Planking: A Bizarre Guerilla Stunt Gone Viral

Written by RJ Williams

As you guys have probably heard, there is a new phenomenon going viral worldwide; just don’t expect any spontaneous dance sequences that leave bystanders dazed, confused, and yet ready to dance... Nope, it just leaves people dazed and confused!

Just like every other viral outbreak, "planking" started as a plain old quest for easy amusement, and it all began across the big pond in England, around 1997. Eventually traveling to Australia, Asia, other parts of Europe, it inevitably hit the shores of the U.S., where countless numbers of people are trying to top each other by finding the most bizarre places to get photo-ready, lying face down with both arms to their side. Depending on the country, you could be playing the "lying down game", the "on one's belly game", "playing dead", or doing the "face downs". It might sound funny just saying it, but you’ve honestly got to see it to believe it. The game first gained media attention after several doctors and nurses in England were suspended for "planking on the job" in 2009. But, honestly, who could resist? I have never seen people have so much fun while lying still! 

As you might expect, the game has reached a certain level of outrageous one-upmanship. Players are planking atop camels, road signs, and railings at great heights. Sadly, there have been some mishaps, but planking can be safe fun if you exercise caution, and I have a feeling that, in a few more years, just about everyone will have planked at least once... with online proof! 

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