Becoming the Easter Bunny: Socialization into a Fantasy Role

Ethnographic fieldwork data are used to describe the processes through which an actor is socialized into the shopping-mall Easter Bunny role. After a brief review of the development of the mall Easter Bunny fantasy, the three major contributors to the Easter Bunny role are discussed: the photo company, which capitalizes on the fantasy to sell expensive photographs; a willing public; & the bunny actor. A critical element for the success of the photographic enterprise is the ability of the individual "playing" the Easter Bunny to fulfill the role expectations associated with it. In the course of social interaction, he/she must go beyond the mere act of putting on a bunny suit, & in effect, "become" the Easter Bunny. This involves a socialization process unique to the assumption of a fantasy role. 23 References. AA