The coronavirus has definitely split people’s realities pretty severely. Some people are fighting a deadly pandemic, desperately trying to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, obeying social distancing orders and sacrificing many types of activities they once enjoyed to limit the spread of the deadly virus. And other people are partying like absolutely nothing is happening in fetid maskless pools of germs.
Twitter user Danielle Baskin shared a story about what she did when her neighbors started throwing ragers next door.
“If you see your neighbors having a big party, and you have a printer at home, just cancel it for them,” she wrote.
She shared a picture of what looks like a crowded party at a fancy condo:
And a picture of the signs she posted around the apartment’s doors, which reads, “SO SORRY! DUE TO COVID-19 WE DECIDED TO CANCEL THE PARTY. Sorry for change of plans! Wanted to do the right thing. Love you all and hope to see you when the pandemic is over! <3”
In all seriousness, I doubt anyone reading that actually believed the party to be canceled. They would either text or ring or literally look up at the dozens of people already out on the rooftop patio and realize it’s still going on. At the least, it would be a reminder that what they’re doing is kind of insulting to people whose relatives are dead because of COVID-19. Wow, the more I think about it the more real this prank gets.
Baskin had a lot of supporters but started to get some pushback from people calling her a “Karen” or even a fascist. Baskin pointed out that she didn’t call the police and there were no consequences for the people throwing the party because of her sign, except maybe a moment of reflection:
Best case: fewer people go in and guests are reminded to get a COVID test on Monday. Maybe we prevent more cases?
Worst case: they think it’s a joke and roll their eyes.
Doubtful anyone thought “My freedom is in jeopardy!” from my prank. The signs stayed up all night too.
— Danielle Baskin (@djbaskin) October 17, 2020
She wasn’t too pleased with people telling her to mind her business, either:
What they're doing is a major health risk, not just to themselves, but to everyone else. The building is on the same block as an assisted living center. The party has around 40 people inside, not wearing masks, hugging each other. Most are getting in an Uber to go home drunk.
— Danielle Baskin (@djbaskin) October 17, 2020
People were in the middle of showing up. I also regret not leaving a sign saying "We're at capacity. Text me so I can let you know when someone leaves" and leave my phone number as though I'm the host. Then just continuously respond saying they can't come in yet.
— Danielle Baskin (@djbaskin) October 17, 2020
And lots of people defended her as well:
It’s literally a prank man come on. No harm, no foul. Like literally preventing harm actually.
— Alan Traxler (@traxattack) October 17, 2020
This is such a good response to parties these days
— polinium🍉 (@polinium) October 17, 2020
That classic Karen behavior of caring about the health and wellbeing of others lmfao
— Sword of Brandoncles (@lastpisstake) October 17, 2020
imagine thinking "so you can have a party" is a good reason to waste all those COVID tests.
— barefootwriter, MA (@bfwriter) October 18, 2020
Not everyone would interfere with people having a party, even if they thought the party was wrong. It should be widely understood, however, that the party is definitely wrong.