EDITOR’S LE T TER
Bridging divides In an ever more polarised world, the attractions industry plays a key role by providing shared experiences and reminding us that we’re not so different
PHOTO: KAMIL MACNIAK/SHUTTERSTOCK
W
hether it’s the US election, conflict in the Middle East, or just people arguing on social media, everything feels
incredibly polarised right now. In a world where extremes of opinion are
making people feel ever-more divided, the attractions industry has a unique role to play. Museums can help us learn from the past, showing us where escalating tensions and historical divides have led us. Knowledge and understanding can help build bridges and counter ignorance and fear. But it’s not just about education. We’re learning more and more about the crucial role play holds in our lives, and it’s something many adults forget. Dr Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play in the US, has carried out research showing that a life devoid of play can lead to depression, stressrelated illnesses and a decreased immune
Play has many benefits for adults
Play allows us to take ourselves less seriously and that’s vital right now
system, and on a societal level, can lead to
another visitor about social distancing and mask
higher rates of rage, violence and crime.
wearing. The conversation was getting heated –
We may hold wildly differing opinions but we
each of us entrenched in our positions – when
all have an inner child that wants to play and
suddenly a bear started climbing a tree. We both
be carefree. On page 40 Meow Wolf founder
reacted in exactly the same way – our faces
Vince Kadlubek explores the role attractions can
lit up with joy – and suddenly our differences
play in healing division. He says: “Our industry
were forgotten and we found ourselves smiling
provides a miraculous opportunity for people
at the way we had shared this moment.
of all backgrounds, beliefs, and character to
Play allows us to take ourselves less seriously,
co-exist in the communion of exploration.
and that’s very much needed right now. Whether
“If that communion can be felt for even the
crawling through an immersive installation,
slightest moment, it has the profound power to
screaming on a rollercoaster or interacting with
short-circuit the mechanisms of judgement and
a work of art, we can put aside our opinions and
remind us that we’re loving and forgiving beings.”
prejudices, be in the moment, and just play.
I experienced this a couple of years ago, during a visit to an outdoor zoo attraction. It was during the pandemic, and I had a disagreement with
+44 (0)1462 431385
Magali Robathan, editor magalirobathan@leisuremedia.com
www.attractionsmanagement.com
@attractionsmag
theteam@leisuremedia.com
attractionsmanagement.com Vol 28 / ISSUE 4
5