20 Classic Board Games with Elements Now Considered Culturally Insensitive
From friends to families, board games have evolved throughout the last century, creating happy memories and bringing back a sense of nostalgia. However, some classical board games are punctuated with offensive themes, ranging from racial stereotypes to colonial spirit to gender discrimination. While some are hilarious and fun to play, others set a very wrong example and are culturally insensitive.
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Clue
Stereotypes are never appreciated in any sector, whether entertainment or pop culture. Clue, which was a classical murder mystery board game, featured a character named “Ythusian Jones”, an Asian. Despite the popularity of the game, people did not appreciate the exaggerated Asian features and behavioral characteristics of the character, which now would be disrespectful to Asians.
Careers
The element of simulation is fascinating in board games, where one can exercise any role and transport into a fantasy world. Careers, as the name suggests, was a game where the player had to navigate their career and manage their money. This game, created by Milton Bradley in 1955, limited women to the role of a housewife, secretary, or nurse. Such a game would be demeaning to women as it ignores any growing possibility and ignores their potential.
Is the Pope Catholic?
While some people may tolerate humor tagged with religion, the larger section of society would prefer keeping the latter sacred. The board game ‘Is the Pope Catholic?’ launched in 1962 offended many Christians because of its quirky and casual nature toward the church hierarchy. While the game had some elements of humor, many of its elements touched on sensitive topics, which, at times, were offensive.
BabeQuest
Sometimes, games’ storylines are so illogical that they fall out of the market just after their release. BabeQuest, launched in 2003, was a card game aimed solely at one goal—to hook up. Filled with lewd references and vulgar instructions, such games would only appeal to wasted teenagers at parties. This definition of ‘fun’ was unappealing and offensive, portraying women as bimbos who fall easily into the trap of playboys.
Landlord
We all love playing Monopoly and striving to grab land and maximize our economy. Landlord, released in 1903, is widely known as the precursor of Monopoly. However, this game revolves around capitalism by showcasing evil and greedy landlords who harm the poor. The underlying message may be ignored by the modern generation, who are determined to invest in real estate, ignoring the positive message the game sends.
12-21-12
12-21-12 was a card game Fishagon LLC developed, creating an apocalyptic game based on the Mayan calendar. This day was determined to end the world, but it sent the wrong message. One such message was to “Drink, Play Games, Murder, M*********…” Such ridiculously offensive messages, which include cheap acts instead of noble ones, would face heavy backlash today.
Bankers and Brokers
We all resort to games to relax and take a break from the daily hassles of life, but board games such as Bankers and Brokers do not make it so. Aside from the financial concepts and stock market trading, the game limited career options for women. Traditional feminine roles included flight attendant and fashion designer, which boasted that women could not handle finance.
Afrika
The world has grown out of the period of colonization but has not forgotten the blood and efforts of the people who fought against it. Afrika, launched in 1992, was a game by Mb Spiele that focused on colonized Africa where European collectors dominated the population. They were in charge and collected resources by exploiting the Africans, a theme that is highly culturally sensitive in modern times.
Twinkies and Trolls
Society has matured, and efforts have been made to place all people, including the LGBTQ+ community, on equal footing. The board game ‘Twinkies and Trolls’ was a game that revolved around gay people and their lives. The game’s starting point is a closet, and the slang Twinkie and Trolls refer to a young and old gay man, respectively. This insensitivity, especially towards gay people with inappropriate places such as “glory holes’ ‘ would cause a public outcry.
Mah Jongg
On several occasions, the significance of games is ruined when they are transported from one culture to another. Such was the case with Mah Jongg, a tile-based game that originated in China but lost its significance when it was remade by American manufacturers in 1920. The game’s rich traditions were stripped away, and its components were simplified to a basic gambling mechanic, stealing its cultural significance.
Talisman
The Talisman, a board game released by Games Workshop in 1983, was a fun adventure game featuring different mythologies. The players had to travel around the world on a quest to attain the Crown of Command. While this game was a favorite of many, the Middle Eastern representation was not appreciated. It often showed damsels in distress and stereotypical features of women and Arabs.
Jolly Darkie Target Game
While not a traditional board game, this over-the-table game dates back to 1890, when a local fair promoter in an Indiana camp decided to play with a monkey. However, this “playing” involved tying the poor creature and throwing balls at it for pennies. This game was known as “African Dodger.” It was played until the 1900s when it was stopped due to animal cruelty. Such illogical games that hurt animals for their amusement would be banned, leading to severe consequences.
Dixit
The beauty of board games is combining interesting visual images with narratives to create the perfect story. Dixit also used evocative imagery to create different stories, but some images were unintentionally criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Kill the Hippies
Throughout history, there have been multiple groups who have been oppressed and exploited in the name of religion. In Kill the Hippies, the members of a cult known as the fundies or Fundamentalist Christians tried to kill the Hippies. Promoted as a satirical card game, this offended a lot of people for the expression and violence against other groups in the name of Christianity.
Colonialism
Perhaps there is no better marketing than advertising your game for what it stands for, ironically positively promoting colonialism. Launched in 1947 by Stratego, this Dutch game involved interesting military tactics and informative settings but promoted capturing and colonizing European territories. While some took it without offense, such games would not be suitable for a widespread audience, considering the rigid systems established regarding colonialism.
Cards Against Humanity
While this game might not be a classic, it is undoubtedly a loved party game by millions worldwide. However, for too many people, this game, marked by its dark humor, is insensitive to everyone suffering from those issues. Moreover, the disregarded notion of the marginalized is not a positive value that society upholds.
Chinatown
Certain preconceived notions about groups regarding their occupation, personalities, and mode of life are attached to them. When Chinatown was launched during the 1990s, it triggered many Chinese-American people who did not appreciate the representation of the Chinese. Lee Wei-ping, a prominent Chinese-American businessman, commended that there was more to the Chinese markets than “dry cleaners and fish markets.”
Who’s Your Daddy?
The game Who’s Your Daddy, which could be played as a man and woman, revolved around the woman creating many babies to sue men for paternity payments and the man trying to stop it. Such games set a very wrong example, not only for women but the whole institution of marriage.
Ghettopoly
Ghettoploy, launched in 2003, pushes the boundaries of offensiveness. This parody of Monopoly was eventually sued, with the game reflecting a wasted city life. The “playa” tries to survive, and stereotypical references are plentiful in the game, such as the massage parlour owned by Ling Ling. Other messages read, “You robbed a stupid Japanese tourist, collect $200,” with the victim responding, “Are you lobbing me?” This intentional accent and offensive characterization would not be accepted in contemporary times.
Capital Punishment
Capital Punishment, released in 1980, depicted a significant contrast between different sections of society and women, such as a working person who earned only $150 a month compared to a female welfare recipient who earned $500 in benefits. Other offensive actions included hitting a sub shop for $50 or agreeing to sexual favors for a cop for $300. This game was eventually banned by the NAACP, National Organization For Women, and would not be accepted even today for its demanding nature.
