Culture Lesson: Planking

Planking, a "game" or "sport" performed by young, hip people ("smart asses") is when a person lays prostrate, face down, like a dead body (or a plank!) in an unexpected or awkward place.

The idea is to disturb people out and/or have a photo taken and posted on the Internet for posterity. (Young People! What will they think of next?!)

Planking has some controversy, as a 20-year-old Australian planked himself off a balcony and died after falling seven stories.

Need proof I'm not pulling your leg? Let's have CBS News explain:



I needed some clarification on the fad--I admit I don't totally get it--and my esteem friend Erin said, "It's stupid." Thanks, Erin!

I suppose if you are an Old Person, and you wanted to surprise and/or embarrass the Young People close to you, I will have assisted you. (Just do this safely.)

Additional Resources:
iPlanking.com, iPlanking.com, official site
'Planking' death puts spotlight on bizarre Web craze, CNN
Planking George Takei/, Nerdist
Chris Harwick demostrates planking by performing the meme on George Takei on Like or Dislike, What's Trending, CBSNews.com