putting the bear head back on and trying to carry on with their little party. But I don't think it lasted long or was very spirited.
And I don't even know if there's lesson to be learned. Maybe that it's best not to try to arrange a surreal seeming situation.