Planking...

While some may be fully aware of this new fad called 'planking,' others are not. I am one of the 'nots'. I recently heard about this activity via a friend of mine who described it to me. (For those that don't know, planking is the activity of lying face down and stiff like a plank of wood, while in a random and unusual location) After hearing about this I had to look it up online and see it for myself. Upon viewing images and videos of this activity, I did a bit of research to follow it up. According to the 'Planking' or 'Lying Down Game,' the object is to perform a plank and post the image of it online to have it rated on the level of risk involved. After immediately reading about this, the idea of docile bodies jumped into my head.

Often, we usually think of bodies being subjected or improved through strict regimen of disciplinary acts for greater good, planking can be seen as improving the body's ability to lie strait and motionless. Regardless of this being a fad, it seems to be one that is only getting better with age (in respects to the quality of each plank). Plankers seem eager to go with the fad and improve it with each daring stunt.

On the topic of improving the plank, an aspect of Bordo popped into my mind; subject position. While many perceive these plankings as immature, dangerous stunts, some can distinguish them as a human's inherent competiveness. If I may repeat, this activity is supposedly a game. So, therefor there will be some natural competiveness for those involved. I personally am one who views it as pointless, and immature; although funny overall. Regardless, we cannot deny that while some see it this way, others will be influenced by this cultural, view it as a competitive connection, and continue to push the limit.