Playing for the Identity

Playing for the Identity

              Play is a concept that is deeply influenced by the individual and is vital to the development of not only the individual, but to society as well. Currently, there seems to be a large misconception that play applies only to children and is unnecessary. However, there is a deeper importance to play; an importance that cannot acknowledged without looking deeper into the interworking of play itself.

              The importance of play in relation to identity formation can first be witnessed by looking at the type of play children engage in. The type of play a child is involved in is heavily based off of the personality and desire of the child. However, just as the child’s continuously developing identity influences their decisions, the types of play and interactions they experience mold the identity of the child who experiences said interactions. In starfish’s childhood memories of play, they recognize how they would often love playing because it gave them independence from their parents. Starfish would frequently engage in play because they felt independent. This constant exposure to this feeling was most likely the beginnings of an independent persona.

                 This idea of identity formation through play is not isolated to children.  It is not just a child’s game of make believe or dolls. It is the exploration and formation of the identity, which is undeniably a development that is continuous throughout an individual’s entire life. In terms of adults, almost any activity may be labeled as play. Similarly to starfish’s experience of play, “Playing in Industrial Ruins” explores playing in terms of low surveillance. In industrial ruins, where the rules of society are distant, many pleasures are indulged in. Whether it is hedonistic pleasures or indulgences of one’s rebellious side, the industrial ruins are the best playground to experiment and experience new things. These experiences would simultaneously mold and inform about one’s identity. For instant, if one was to engage in play of the more artistic nature, such as graffiti, it both indicates that the individual has a more artistic side and promotes growth in that aspect of the person’s identity.

              Both of these examples show how play takes part in identity formation. Play teaches the individual what they like and do not like. The actions that they chose to repeat in the future often indicate a dedication to the growth of a specific aspect of the identity. The use and the engagement of one’s own individuality in exploring new fields and possibilities allow the individual to explore their own sense of self as well. This path of self-discovery taken during play is undoubtedly an important step in the creation and development of one’s identity.  

              Therefore, after establishing how important play may be to the individual, the question of “so what?” remains. Sure, play promotes the growth of one’s identity, but how is it valuable to society? Well, the answer to this question can be found if one analyzes play deep enough. Play is often described as purposeless. However, ‘purposeless’ is subjective. For instance, play for an individual passionate about inventing may be working on inventions involving clean energy. This action may be recognized by many as work, not play. In contrary, actions often thought of as work are ‘play’ in terms of an individual.

              Play and passion are linked, especially in the case of play for adults. As stated previously, play is both a reflection of the identity along with the strengthening of said identity. In adults, play may be considered to be whatever they believe to be fun or relaxing. As Brown mentioned in the podcast of “Play, Spirit, and Character," play is often “outside of time” (Brown). What this means is that when one engages in what they consider to be play, they lose track of time easily. Whether losing time involves watching television or studying quantum physics depends on the individual. Play and passion are intertwined because one’s interest and their style of play are often the connected.

              In terms of societal significance, play can often act as a way to improve people’s ability in their chosen profession. It is common to be told to pick a profession that one is passionate about. As a professional who is passionate about their work, play can be a way to explore unexplored areas in their field of passion. This would lead to developments in different fields of work simply because people are allowed to play.

Play is undoubtedly significant and vital, both in terms of the individual and society. Play’s ability to spur and promote growth in humans’ identities demonstrates its value on a personal and developmental level. Additionally, the connection between play and passion allows play to be a catalyst for significant breakthroughs and development within society. Play is unquestionably a vital element to development in all aspects of the word.

 

 

Bibliography

Brown, Stuart. "Play, Spirit, and Character." Interview. Audio blog post. On Being Studios. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2016.

Edensor, Tim, Bethan Evans, Julian Holloway, Steve Millington and Jon Binnie. "Playing in Industrial Ruins: Interrogating Teleological Understandings of Play in Spaces of Material Alterity and Low Surveillance." Urban Wildscapes. Ed. Anna Jorgensen and Richard Keenan. New York: Routledge, 2011. 65-79.

Starfish. "Play." Web log post. Changing Our Story. N.p., 18 Sept. 2016. Web. 22 Sept. 2016.