avatarLincoln W Daniel

Summary

The article uses a metaphorical game of Monopoly to illustrate systemic racial inequalities in America.

Abstract

The author proposes a hypothetical game of Monopoly to reflect the systemic racial disparities in the United States. In this game, the author, acting as the bank, disproportionately seizes assets and opportunities from white players while favoring non-white players with tax dollars, property acquisitions, and community chest benefits. The game is rigged to mimic historical and ongoing injustices, where white players are discriminated against and marginalized, reflecting the experiences of people of color in America. The article suggests that despite protests and resistance, the underlying power structures remain intact, with the game master (representing systemic power) still in control of making and enforcing the rules.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a critical view of systemic racism, suggesting that people of color face significant barriers and discrimination in society, akin to a rigged Monopoly game.
  • There is a sense of irony and frustration in the way the rules of the game are described, highlighting the author's opinion on the injustice of societal rules that favor one racial group over another.
  • The article implies that even when non-white individuals gain power, they may still be constrained by the same systemic issues that marginalized them in the first place.
  • The author seems to believe that the current system allows for only superficial changes, as the fundamental power dynamics remain unchanged despite periods of social unrest and calls for reform.
  • By referencing a "chills inducing interview," the author suggests that these issues are deeply rooted and evident in personal narratives, emphasizing the need for a broader societal awakening to the realities of racial inequality.

Let’s Play a Game of Monopoly — USA Edition

The rules will mimic the continuing reality of a select group in America.

I want to play a game of monopoly with my white friends wherein I, the bank, would seize all their money for 400 turns. For another 50 turns, I’d periodically seize the few properties they’re able to acquire despite the first 400 turns.

We’d place tax dollars and other fees in the free parking, but only my non-white friends would be able to win it. Also, my white friends wouldn’t be able to participate in the community chest unless a card is detrimental to them.

All too often, I’d take all the properties and money from one of my white friends and cause them to go bankrupt for looking at me the wrong way or asking questions about the rules.

We’d section off some parts of the board that my non-white friends should avoid buying, and I would enforce this through the bank; these are the only parts of the board that I’d allow my white friends to purchase. These parts would mainly be near the “Go to jail” spot. Yeah, I know, those are some of the best parts of the board, but it’s worth it because property is only good if wealthy people invest in them; we’d make do with the rest of the board.

Then, when my white friends start protesting and looting, I and my other non-white friends would tell them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. At some point, I’d start throwing them in jail for protesting my rules. I wouldn’t charge them with any rule violations, but I’d hold them beyond 3 turns even if they roll doubles.

When they finally start to burn the board, I and my non-white friends would say, “Hey hey hey, why are you burning down your own board?” Of course, we’d all know that my white friends don’t own any part of the board at this point, but we’d pretend everyone has had a fair chance at participating in the growth of the board.

At some point, some of my non-white friends would probably start to turn on me and become allies of my white friends. The burning would eventually end, some minor rules would change, and we’d continue playing the game.

Unfortunately for them, I would still make the rules and be responsible for holding myself accountable.

The inspiration for this article came from this chills inducing interview. Listen this lady speak.

Slavery
Wealth Inequality
Minority Rights
Money
Games
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