Not-so-fun Play

Though play connotes enjoyment, it, too, has negative implications. In my own experience, it seems that play can sometimes lead to an overextension of one's boundaries, as well as the rejection of reality's boundaries; in play, we adopt new codes of conduct, and disregard those which have been placed before us by authority figures. In doing so, the perils of play are most apparent. When children role-play, they introduce their own understandings of that which is "other" to them; however, this act can lead to the transgressing of physical boundaries, both violent and sexual. Beyond this, when we disconnect from these principle bounds, there is the possibility of delving so far into the imaginary that we cannot return to everyday functionality; non-play interactions become strained, and children struggle to establish connectivity. To play is often to excuse oneself from reality's purpose, but the danger of this is the possibility of no return, and that of abandoning interpersonal guidelines.