Although Senior Assassin is a great way to bond and compete with one’s class during the last couple of months of high school, the fun comes with many downsides and risks. Since issues have arisen in the past, it is critical to speak about the cons of this tradition. What may originally start as a lighthearted game of water gun tag can slowly turn into a constant, time-consuming and stressful activity.
One major downside is the constant worry it creates for all participants in the game. Most of the time, players are only considered safe while wearing a pool floaty or goggles. This can lead to individuals feeling constant worry about leaving their houses without their safety item. It is very common to forget these items, which can lead people to feel frustrated or panicked, because not wearing a floaty or a pair of goggles one day can result in elimination from the game.
This itself can restrict people from doing some daily activities because they are paranoid about someone trying to get them out. So, instead of hanging out with friends, going on walks or going to some sports practices, people end up hiding in their cars or staying busy within their homes all day.
In addition, this game can become very, almost too competitive. Since prize money is involved more often than not, stu-
dents get desperate to win. This can lead to poor decision-making; for example, chasing people through busy streets or parking lots or even driving around neighborhoods to catch a target. This behavior is not only annoying, but also dangerous for others not involved in the game.
Lastly, a bigger concern is how this game may appear to people who are not in high school. To the police or pedestrians who do not know what is going on, toy weapons can be mistaken for real ones. If a person is hiding something that looks like a weapon, it can lead to a misunderstanding. This can be especially true when students unexpectedly show up at others’ houses at night and creep around backyards or driveways, which may create situations where people could believe they are being robbed, ultimately raising concerns about safety.
In the end, it is not just about the game. If anything goes wrong or off course, the reputation of the students or their school could be damaged. It is important to know the cons when thinking about this fun tradition. There is also the risk of school or legal consequences that could jeopardize a student’s future. When weighing a few weeks of adrenaline against a clean record and lasting friendships, the risks clearly outweigh the rewards.
