Safety Tips
From Askaninja
On Day of the Ninja, we're going to go out and have fun, but we're going to stay out of trouble. In an ideal world, people would know not to do stupid things, but sadly we don't live in such a world. And the thing is, with an event like this, if one person screws up, then everybody suffers. None of us wants to see news reports about the cops bringing in ninjas because they did something mindnumbingly stupid. So please look over the following guide for do's and don'ts.
Contents |
Don't...
...carry real weapons.
This can not be stressed enough. Buy some toys and costume props, make them out of wood, whatever. But do not carry any sharp, bladed objects with you. This will scare people and piss off the cops.
...cause a disturbance.
That is, don't start climbing and jumping on and around everything. Don't start fighting each other. Don't run around throwing things. Don't sneak around places you're not supposed to be. See a pattern?
...bother people who don't want to be bothered.
If you do this, all ninja will disown you and you will be put to shame.
Do...
...cooperate with all law enforcement and security personnel.
People running around dressed like ninjas would rightfully attract the attention of those who are trying to keep the peace. If stopped and questioned by the police or security, cooperate in full. Remove your masks, have your identification ready, and answer all questions truthfully and fully. If they ask anything of you, comply.
...allow other people to ask questions and take photos.
Let them! It's Day of the Ninja, leave people with some memories and a bit of amusement in their dull, everyday lives. It's funny, it's exciting, it's fun. If someone is being an ass, leave them be and walk away.
On Wearing Masks
Most ninjas wear masks, but this can cause trouble as in this modern world people who casually wear masks are often up to very ungood things. In fact, in some locations the wearing of masks in public may even be a violation of local laws. Before going out, investigate if such laws exist where you live. If they do, then DO NOT WEAR A MASK except at parties or other Day of the Ninja events.
If local laws do not prohibit this, caution should still be used as law enforcement and the civic minded may hold extreme suspicion against people wearing masks in unusual situations. Trouble can be avoided by removing your mask while in situations or locations where such behavior would be looked upon with suspicion. To avoid any incidents, follow these guidelines:
- Do not wear a mask while driving.
- Do not wear a mask into a bank, gas station, convenience store, pawn shop, jewelry store, or any other location subject to frequent robberies.
- Do not wear a mask in close vicinity to private homes and apartments.
- Do not wear a mask anywhere near police stations, federal property, military property, airports, utility stations, or any other secure and sensitive location.
Remember that being a ninja is about disguise, not about wearing a mask, so at times the best way to be a ninja is not to look like a ninja AT ALL, because then you are being a ninja but nobody can tell, and how cool is that? OK probably not very cool. But still, if you have to wear all black ninja stuff and then not have a mask on, it's not the end of the world.
Final Note
As we celebrate Day of the Ninja, we are also doing our part to spread the word about our holiday and each one of us is representing all the ninjas and ninja fans out there. Your behavior effects and reflects upon all of us. So be safe, be courteous, and use common sense at all times. After all, we all want to celebrate Day of the Ninja next year as well.
