Ghettopoly

Brundlefly · October 9, 2003, 08:44

Quote:

'Ghettopoly' game causes outrage
Thursday, October 9, 2003 Posted: 1:30 AM EDT (0530 GMT)

The game has caused a furor in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Florida.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Cheap Trick Avenue instead of Boardwalk? Hernando's Chop Shop instead of Reading Railroad?

Black leaders are outraged over a new board game called "Ghettopoly" that has "playas" acting like pimps and game cards reading, "You got yo whole neighborhood addicted to crack. Collect $50."

Black clergymen say the game, the brainchild of a Pennsylvania man, should be banned, and have called for a boycott of Urban Outfitters unless the company stops selling Ghettopoly in its chain of clothing stores.

Urban Outfitters has not publicly commented on the issue, and did not return a call seeking comment on Wednesday.

"If we are silent on this issue there is more of this type to come," the Rev. Robert P. Shine Sr., president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, said at a sidewalk rally Wednesday in front Urban Outfitters' corporate headquarters in Philadelphia.

Shine displayed the game board, with properties including Westside Liquor, Harlem, The Bronx, and Long Beach City, and squares labeled Smitty's XXX Peep Show, Weinstein's Gold and Platinum, and Tyron's Gun Shop.

Players draw "Hustle" and "Ghetto Stash" cards with directions like, "You're a little short on loot, so you decided to stick up a bank. Collect $75," and "Steal $$$ if you pass Let$ Roll."

The creator of Ghettopoly, David Chang, did not immediately answer e-mails or phone calls seeking comment about the game.

On his Web site, Chang is unapologetic, and promises that more games -- Hoodopoly, Hiphopopoly, Thugopoly and Redneckopoly -- are coming soon.

"It draws on stereotypes not as a means to degrade, but as a medium to bring together in laughter," Chang maintains, adding, "If we can't laugh at ourselves ... we'll continue to live in blame and bitterness."

But the Ghettopoly board depicts figures labeled "Malcum X" and "Martin Luthor King Jr." -- intentionally misspelled -- noted Rev. Glenn Wilson, pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.

"This is beyond making fun, to use the caricature of Dr. King in this regard," Wilson said. "There's no way that game could be taken in any way other than that this man had racist intent in marketing it."

The Philadelphia black clergy and Men United for a Better Philadelphia were just the latest to protest the game. In Chicago, the Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church, called for a boycott of Urban Outfitters. In Florida, the St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urged the company to stop carrying the game.

"I was outraged. We called Outfitters, we wrote them a letter, we held a press conference, but we've had no response," Pfleger said Wednesday.

Anyone want to play?

Philadelphia newspapers have a little more detail about this story. The game creator is apparantly a Taiwanese immigrant. This explains his cluelessness on African-American racial sensitivity. I think his profits on this game will be short-lived.

General Ludd · October 9, 2003, 09:09

Quote:

Originally posted by Feephi
I think his profits on this game will be short-lived.

Not as long as this keeps up.

Harry Seldon · October 9, 2003, 10:54

Racial insensitivity will be the downfall of civilization. I'm not going to sue the guy when Redneckopoly comes out. Sheesh; bunch of *******s.

Brundlefly · October 9, 2003, 11:25

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry Seldon
Racial insensitivity will be the downfall of civilization. I'm not going to sue the guy when Redneckopoly comes out. Sheesh; bunch of *******s.

Yeah but an argument could be made that the difference is that the game makes light of exploitation of poor urban neighborhoods by outsiders whereas I imagine a Redneckopoly' would just contain a lot of silly 'You might be a redneck if..' content.

Quote:

Shine displayed the game board, with properties including Westside Liquor, Harlem, The Bronx, and Long Beach City, and squares labeled Smitty's XXX Peep Show, Weinstein's Gold and Platinum, and Tyron's Gun Shop.

Inner-city Blacks have more neighborhood disturbances when a liquor store moves into the neighborhood. Peep Shows, pawn shops, gun shops in a ghetto open up in proportion to drug and prostitution activity. Those businesses are supported by such illegal activity. This decreases the morale of the entire community.

I think a line needs to be drawn somewhere to show some respect for the problems these ghetto communities face.

Another information from related Phila newspaper story: This game creator whent to private schools and a prestigious college. Who is he to poke fun of these ghetto people?

Harry Seldon · October 9, 2003, 13:45

Why can't these people rise above the fun poking? Why do they need to start legal action or raise awareness of these issues? It's a game. If they don't like it, they shouldn't play it. "Raising awareness" just sells more copies of the game they're trying to supress.

Asmodean · October 9, 2003, 14:46

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry Seldon
Why can't these people rise above the fun poking? Why do they need to start legal action or raise awareness of these issues? It's a game. If they don't like it, they shouldn't play it. "Raising awareness" just sells more copies of the game they're trying to supress.

Asmodean

Sirotnikov · October 9, 2003, 15:06

This is one stupid game...

CygnusZ · October 9, 2003, 15:11

On the one hand, it seems like it's a bit of an overreaction.

On the other hand, I'm not sure I'd appreciate "Jewopoly" where you get cards such as "Your smell some deli pickles with your giant Schanz" and, "You marry a girl with big kishkas". It's easy to sit back while you're not the one being criticized, but if someone made a game that poked fun at YOU, I bet there'd be a lot less of a "it's just a joke" mentality.

What if someone made a video game where you play Al Queada agents hijacking a plane and smashing it into the WTC? I bet you that would be off the shelves in mere moments for being too insensitive.

lord of the mark · October 9, 2003, 15:34

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry Seldon
Why can't these people rise above the fun poking? Why do they need to start legal action or raise awareness of these issues? It's a game. If they don't like it, they shouldn't play it. "Raising awareness" just sells more copies of the game they're trying to supress.

I suppose they dont want other people to play it, especially kids. And i guess they dont buy the idea that making a fuss will only sell more copies. Tricky question, that.

lord of the mark · October 9, 2003, 15:36

"Shine displayed the game board, with properties including Westside Liquor, Harlem, The Bronx, and Long Beach City, and squares labeled Smitty's XXX Peep Show, Weinstein's Gold and Platinum, and Tyron's Gun Shop. "

So the game includes an element of antisemitism as well (and its just stupid - want it supposed to be the liquor stores that the Jews owned? Not many left I suppose, all Koreans by now. Suppose any Jewish Gold and Platinum stores? I doubt it)

Can I boycott this piece of trash as well?

lord of the mark · October 9, 2003, 15:38

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry Seldon
Why can't these people rise above the fun poking? Why do they need to start legal action or raise awareness of these issues? It's a game. If they don't like it, they shouldn't play it. "Raising awareness" just sells more copies of the game they're trying to supress.

1st amendment - of course anyone should be able to buy it.

But should Urban Outfitters be able to retain its rep as a fashionable, upscale yuppie store? - I dont think so. Idiots.

Brundlefly · October 9, 2003, 15:43

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry Seldon
Why can't these people rise above the fun poking? Why do they need to start legal action or raise awareness of these issues?

Didnt I just explain? Because they live in these ghetto conditions daily and many of them dont always have the brains or money to break out of their situation. Because most city governments dont do enough to assist them in revitalizing their community. And because some snot-nosed prep-school foreign-born game creator thinks their situation is humorous and makes money from their suffering.

If this was a Monopoly game with an Amish theme that poked fun at the Amish lifestyle then that would be okay because the Amish choose to live the way they do. The ghetto environment is created from exploitation of the minority race. That is nothing to poke fun at.

I doubt that these community protesters will get the game to stop being produced, but perhaps they can cause the stores distributing the game some economic problems thru boycott and raise some awareness through the media about urban blight.

vovan · October 9, 2003, 16:16

Quote:

Originally posted by Feephi
Because they live in these ghetto conditions daily and many of them dont always have the brains or money to break out of their situation.

<...>

The ghetto environment is created from exploitation of the minority race.

At the risk of being flamed, I think you contradicted yourself there. First you say that the people don't have the brains to break out, and then you talk about exploitation. Granted, I have only lived in the US for a little over a year, as an excahnge student - and thus probably don't understand this whole "racial sensivity" thing, it really strikes me. I hear this argument almost every day and seems quite strange to me. I may be blind to social issues, but I don't see any oppression whatsoever. In my university, there are quite a few blacks as well as other nationalities, and they are all brilliant people, who were able to make it out of the "ghetto". I think that if you are born in a poor family, you have to use your own brains to break out, and noone owes you anything for it, and if instead of working or studying you choose to yell about oppression, well, too bad.

Sorry if I'm being insensitive there.

Addendum: That being said, I have mixed feelings on the game itself. While I really don't agree with the whole oppression argument, as explained above, I am not really sure what to think about poking fun at the poor. It might not be a good idea. Kind of like joking about the WTC, like someone above said, though not that bad, I guess.

General Ludd · October 9, 2003, 16:21

When some people say "brains" they actually mean "education", and the ghetto is not an ideal learning environment, regardless of your race. Of course, that doesn't mean everyone gets stuck in the slums - but for ever person that "gets out" there's a friend killed in a gang fight, or addicted to drugs, or turned into career thief, ect...

Harry Seldon · October 9, 2003, 16:25

Feephi, that is a poor argument. If you think that the plight of urban neighborhoods has fallen through the cracks then you've been living in a cave somewhere. People are assaulted with images of the inner city in every facet of their lives. How are housing projects an exploitation of minority races? Offering low income housing is somehow a trap to force minorities into sweat shops and genetic testing? Maybe that "snot-nosed prep-school foreign-born game creator" thinks this situation is as humorous as the Wayans brothers and black comics in general. But I guess that's ok because they're black, right?

In conclusion, what I read into your posts here is that you are suffering from a case of white guilt and an inability to poke a little fun at yourself which you then project onto other situations. If you want to continue this, why don't you go to the OT?

Zkribbler · October 11, 2003, 14:04

So where's the Parker Brothers' legal department??

Datajack Franit · October 11, 2003, 15:17

If they can make a game called Mafia, I don't understand why Ghettopoly is unacceptable.. is it because they're black? Prohibiting a game while there are dozens of similar titles around, just because it features a minority sounds more racist than publishing one in the first place

DrSpike · October 12, 2003, 06:29

Quote:

Originally posted by Datajack Franit
If they can make a game called Mafia, I don't understand why Ghettopoly is unacceptable.. is it because they're black? Prohibiting a game while there are dozens of similar titles around, just because it features a minority sounds more racist than publishing one in the first place

Well that depends. If it was just cracking down on a version of standard monopoly for a small ethnic group then sure. But this is not standard monopoly.

Asmodean · October 12, 2003, 13:50

This is ultimately not about racism. This is about what people accept as humour.

My limits are almost non-existant when it comes to dark humour. But I also accept that other people may have narrower definitions of humour than me. So I say let them release this game, and let them receive punishment in the form of failing sales, if a majority don't agree with what they think is fun.

Asmodean

Adagio · October 12, 2003, 15:28

I don't see what's wrong with this. The game is clearly making fun of it, not about hurting the blacks... or at least that's how I see it.

What would people say about a Hack'opoly:

"The FBI just entered your house and took your computer. Wait another turn while you get a new one"
"You just hacked someone else's bank-account, collect $$$"

Where the streets are changed to internet places: "You just landed on somepaysite.com, which has security level #2, pay the owner $$$"

Now THAT would be interesting

Dis · October 12, 2003, 15:51

I would have no problem if people make a game about the attacks on the world trade center.

humour eases the pain. I still find those pictures of the guy on top of the WTC funny

.

Yes our society has degraded to the point that only black people are allowed to joke about black people.

Datajack Franit · October 12, 2003, 17:28

I shouldn't say this but.. what's about Pornopoly!

CygnusZ · October 12, 2003, 22:22

Quote:

The creator of Ghettopoly, David Chang, did not immediately answer e-mails or phone calls seeking comment about the game.

On his Web site, Chang is unapologetic, and promises that more games -- Hoodopoly, Hiphopopoly, Thugopoly and Redneckopoly -- are coming soon.

Yet, why do I have the feeling we'll never see Gookopoly or Chiggeropoly? Personally, I'd like "The Game of Chink", where the only way to win is to either become a famous violin player, open a laundramat or become an underpaid PhD.

DrSpike · October 13, 2003, 04:43

Quote:

Originally posted by CygnusZ

Yet, why do I have the feeling we'll never see Gookopoly or Chiggeropoly? Personally, I'd like "The Game of Chink", where the only way to win is to either become a famous violin player, open a laundramat or become an underpaid PhD.

I'm a winner! I hope they bring this game out soon.

Asmodean · October 13, 2003, 05:14

I didn't know you had a laundromat, Spikey

Asmodean

DrSpike · October 13, 2003, 05:27

I don't. I'm Nigel Kennedy.

lord of the mark · October 13, 2003, 12:00

Memo
From: LOTM
To: Protestors
RE: effort to discourage "Urban Outfitters" from selling "ghettopoly"

stop running around calling this game racist, etc. Not that youre necessarily wrong, but it just invites the usual tired debate about free speech, "its only a game", youre too PC, too sensitive, etc.

Try an alternate strategy. Create a game called "overpriced clothing retailer monopoly" about a retail chain that rips off its customers by selling overpriced merchandise based on an image of "coolness", an image completely at odds with selling a racist game. Distribute the game for free in front of "Urban Outfitters" stores.

Use humour to get you point across. And hit 'em where it hurts.

Grumbold · October 14, 2003, 08:50

I have no problem with the game since the subject material is nothing new. People should check out "Its a Crime!" which has been available for 20 years now.

What seems odd is the language and naming conventions. It would be easy to avoid the use of names and stick to straight sentences. Is it ghettoized in order to appeal to people from the ghetto who might play, or to appeal to people outside? If the former, its a marketting ploy. If the latter, a little distasteful. Either way, I don't plan on playing. Its a Crime! looks lots better.

rah · October 14, 2003, 10:41

He has a right to make it. (as long as he's not violating copyright laws) And people have the right to attempt to stage boycotts against any sellers.

It does seem a bit tasteless.

And I also have slight problem with the concept that only blacks should be allowed to do black humor or it's racism.

Spaced Cowboy · October 14, 2003, 12:07

Update, now selling on Ebay for $150 a pop. Bad press, good press, its all good!