The warm weather of the summer months has brought with it more than just bikini-clad women and shirtless men. It has carried with it upon its warm breezes millions and millions of Frisbees and their throwers from around the world. I sat down with the inventor of the Frisbee, Jack Mechupo, to discuss the phenomenon of this popular, yet simple toy.
MC: Jack, may I call you Jack?
JM: Sure, go ahead.
MC: First off, did you have any idea that the Frisbee, excuse me I believe it is called a "disc" now. Did you have any idea that the disc would be so popular?
JM: To tell you the truth Morgan, no. I was in the Frisbee Pie Factory once and I threw a dish at a co-worker and boom, there was this amazing invention.
MC: What do you think is the best aspect of the Frisbee?
JM: I think the versatility of the disc is the best thing it has to offer. You can throw it in a field, in an office, or at the beach. I mean, there are so many games you can play too. You can play Ultimate Frisbee, or just play catch. The options are endless.
MC: Some people say that the Frisbee is dangerous, what do you have to say regarding the safety of this toy?
JM: First things first Morgan, it is not a toy, it is a piece of sporting equipment. Same as a lacrosse stick or soccer ball. With regards to your question, as with any contact sport, there are some aspects of danger. For instance, if someone is throwing a disc and people are walking in the middle of the throwing area, say on a path on a big green somewhere, then there is a chance of injury. But as far as the participation in the sport of Frisbee throwing, it is far too an inclusive, friendly sport for injuries.
MC: So you're saying that the only danger is to people who aren't even involved in playing?
JM: Precisely. What we were looking for when we marketed this item was to say, "Here is something that you can do anywhere you want, no matter what else might be happening at that time."
MC: Isn't that a little inconsiderate, telling your participants and consumers to play this game wherever they feel, without regard for the people who aren't participating, the ones who are at most risk for injury? I mean, at Dartmouth, the Frisbee has taken off, skyrocketed in popularity. But there are times that the Dartmouth Frisbee-playing population has gotten a little overzealous, and, quite frankly, created a hazardous environment for us "non-discers."
JM: I don't like what you're getting at Morgan. The Frisbee is the greatest sports invention since Pro Beach Roller Hockey and with new versions of discs coming out rapidly, the Frisbee could become the hottest new marketing tool.
MC: Oh yeah, that is another thing I wanted to ask you, could you please stop using the Frisbee as promotional gifts at Dartmouth College? Everyone from DDS to the Thayer Engineering School gives away free "death discs," as I like to call them, which, in turn, become lodged in car tires, trees, even body parts. I would appreciate it, as would the rest of the normal Dartmouth population, if these discs weren't as accessible as beer on a Friday night. God knows Frisbees do more damage than a simple pong ball.
JM: Morgan, this interview has taken a rather confrontational tone as of late. I thought I came here to discuss my newest product, the Whistle Disc. It whistles when you throw it, the best --
MC: Great, this will be as good as the Nerf football that whistles when you throw it. Parents everywhere were kicking themselves about a week after they bought that for their kids. I'm sure most folks will buy their kids a drum set before that damn Frisbee. (If they have any sense at all.)
JM: You know what, I've had just about enough of this Morgan. Why did you exactly invite me here today?
MC: I've had enough of beating around the bush, what would you say if I told you I thought Frisbees sucked and can't see any point as to why people would play with such a "toy"?
The interview ended promptly as Mechupa walked out.
It was rumored that on his way across the Green from Robinson Hall to his car, he was hit in the head with a Frisbee, a whistling one. Serves the idiot right.
