this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2026
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[–] Melobol@lemmy.ml 77 points 2 days ago (3 children)

At first glance it is really funny. But of course the people who were genuinely affected are the victims. And nothing funny about it.
Reading the article I don't think the guy is actually 100 there. I believe he is struggling and just acting out - not that it is an excuse.

Gillespie also stole £30 to £40 of cat food and litter from a local Pets at Home on March 26, along with food and drink from Sainsbury's in Llandudno on May 28, a court heard. He was ordered to pay £100 in fines, £100 in cost to the Crown Prosecution Service and £50 in compensation.

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world 17 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Not the nicest thing to do to any terminally ill patients or knife attack survivors.

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Aside from stealing and stuff, I would've found it really hilarious even when I was in hospital after being resuscitated.

It IS really funny.

[–] phutatorius@lemmy.zip 2 points 23 hours ago

I'd wake up and say "You've got the wrong room, mate."

[–] Melobol@lemmy.ml 12 points 2 days ago (2 children)

There are situations where it isn't: loosing the morher and baby at the same time - you look outside and there is this baboon making fun of it.

But if you look at a Scrooge like situation it might poke someone in the right direction also.

It would be more appropriate to be in a grim reaper costume in front of smoke shops / liquor stores. Nobody would raise an eyebrow. And that's still funny while being the good guy reminding people of the dangers.

[–] phutatorius@lemmy.zip 1 points 23 hours ago

Remember Death cigarettes?

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 0 points 2 days ago

It's personal taste. Just because it's not okay doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Neurodivergent people are facing bad reactions from others every day each day.

Anyhow, just as I said, I find it funny. Surprisingly I thought especially the British (source) are a fan of dark humor.

Still, your opinion is fine too of course!

[–] joe@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It would be pretty funny in a sitcom, but significantly less so in real life.

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

If you think so, fine. But you did read I was in a critical hospital situation?

[–] joe@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I don't see how that is relevant. Do you understand that simply because you would laugh it off doesn't mean everyone would? In a sitcom, everyone is acting so there's no potential harm, but in real life, if you can muster any empathy at all, it's pretty clear how that prank could make a bad situation even worse.

Very often people are having the most stressful days of their lives in a hospital and I see no value at all in making that harder for them for the lulz.

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I repeatedly stated that I find it very funny and it's perfectly fine to think otherwise.

So it bears a relevance if I also am one who is telling you (in hopefully better condition) go ahead have fun and laugh, it's all that we have.

It leaves the impression of gatekeeping to be honest and being on a morally quite high horse.

I'll give you another example. Something that deeply impressed me. It was a disabled person in a wheelchair asking that jokes please include him and his situation because otherwise that's also just another exclusion in life.

I am also not simply laughing it off. Death is a constant companion. If you're lucky you are not constantly reminded. Better find a good way to accept this when it is required, because it's inevitable.

[–] joe@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Okay, empathy is not your thing so I'll help.

A man's wife was in a terrible car accident and as she dies on the operating room table, some assclown dressed as the grim reaper walks up and stands there. Do you truly believe anyone is going to "have fun and laugh" in that scenario?

I'm not saying you can't laugh at the guy, but for fuck's sake hop out of your own head for a minute and consider other perspectives.

This is what I meant with my first comment. In a situation where there was no potential for harm, like in a sitcom, this is hilarious. In real life, it is not funny, because there's that risk of harm.

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 0 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

This is not going anywhere. Yes even and specially then it's best to laugh. Listen, I died once and recently buried my best friend. I know pain, I know loss.

And everyone works differently. That's what I said. To each their own. But you don't seem capable of understanding that.

The one who is judgy and intolerant is you.

[–] pheelicks@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Thank you! I'm somewhat irritated by the comment section here. Like yeah, in some way it's funny but it doesn't take much imagination and empathy to get why it wouldn't be funny to people in the hospital who are fatally ill or sth. It's not just the one side making the joke who decides if it's funny. Otherwise "it was just a prank bro" would be an okay excuse for any form of acting shitty.

[–] phutatorius@lemmy.zip 1 points 23 hours ago

Otherwise “it was just a prank bro” would be an okay excuse for any form of acting shitty.

If this implies that arsehole prankster influencers should be arrested and fined in this manner: yes, please.