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Why Fun is Essential for Survival and Liberation
Embracing Fun in a World on Fire
(This was written on July 20, before some rather hopeful news was released in the United States. While most of us are riding the uplifting wave, the rest of the world is still seeking survival and liberation, so I will leave the article as originally written.)
The world is burning and horrible events unfold daily. That’s not new. When events are as dark and dramatic as they appear in headlines, the idea of engaging in play and fun might sound frivolous. However, fun and play are not just superficial luxuries; they are essential for our survival and well-being.
I firmly believe that there can be no healing without fun. Liberation is incomplete without joy — otherwise, what are you fighting for? Fun and joy are fundamental to our existence. Your aesthetic Instagram feed, new LEGO set, or movie premiere are not just about escaping reality — they sustain us in a world that constantly challenges our physical and mental health. We need joy as much as we need hope.
This is proven. People who live under oppression lean on play as a means of survival. Leisure activities, such as playing games, going out for drinks, and dancing, have historically been integral to community building and liberation efforts. These activities bring people…
