Miller, Montana, authorUtah State University Press, publisher2007-01-032007-01-032012http://hdl.handle.net/10217/88112Includes bibliographical references and index.As the Grim Reaper pulls a student out of class to be a "victim" of drunk driving in a program called "Every 15 Minutes," Montana Miller observes the ritual through a folklorist's lens. Playing Dead examines why hundreds of American schools and communities each year organize these mock tragedies without any national sponsorship or coordination. Often, the event is complete with a staged accident in the parking lot, a life-flight helicopter, and faux eulogies for the "dead" students read in school assemblies.Every 15 minutes someone dies -- Backdrop for the scene -- Marked for death: ambiguity and slippery steps in frames of play -- Engrossed out: every 15 minutes as folk drama -- The dazzle and darkness of play -- Shattering frames: the crash through YouTube's window -- Rustles in the gallery.born digitalbooksengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.All rights reserved. User is responsible for compliance. Please contact University Press of Colorado at https://upcolorado.com/our-books/rights-and-permissions for use information.Folklore -- PerformanceFolk dramaHigh school students -- PsychologyDeath -- Social aspectsTextAccess is limited to the Adams State University, Colorado State University, Colorado State University Pueblo, Community College of Denver, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University Denver, Regis University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming, Utah State University and Western Colorado University communities only.