In a wild twist, a Chicago elementary school pulled the plug on a planned haunted house titled “The Room: A Journey to Hell” after discovering that the organizers intended to incorporate reenactments of real-life tragedies, including the horrific Pulse Nightclub shooting from June.
Fernwood Elementary had agreed to collaborate with a company named Tyrone Tappler Productions, but it wasn’t until promotional materials were released that school officials learned the event would portray not only the Pulse tragedy but also a botched abortion and the Charleston church shooting.
Michael Johnson, a spokesperson for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), expressed frustration in an interview, stating, “The event organizers misrepresented the actual content, and we did not approve any association with the activities now being promoted. This event will not take place on CPS grounds.”
This raises some eyebrows about the school’s involvement with this so-called “Christian haunted house.”
Questions and Concerns
First off, what on earth is a haunted house doing in a public school? That’s a bit of a head-scratcher, right?
Secondly, did the school honestly believe that a “Christian haunted house” would be free of controversial or offensive elements? I mean, were they expecting a scene depicting Noah inviting guests onto an ark filled with cuddly yet slightly spooky animals? Or maybe a version of the Three Wise Men running amok with chainsaws, yelling, “No one wants our myrrh!”? Let’s be real; there’s no scenario that makes this okay.
And how did they not catch wind of the planned content until just days before the event? Even a basic haunted house should be vetted before being presented to children. I’m not trying to assign blame, but c’mon!
It seems Tyrone Tappler, who describes himself as a minister and “playwright,” wasn’t particularly coy about his intentions. Back in August, he made a Facebook post seeking volunteers for the haunted house that included descriptions like “Club Pulse, Dancers, Victims… CAGED PEOPLE/SCREAMERS.” Sounds charming, right?
On Eventbrite, “The Room” is pitched as “a real-life haunted house,” promising guests a direct confrontation with scenes of “dark reality.” It’s described as “a trip through hell” where participants navigate through ten rooms, encountering choices of life or death, sin or salvation. Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not your average haunted house.
The Pulse Nightclub Tragedy
To give some context, the Pulse Nightclub shooting resulted in 49 deaths and 53 injuries. The club was a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, which begs the question of why such a tragedy was included in this “Christian” themed horror show. It feels as if Tappler was suggesting that those who lost their lives deserved their fate due to their “choices.”
In response to the backlash, Tappler tweeted a few statements that only seemed to amplify the outrage. If he sought attention, he definitely succeeded, but the reactions to his posts ranged from “See you in hell” to other more colorful remarks.
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway here? A haunted house themed around real-world tragedies, especially in an elementary school, is a terrible idea. For more insights into fertility and home insemination that can help you navigate your journey, check out this excellent resource on IVF Babble. And if you’re exploring options for boosting fertility, consider visiting Make A Mom.
In summary, the attempt to host a “Christian” haunted house centered on painful real-life events was met with well-deserved backlash and ultimately canceled. It raises important questions about appropriateness and sensitivity, especially in a school setting.