University Threats Are Not Funny

Is this a joke?

"I think you should kill some of those asses . . . or better, let loose the walshman on their asses!! I'll kill em!" Andrew Walsh wrote from his Facebook profile, which included a photograph of a young man brandishing a large gun.

"We'll call a general SA meeting in Bolton 150 . . . then when everyone's seated . . . we'll lock the doors and out pop my guys with HK mp5's . . . and we'll take care of em! Hahahahahaha."

As an adult student at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, this is no joke.

However, a college education apparently doesn’t equate to common sense. At least not to UWM graduate Andrew Walsh who posted these statements on a friend’s Facebook page.

Hello, McFly. Is anybody home in there?

Thankfully, this was in fact a joke. But university officials, campus police and the Federal Joint Task Force on Terrorism took this threat seriously and ensured the safety of the students and faculty.

In light of the recent shootings at Virginia Tech, just about anyone with an ounce of common sense would realize that this isn’t funny.

Sarcasm, satire and other types of humor are extremely difficult to portray online when key elements of humor such as vocal inflections and facial expressions cannot be conveyed.

Even professional writers struggle with this battle. Just look at how often someone takes a story in The Onion seriously.

Just because you think that your writing or online posting is funny does not mean that others will interpret it as humorous rhetoric.

Sometimes a little common sense and a pause before that final click can avoid a serious misunderstanding.

Isnt’ that right, McFly…..er…..Mr. Walsh?