Play’s Republic

…it’s almost here.

That day when play crosses the usual boundaries and enters our daily interactions for a few short hours. It’s a time to be on your guard, but it’s also a time to indulge in the glory of handing out candies that turn your victims’ tongues blue.

It is, of course, April Fool’s Day.

How do our actions on April 1st intersect with the concepts of “play” we’ve been discussing in class? There seem to be socially-imposed guidelines: nothing that is cruel or dangerous. Each act of play (the prank) has a defined timeline and endpoint. How about the magic circle? On April 1st, play expands to include people who are usually unaware of their involvement in the playing being done. Are they still playing, if they don’t realize what’s happening?

For many American adults, April 1st is the only day of the year when “childish” public play is commonly acceptable, whether through joy buzzers, whoopee cushions, or fake vomit. It would be interesting to hear about other people’s observations of the day (past pranks? planned pranks?), and whether you would consider your experience to be “play.”