Ghettopoly: almost “played” out

Based on the well-known board game Monopoly, comes its parody Ghettopoly, which is a hip-hop spoof that stereotypes the gangsta rap culture.
It mimics Monopoly as far as rules and plot, except game pieces include a gun and a marijuana leaf.
Instead of the “Mr. Monopoly” logo of a man with his arms out stretched, Ghettopoly uses a caricature of a black man, holding a submarine gun and a bottle of malt liquor.
The $ 29.95 game calls for two to seven “playas” to act as gangstas, hustlers, pimps and prostitutes, dope dealers.
David Chang of St. Mary’s, Pa., an Asian-American, is the creator of the game.
According to the Associated Press, he said that the idea for game came to him while watching rap videos that featured the homes of rappers, singers, professional athletes and actors on MTV.
Hasbro Inc., the makers of the original Monopoly are seeking unspecified damages from Chang, alleging that he has violated Hasbro’s trademarks and copyrights and caused “irreparable injury” to their reputation. The company has also asked the court to order Chang to cease production and sales of Ghettopoly.
“ I came up with something that has an urban edge. I didn’t make the game to offend anybody,” Chang said, according to the AP.
Chang has made plans to fight the lawsuit and has even posted a message on his web site, www.ghettopoly.com, which indicates that despite its being shut down by Yahoo.com, it is now back online and open to receive orders.
Since the game has become available for purchase, there has been much discussion of whether or not the game is degrading and offensive to African-Americans and minorities.
It has even drawn outrage from minority leaders that feel that the game is ridiculous and an inaccurate representation of the African-Americans and minorities.
This is also an issue among the general public. The game seems to be geared toward a younger audience and even in that age bracket, concerns have been raised.
“It’s very ignorant and stereotypical of blacks, and I would not purchase it, not even with someone else’s money,” said Seclesia Johnson, a junior biology major from New Orleans.
Though it seems that most are against Ghettopoly, there are some that are in favor of the game and believe that it should continue to be sold.
“I would buy it because it seems as though it would be a fun game to play with friends,” said Kimberlyn Jackson, a junior biology major from New Orleans.