With more problems plaguing the world each day, it feels silly to pick one issue out from the crowd. Why separate a fine, upstanding global problem from its friends in an overwrought public display of nonsense? Because it’s what the situation calls for. One by one, you must go on down the line, until there are no more things to complain about.
Live action role playing or LARPing is a frequent source of derision by members of the mainstream. They sneer at these adults in perpetual adolescence descending on countless American cities. What they are missing, but what you probably already know, is that most of us yearn to play dress up. During childhood, it’s enough to turn a bad day into a good one.
Kids look up to pro athletes, not because of any on-the-field achievements, but for their clothes. You see, these people get to dress like they are playing a part in a big Broadway production. These costumed heroes represent what we all want in our lives – to work in a profession that has a clearly defined uniform. Putting names and numbers on the backs of creatives in ad agencies would certainly make things easier. What’s remarkable to me is how entertainment is the only profession that understands the necessity of a costume designer. We’re all playing different roles and each one requires a particular outfit. That's a job ripe for growth.
Why should ballplayers have all the fun? There’s an insatiable urge to wear a costume dating back centuries. Cavemen knew this. They chose fur and an understated wooden club, when they just as easily could’ve picked up some new threads and a cane from the prehistoric tailors on Savanna Row. To be themselves, they had to look like it. They couldn’t have worn three-pieced suits without feeling a bit off. Imagine how much easier that would've made it for predators, looking to identity prime meat. "Oh look, Dan, the dope with the pocket square looks like a filling lunch." They all looked the same, thus strengthening their position.
So where’s my costume? I have a part to play and my role is not that of costume designer. It’s enough getting up in the morning and remembering to eat breakfast and brush my teeth. I now also have to decide what to wear as well. It would be far more empowering and efficient for copywriters to adopt a uniform. You didn't see Derek Jeter trying to distinguish himself from the likes of Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth?
Why is it that Tony the Tiger has more sartorial sense than every executive in the Frosted Flakes boardroom? Probably because he doesn't have to waste time choosing clothes, instead focusing on things that matter - like how many Rs belong in the word, "great." The key word in LARPing is "live." And it's about time we all followed suit.
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