Playfulness: The Missing Ingredient for Broader Action?

A question I’m often asked when discussing a lighter, more playful approach to climate change is “How can you be playful at a time like this?” My response is that I play precisely because these issues are so serious. Among other reasons that I’ll explore in a future blog post, I believe that playfulness helps us engage more people–and keep them engaged– in the social and environmental movements so crucial to our time. 

I was reminded of this at our local Hands Off! event last weekend. As you may know, Hands Off! rallies took place in over 1,000 places across the U.S., bringing attendees concerned about the anti-democratic antics of our federal government together in peaceful demonstration. 

My partner and I both felt it was important that we voiced our concerns with the direction of the country. We also felt it was important that our two kids join us – a new teenager and a nine-year old – in order to give them first-hand experience of a fundamental right we have in this country: to peacefully demonstrate against the government. 

Our kids shall we say, were not pleased with having to accompany us. They were unenthused and grumpy. We brought them anyway.

At least 1,500 people spread out over four blocks on both sides of a busy four-lane street. This was quite a large gathering for the small Midwestern city we live in. As my kids settled in and took in their surroundings, their mood shifted markedly. Instead of the angry and vulgar signs which sometimes characterize other demonstrations, we noticed people smiling and laughing, enjoying time spent in solidarity with others. Most demonstrators held signs with creative messages containing puns and other wordplay. Some wore costumes, others had instruments.

My family started turning our observations into opportunities for delight. For instance, many passing drivers honked in solidarity with the crowd. Others, though far fewer, flashed their middle fingers and swore at the demonstrators. My kids made a game comparing the total number of honks to the total number of middle fingers. They had a contest to see who could spot the most creative sign, the most colorful sign, the best costume, etc.

The Hands Off! rally was similar to other demonstrations that I’ve attended over the years that include elements of playfulness like music, dancing, puppetry, art, and singing. These events don’t feel angry and foreboding despite the down-right scary circumstances that create cause for the demonstration in the first place. Instead, they embody a sense of joy, more like a community festival. 

I think the festive nature attracts others to engage. I know it did for my kids. Despite the blustery wind and forced time with their parents, I could see in my kids’ energized body language and I could hear it in their chatter that they felt part of something larger than themselves. As we were about to leave, my nine-year-old said, “Can’t we stay for another 10 minutes?” and my teen said, “You know, I’m glad I came and I’d do it again.” Bam! 

If we hope to cultivate sustained engagement in the vital work ahead, we would do well to remember that even amidst serious concerns, a touch of playfulness can be a powerful catalyst for collective action and lasting commitment.