Skaggs says it's no time for hoaxes

0 Comments | Insight on the News, Dec 10, 2001 | by John Elvin

Joey Skaggs, a world-class hoaxer whose wildly imaginative and stunningly executed pranks on the media often have earned him mention in this column, says that some of his past stunts would lead to his arrest in today's tense environment. Commenting on a law proposed by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) aimed at those who threaten or falsely report a terrorist attack, Skaggs said he never has endorsed hoaxes that were "irresponsible, stupid, dangerous and destructive." Those who create false alarms, spread panic or otherwise place further burdens on agencies trying to prevent terrorism and sabotage should be "dealt with swiftly and strongly" Skaggs states.

In defense of his own work, Skaggs says his intention has been to use "elements of truth, irony, humor and satire" to "target closed-mindedness, prejudice, hatred and unquestioning thinking." Though he has high hopes that we soon will see a day when "we can once again appreciate irony and satire," Skaggs has put his projects on hold. The great hoaxer says he may hang it up entirely and focus his efforts on commentary about hoaxes and media manipulation.

Schumer's proposed law would hit violators with as many as five years of jail time and fines of as much as $10,000. Though Skaggs is concerned at the possible impact on those for whom the hoax is an art form and a means of communicating important social messages, he says five years might not be enough in cases where someone uses false alarms to cause mass panic.