Friday, February 15, 2008

Further Thoughts on Play

For anyone interested in talking about some topics we did not get to in discussion, here is a post for questions and discussion. I have a few questions to start off with...

  • How does coping through humor affect people in a negative way? How about in a positive way?
  • If you think about it, how is humor/laughing really good for you? This does not have to be scientific!
  • How does a playful relationship between bosses and employees improve the workplace? If it is not taken too far, how could this help our generation become more stable in our careers and be happy with our jobs?

Thanks to all who choose to comment! If any of the adults want to comment as well, of course, we would love to hear your thoughts!

7 comments:

lesliel said...

For your first question, I would say that humor can affect people in a negative way because some people may over think the punch line, or even better, sarcasm, and take it personally. I think it has to do with how a specific person copes with humor. In a positive way I can see people spreading something funny they heard to make people happy and laugh.

Personally, I think that laughing is really good for a person, because, for example, this week, I laughed so much on monday (I recorded it for cates survey)and I was happy and really joyful at the end of the school day. By the end of the week I was barely laughing in any of my classes, maybe because I was really tired, but, I ended up getting sick today and not going to school which might say something. what do you think?

melissaz said...

Hannahl- Those are very good questions and the one I really wanted to address was your 3rd question, because I am writing my paper on it.

I think that if Play is incorporated into the workplace correctly, so many benefits could be found. Play does not have to be the black and white way of actually playing a game, or having to laugh at a joke; Play, I see, is finding an area of enjoyment in what you do. Play can create positive relationships among the inner workings of a company; and that is so important to respect and feel comfortable with the people you work with. Also, Play results in a more creative atmosphere. When someone is enjoying them self and feeling comfortable, they can reach the point of not being afraid of being wrong and can come out with fresh ideas. Play will attract people to their job; they will actually be able to get up in the morning and not dread driving to work. Play lightens and environment so it is not so full of the heavy expectations or stress. And now, people are not only looking for a job, but many a job they can enjoy. But, it needs to be added carefully so as to not deflect the sense of respect, or to lose the productivity. It can’t be all play and no work, or all work and no play. AWNM is about incorporating everything together, so both Play and work are important together.

Laurenc said...

Humor makes people happy and forget about worries because they can just laugh about things. This could also be bad because humor may distract people from the important things in life.

I think laughing is very important because it shows that we are happy and just overall relieves stress. As a personal example, whenever I'm sad I like to have someone make me laugh so I can feel better.

I think if workers have good relationships with their bosses then they will work harder and enjoy their work more instead of being afraid of the boss and hating their job.

lesliel said...

laurenc,in what way do you think humor can distract people from the important things in life, what do you mean by that? do you have examples?

morganw said...

If you use humor too much to cope, you never allow yourself to feel any real emotions. You use it as a wall and never learn anything. On a brighter note, humor can help lessen the load people carry with their emotions and helps them change their perspective of situations.

Humor, especially laughing, clears your mind. If your really having a good laugh you don't really think about anything. You just laugh. And humor and laughter usually brings people together.

A playful relationship between bosses and employees creates a lighter and more joyful atmosphere for both sides to work in. Even if your serious about your work, it's nice to have a place that feels good to be when you are working. It takes some of the pressure off and encourages you to do your work. Humor and play in general will help relieve tention in workplaces and encourage people to find jobs that they really enjoy. If you like the place you work at and if you like what you do, then you are going to be more willing to work harder at it than people who don't like their work atmosphere and occupation.

melissaz said...

Morganw- I love your comment on how if you use humor too much to cope you never allow yourself to feel any real emmotions. That is so true! Also I agree with the fact that humor simply clears your mind. But as Lauren was saying, I do see how when humor is the only use for coping with things, you could be isolating the true emmotions that you need to feel or become distracted from the main path of work or something. You can't laugh all the time because it is no longer "real". Being happy ALL the time is not a real emmotion, so laughing at everything is not real. As in F451, they didn't feel the downs of life so happiness wasn't real either. You can't cope with everything with humor.

mattw said...

Like we discussed in the fishbowl, sarcasm can really hurt people depending on the person, and how it is said. There is a line between harmless humor and really hurting someone though. It can also bring happiness to a dark time though.

I think it is, but like morganw said, you can't let it replace all other emotion. I have a friend who always acted happy around people. You NEVER saw him unhappy. However, I knew him well enough to know that he was very depressed, and even "hurt" himself. He said he only acted happy so people would tolerate him. On a more positive note, laughing makes you happy, and I wouldn't be surprised if it increased your life span.

I guess that sort of relationship with your boss would make you closer, and therefore more approachable, however, it might give some people the idea that it would be OK to slack off, and that their boss would let it slide just because they are all "buddy buddy".