The way for many to show their rebellious streak as a child is to knock on a door or ring a doorbell and then run away.
Yes, it probably results in some being disturbed from their dinner or whathaveyou, but all- in- all it’s harmless.
The classic practical joke by young children all over the world go by different names, depending on country or locale.
In Ireland it is known as Knick Knack, in Scotland it’s Chappy. In Canada it is referred to as Nicky Nicky Nine Doors.
In England, it is known as Knock Knock Ginger or my personal favorite Dingle Dongle A Shilling On The Workmaster’s Nickel Knocker.
Other names include Granny Knocking, Knock A-Door Run, Chickenelly, Bobby Knocking, Rattatat Ginger.
Here it is often referred to as Ding Dong Ditch.
13-year-old Jacksen Proell and his friends live in Brainerd, a city in central Minnesota.
They were on the way to get some snacks when they decided to Ding Dong Ditch.
They went from door to door, ringing the bell and running away, as they made their way to their destination.
Jackson didn’t want to be part of it, so as he tagged along, he decided to leave a message to the door cameras that are so prevelant now.
“I just saw the doorbell camera when we were walking to the gas station and I just thought maybe I should say something nice to it.
My friends were ding-dong-ditching those cameras and I was like, 'You know what, how about I go say something nice, maybe they need to hear it'."
And what a universal and timely message to all who later checked their videos.
An ad-lib meandering of grooviness.
"You can see me and you matter, alright? There's always gonna be someone that cares about you. And you're a good person. No matter what people say, you matter.
Ignore them. They're losers. They're ding-dong-ditching you. I'm just trying to say something nice. Like, I don't know what they're doing. They're running away and stuff. I'm just trying to say that you matter man, or girl. Whoever you are you matter to someone. Just keep that in mind. Don't forget that."
One of these homeowners was Ashley Mann, who though was on vacation at the time, had received a notification on her phone about the video.
“Just going through footage and getting rid of notifications, and then, I saw some kids at the doorbell. I watched it, and I was like, ‘Wow, that was really powerful.’”
“It really struck me. It was super powerful. I have never seen a kid randomly go up to a doorbell like that and say some positive affirmations and letting someone know they matter.”
And the fact that Ashley is a mental health worker and guide at Central Lakes College, who works with young people in crises, she was so impressed that, like so many today, took it to social media where it’s been seen and responded to by over 50 million worldwide.
Her desire was to pass on the positivity to all who hear its call.
Said Jacksen, “I’m not trying to get famous or something like that. I was just trying to say something nice, and now, this is happening. So, I’m just kind of going with it.”
Said his beaming mother, Carissa Proell, “Oh, my heart just expanded so proudly. He’s told me before that he’ll stand up for kids, like if he feels somebody’s being singled out or bullied, that he’ll intervene and try to be a distraction so that that kid isn’t so targeted.”
Though Jacksen’s desire and intention was to lift someone’s spirits, could he have known just how helpful and powerful his words truly are?
The gravity of such words and the impact they can have on someone who’s struggling…. potent stuff.
So… I’ll repeat them…
"You can see me and you matter, alright? There's always gonna be someone that cares about you. And you're a good person. No matter what people say, you matter.
I'm just trying to say that you matter man, or girl. Whoever you are you matter to someone. Just keep that in mind. Don't forget that."
Said Jacksen, “There are so many lonely people. Don’t give up.”
Now where have I heard that before?