Death Defying Planking

‘Planking’ is the action of lying face down, with arms to the sides of the body and photographing it. It has its origins in ‘the lying down game’ 1997 – 2006, in Europe and Japan. It has also been known as ‘playing dead’ in Korea (2003), ‘on ones belly’ in France (2004), and ‘extreme lying down’ in Australasia (2008).

The term ‘planking’ was coined in Australia, and became a fad in 2011. It wasn’t long before Australians everywhere were ‘planking’ at every opportunity, and uploading the photos to the internet. Until 15th May 2011, it was considered – harmless fun! However, it has now become a very serious concern.

On 15 May 2011, Acton Beale, a 20 year old male, plunged to his death after reportedly ‘planking’ on a seventh-floor balcony in Brisbane, Australia. This is the first known casualty of the planking fad. You would think that with this tragedy, planking would have at least lost some of its appeal. However, that has not been the case.

Facebook ‘planking groups’ are spreading across the internet like a virus. Facebook group, ‘Planking Australia’, has received more than 137, 868 ‘likes’ (at time of writing). It is also not a ‘game’ that is limited to a certain generation, with planking photos of children as young as 10, and adults who are grandparents, being uploaded. Planking has become so popular in Australia that even well known television personalities and sports people have participated.

Other planking Facebook groups have launched globally. It is so widespread now that enthusiasts are about to celebrate the first World Planking Day, on May 25. The event will still go on, despite Beale’s death, and despite the warnings from police and Australia’s Prime Minister, Julia Gillard: – ‘There’s a difference between a harmless bit of fun, done somewhere that’s really safe, and taking a risk with your life. Everybody likes a bit of fun, but focus has to be on keeping yourself safe first.’

There are those that are ‘for’ and ‘against’ planking, for obvious reasons. There are ‘plankers’ who do ‘plank’ safely, without putting themselves or anyone else in any type of danger. However, with all types of games, there will always be people who thrive on competition and extreme measures to be the ‘best’, and are willing to take great risks for the honour. Is the risk of losing your life really only worth a moment of fame? 

© Copyright J M Lennox. All Rights Reserved.