Overview of Today’s Session Taboo Recreation Overview of Today’s Session Taboo Recreation defined Nash’s Pyramid Theoretical Explanations

Can Leisure Destroy Life?

Can Leisure Destroy Life? Approximately 99.8% of high school students have tried alcohol. 1,811,000 arrests for DUI yearly. Unauthorized gambling represents about 28% of total gambling market….21,000 arrests. 111,400 people arrested annually for prostitution. 326,000 people arrested annually for vandalism.

Facts One in eight Americans are regular users of illegal drugs. There are four times as many sex “emporiums” for each McDonalds restaurant. Vandalism costs Park and Recreation Depts 15% of their annual budgets. One out of three American adults gambles at least once a month.

Taboo Recreation Pastimes that are forbidden by law, custom or belief. (Russell, 1995)

Taboo Recreation Those pursuits in leisure deemed inappropriate, socially unacceptable, or illegal by society that results in tradition.

Purple Recreation “Acts and pursuits that bring a degree of pleasure or escape to the participants, but which suggest gross self-indulgence, greed, immorality, or cruelty and arouse repugnance in most of the remainder of society.” (Curtis, 1979)

What is Purple Recreation? It refers to those activities and interests indulged in by youth and adults during non-work, non-study free time. These forms of activities do not fall within the parameters of what society views as wholesome.

What is Purple Recreation? The term “Purple Recreation” comes from the color and tone of the shaded areas of the moonlight. It is not always starkly bad or evil though it frequently approaches that extreme.

Marginal Recreation “Leisure-time activities that are of questionable or of borderline morality-if not actually illegal-and that are therefore referred to as ‘marginal’ recreation activities.” (Kraus, 1990)

Controversy Many recreation professionals believe that by definition RECREATION must be “good.”

“Recreation is not only good for individuals, it is also good for society.” (Rossman, 1995)

Nash’s Pyramid Level 4-Creative Participation Level 3-Active Participation Level 2-Emotional Participation Level 1-Entertainment

“Recreation is a worthwhile, socially accepted leisure experience. (Hutchinson, 1951)

Taboo Recreation Labels Taboo Sex: Recreational sex Recreation drugs Pornography Prostitution Sex clubs Social drinking Is it the law or the individual causing the problems? Freedom to???

Social Taboo’s Taboos differ in societies and also change over time. Can you think of any social taboos…different values that some do not think is right? Salary Religion Political choices Sexual preferences Dancing Swimming

What About Taboo Recreation Cause physical harm to either players or spectators; Are non-violent but exploitative activities, such as sex performed for spectators; Affect the physical health and financial well-being of participants and their significant relationships. Destroys property

Taboo Recreation Labels Injuring Self: its harm is mainly to those who participate. Substance Abuse Compulsive overuse Can “good” behaviors or activities be “bad” if they become compulsive? What type of leisure behaviors or activities can you identify as compulsive? Gambling Lotteries??? Bingo??? “People believe these activities are wrong”

Taboo Recreation Labels Injuring Others: antisocial acts or crimes with victims… behaviors that injure others. Vandalism for fun Graffiti Typology of vandalism….

Why do people engage in unacceptable behaviors? Leisure participation goes up, boredom goes down. Leisure satisfaction goes up, boredom goes down. Social, sport participation, outdoor recreation and reading work best to reduce boredom. Cultural activities, sport spectating, hobbies, watching TV are less likely to reduce boredom.

Types of Vandalism Overuse vandalism - unintentional result of too many people using a property or facility. Conflict vandalism - doing what is logical and natural, regardless of the facility designer’s intent. No-other-way-to-do-it vandalism - damage resulting from sitting on a fence because there is no bench. Inventive vandalism - destruction that results from solutions to needs. Curiosity vandalism - from irresistible temptation or lack of personal discipline.

Types of Vandalism Self-expression vandalism -attempt to be noticed. Spin-off vandalism -when other activities lead to destruction of property. Slovenly vandalism -bad manners/ carelessness. Thrill vandalism -goading or dale of friends for a desire for excitement.

Why Taboo Recreation? Anomie: a lack of purpose and identity in a person or a society resulting in the demise of formerly useful social norms. Ex: sports spectating Differential Association: delinquent behavior is learned through interaction with others in intimate personal groups. youth gangs

Discussion Who decides what is taboo? What do you consider is ‘taboo’ and why? Be sure to respond (tactfully) to your classmates. If you agree or disagree…and explain your position!

What Does All of This Mean? Purple recreation is institutionalized in the United States. It takes from and contributes to American culture. Recreation and leisure behavior is very individualistic. Recreation is very commercial and that almost anything goes as long as it pleases the participant.

Discussion: Subject: Must recreation be good? What do you think….are hedonistic forms of recreation….still “recreation” if the activity is not considered “good” by all? Ex: sex clubs Discuss what forms of recreation are socially accepted by some, but not others Ex: types of recreational drug use