What Would You Do (WWYD)?

I’m a big fan of practical jokes, so I was mesmerized by the television show Punk’d.  (For you middle-aged set, think of an edgy and more modern “Who’s on Candid Camera.”)   I know, I know, it’s such immature TV, but I couldn’t avert my eyes.

The website’s definition of punk’d is “to be made a fool of as the target of an extravagantly arranged prank.”  When they say extravagantly arranged, they mean it.  I saw an old clip of them “punk’n” Justin Timberlake.  The prank consisted of making it appear the government was hauling the entire contents of his house away because he had failed to pay $900,000 in taxes.  When he drove into his expansive driveway, he saw his cars sitting on flatbed tow trucks, “seized” signs plastered on a multitude of boxes and huge moving trucks on the driveway.  A crew of men in government uniforms roamed his property, looking and sounding official. 

There are many reasons I was so taken by the show.  Sure – it’s just plain funny entertainment at the expense of some unsuspecting Hollywood Star.  But perhaps more so, it’s a window into someone’s behavior and character during tough moments and I have to say, some of these stars come off well in the midst of difficult situations, while some don’t.  

I wonder, if I’d speak to that government official with respect and calm while watching them haul away the contents of my home (they even took Justin’s dogs!)?  Am I raising my kids to be virtuous and kind in every situation? It’s easy to look kind and patient when everything is going our way.  It’s the difficult times, when real virtue, respect and character show their colors.

So what did Justin Timberlake do when faced with the government repossessing his home?  He appeared quite distraught, spoke with some measure of calm and respect and then… he called his mom.

In other words, if you don’t think you’ve advised your kids on how to react well in adversity, you may still get your chance.