THE GAME OF LIFE
THE GAME OF LIFE
THE GAME OF LIFE
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<strong>THE</strong> <strong>GAME</strong> <strong>OF</strong> <strong>LIFE</strong><br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms. Participants are<br />
given profiles that identify them as members of a particular race, gender, socioeconomic status, and life experience (i.e.<br />
disabled, HIV-positive, ex-convict, gay, lesbian, or bisexual). Participants are not aware of their profile in the beginning.<br />
The facilitators are given a symbol identification page that allows them to "decode" the profile that appears on a player's<br />
name tag. Facilitators treat players in a stereotypical manner according to the profile. For example, upper class, white<br />
heterosexual males are treated best. Someone from the lower class is treated less favorably. This is further exaggerated<br />
according to the player's assigned race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Assignment of profiles is completely random, as<br />
players pick blank name tags with symbols on them. The symbols represent their profile. In this way, during the game, a<br />
woman may have a male profile, a Black player may be an upper class, white female and so on.<br />
The players' objective is to negotiate certain tasks. These include applying for a degree in a major field of study,<br />
obtaining a university degree, getting a job, buying a car, finding a place to live, and getting a marriage license. Obstacles<br />
are placed in their way according to stereotypical prejudices. For example, a gay man will be prevented from obtaining a<br />
marriage license as it is illegal for gay people to legally marry at this time.<br />
Tasks<br />
The players must complete the following tasks: apply for degree and pay for their college education in one lump sum (at<br />
this point, many players need to apply for and receive a loan from the bank); obtain a house or apartment; apply for and<br />
obtain a job; purchase a car; and obtain a marriage license. After completing these tasks, a player has successfully<br />
negotiated The Game of Life.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give them harsher<br />
treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in line, better prices, and<br />
more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime, made to wait in line, charged more for<br />
goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities make you uncomfortable, because they are<br />
different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other during the program, as needed.<br />
University degrees<br />
When Asians apply for degrees, you suggest they go into engineering and are surprised if they are not interested in that<br />
field. Influence her or him to apply for an engineering or math degree. You expect women to apply for education or<br />
nursing degrees, and discourage them from applying for engineering, law or medical degrees. You are somewhat surprised<br />
when a Black person completes her or his education, as you cannot believe that African-Americans cannot make it in<br />
higher education. You may be inclined to give them a more difficult time. If a lesbian or gay man applies for a degree, you<br />
are somewhat disgusted, and may give her or him a hard time. Note on the form the degree granted, and the length of time<br />
it took to complete the education; people from the lower class take 7 to 10 years. Once a degree is granted, direct that<br />
person to the employment office to obtain a job.<br />
Bankers (one loan officer and one teller, if possible)<br />
You carefully watch African-Americans in the bank, as they are suspected of stealing. You do not<br />
trust loan applications from the lower class, because they are less likely to repay the loan. Ask the police to deal with any<br />
problems or suspected problems. Stairs lead up to your bank, so disabled people cannot get in without assistance from<br />
someone else. Male facilitators see women as sexual beings, and make suggestive comments and jokes to them.<br />
Real estate agents<br />
You are reluctant to rent to or sell to lower class persons or African-Americans, because you believe they will lower the<br />
value of the neighborhood. You absolutely will not sell nor rent to an HIV-positive person, and you avoid touching these<br />
people at all costs. You also assume these individuals are homosexual. You treat the upper class nicely, and encourage
them to live in the most beautiful homes. You treat upper class minorities well, but with less encouragement and patience<br />
than the majority. Similarity, you steer the lower class to live together, in ratty homes. You have a hard time finding<br />
affordable, accessible housing for disabled participants.<br />
Car dealer<br />
You sell junky cars to the lower class, which eventually break down and return to you for repairs. You deem home much<br />
time is necessary for repairs, as well as the cost. You adjust the time and cost accordingly; longer and more expensive for<br />
minorities and women, less time for majority players and men. You do not readily have disabled equipped vehicles, but<br />
they can be ordered at considerable cost and time.<br />
Employment Office (personnel manager and administrative assistant, if possible)<br />
Each participant must apply for a job, and you grant them as you deem appropriate. You steer women into jobs in<br />
education and nursing, men into law, medicine, and business. You direct Asians to be engineers. Most minorities should<br />
be directed to low and middle management positions. Disabled participants cannot get into your office because of stairs<br />
and must be helped in by another participant. If the facilitator is male, suggestive comments and sexist jokes are given to<br />
women participants. The accomplishments of women and African-Americans in education are trivialized. You are unable<br />
to find jobs for homosexuals or anyone who is HIV-positive. After a person obtains a job, send them to the bank for 10%<br />
of their annual salary.<br />
Marriage license office<br />
Participants apply and pay for a marriage license here. You are unable to grant a license to homosexuals, as same sex<br />
marriages are illegal. A person who is HIV-positive also does not receive a license and you avoid all contact with this<br />
individual.<br />
Police officers<br />
Police are on hand to maintain the "social order." You watch for people getting into arguments with facilitators, cutting in<br />
line, suspected of stealing money or who otherwise get out of line. Be suspicious of minorities, especially black males, as<br />
they are not to be trustd. Put offenders in jail, and let them out after setting a bail and time you deem appropriate. You treat<br />
lesbians and gay men with disgust, and avoid all contact with HIV-positive participants.<br />
Game Master<br />
This individual serves as "overseer" of the neighborhood. This is best served by a person familiar with the activity. You<br />
clarify the rules for participants and facilitators and help facilitators stay in character for their station.
The Game of Life<br />
Bank<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give them harsher<br />
treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in line, better prices, and<br />
more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime, made to wait in line, charged more<br />
for goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities make you uncomfortable, because they are<br />
different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other during the program, as needed.<br />
Bankers (one loan officer and one teller, if possible)<br />
You carefully watch African-Americans in the bank, as they are suspected of stealing. You do not trust loan applications<br />
from the lower class, because they are less likely to repay the loan. Ask the police to deal with any problems or<br />
suspected problems. Stairs lead up to your bank, so disabled people cannot get in without assistance from someone else.<br />
Male facilitators see women as sexual beings, and make suggestive comments and jokes to them.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS Ask them<br />
about gangs Ignore them often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life Car<br />
Dealership<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give them harsher<br />
treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in line, better prices, and<br />
more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime, made to wait in line, charged more for<br />
goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities make you uncomfortable, because they are<br />
different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other during the program, as needed.<br />
Car dealer<br />
You sell junky cars to the lower class, which eventually break down and return to you for repairs. You deem home much<br />
time is necessary for repairs, as well as the cost. You adjust the time and cost accordingly; longer and more expensive for<br />
minorities and women, less time for majority players and men. You do not readily have disabled equipped vehicles, but<br />
they can be ordered at considerable cost and time.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS<br />
Ask them about gangs Ignore them often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life<br />
Employment<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give<br />
them harsher treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in<br />
line, better prices, and more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime,<br />
made to wait in line, charged more for goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities<br />
make you uncomfortable, because they are different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other<br />
during the program, as needed.<br />
Employment Office (personnel manager and administrative assistant, if possible)<br />
Each participant must apply for a job, and you grant them as you deem appropriate. You steer women into jobs<br />
in education and nursing, men into law, medicine, and business. You direct Asians to be engineers. Most<br />
minorities should be directed to low and middle management positions. Disabled participants cannot get into<br />
your office because of stairs and must be helped in by another participant. If the facilitator is male, suggestive<br />
comments and sexist jokes are given to women participants. The accomplishments of women and African-<br />
Americans in education are trivialized. You are unable to find jobs for homosexuals or anyone who is HIVpositive.<br />
After a person obtains a job, send them to the bank for 10% of their annual salary.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS Ask<br />
them about gangs Ignore them<br />
often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life<br />
Real Estate<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give<br />
them harsher treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in<br />
line, better prices, and more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime,<br />
made to wait in line, charged more for goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities<br />
make you uncomfortable, because they are different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other<br />
during the program, as needed.<br />
Real estate agents<br />
You are reluctant to rent to or sell to lower class persons or African-Americans, because you believe they will<br />
lower the value of the neighborhood. You absolutely will not sell nor rent to an HIV-positive person, and you<br />
avoid touching these people at all costs. You also assume these individuals are homosexual. You treat the upper<br />
class nicely, and encourage them to live in the most beautiful homes. You treat upper class minorities well, but<br />
with less encouragement and patience than the majority. Similarily, you steer the lower class to live together, in<br />
ratty homes. You have a hard time finding affordable, accessible housing for disabled participants.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS Ask them<br />
about gangs Ignore them often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life<br />
Marriage<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give<br />
them harsher treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in<br />
line, better prices, and more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime,<br />
made to wait in line, charged more for goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities<br />
make you uncomfortable, because they are different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other<br />
during the program, as needed.<br />
Marriage license office<br />
Participants apply and pay for a marriage license here. You are unable to grant a license to homosexuals, as<br />
same sex marriages are illegal. A person who is HIV-positive also does not receive a license and you avoid all<br />
contact with this individual.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS<br />
Ask them about gangs Ignore them<br />
often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life Police<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give<br />
them harsher treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in<br />
line, better prices, and more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime,<br />
made to wait in line, charged more for goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities<br />
make you uncomfortable, because they are different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other<br />
during the program, as needed.<br />
Police officers<br />
Police are on hand to maintain the "social order." You watch for people getting into arguments with facilitators,<br />
cutting in line, suspected of stealing money or who otherwise get out of line. Be suspicious of minorities,<br />
especially black males, as they are not to be trustd. Put offenders in jail, and let them out after setting a bail and<br />
time you deem appropriate. You treat lesbians and gay men with disgust, and avoid all contact with HIVpositive<br />
participants.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS Ask them<br />
about gangs Ignore them often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life<br />
University<br />
The Game of Life is an interactive game designed to teach lessons about discrimination in all its forms.<br />
The Facilitators' Stations<br />
The idea is not to blatantly discriminate against minorities (based on name tag profile), but to politely give<br />
them harsher treatment than players of the majority race. For example, you may give majority players cuts in<br />
line, better prices, and more smiles and encouragement, while minority players are more suspect of crime,<br />
made to wait in line, charged more for goods and service, and made to re-do and fill out extra forms. Minorities<br />
make you uncomfortable, because they are different from you. Facilitators exchange money with each other<br />
during the program, as needed.<br />
University degrees<br />
When Asians apply for degrees, you suggest they go into engineering and are surprised if they are not<br />
interested in that field. Influence her or him to apply for an engineering or math degree. You expect women to<br />
apply for education or nursing degrees, and discourage them from applying for engineering, law or medical<br />
degrees. You are somewhat surprised when a Black person completes her or his education, as you cannot<br />
believe that African-Americans cannot make it in higher education. You may be inclined to give them a more<br />
difficult time. If a lesbian or gay man applies for a degree, you are somewhat disgusted, and may give her or<br />
him a hard time. Note on the form the degree granted, and the length of time it took to complete the education;<br />
people from the lower class take 7 to 10 years. Once a degree is granted, direct that person to the employment<br />
office to obtain a job.<br />
Effective Stereotypes:<br />
WOMEN<br />
Where is your husband, did he say you could do this?<br />
How are your children doing?<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS Ask<br />
them about gangs Ignore them<br />
often<br />
GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL<br />
When escorting them refuse to touch them<br />
Ignore often<br />
Ask them about AIDS<br />
DISABLED<br />
Help them do everything, give them chairs<br />
Treat them like they are helpless<br />
HISPANICS/LATINOS<br />
Speak very slowly and loudly<br />
Tell them you don't understand and walk away
The Game of Life<br />
Facilitator Instructions: Marriage<br />
• Ask participant if they would like to be married.<br />
• Verify participants are a male and female (homosexuals and transgender participants cannot be married)<br />
• Participants can only marry one socioeconomic class up or down<br />
Socioeconomic Code Partner's Code<br />
Must be:<br />
A Either A or B<br />
B Either A, B, or C<br />
C Either B, C, or D<br />
D Either C, D, or E<br />
E Either D, or E<br />
• Discourage participants from marrying partners from other classes.<br />
• Illiterate participants are unable to marry, they could not fill out the paperwork.<br />
• Charge couple $700 to be married.<br />
• After participants are married they must "progress" through life together. Tell participants they must stay together<br />
for the rest of the game.<br />
•<br />
The Game of Life<br />
Facilitator Instructions: Lawyer<br />
The lawyer's role in the game of life is to be the counterpart to the judge. You are charged with advocating for the<br />
defendants.<br />
• When someone is sent to jail, it is your responsibility to get them out of jail and bring them to the judge for a trial.<br />
• Wait times for imprisoned participants are as follows:<br />
Socioeconomic Code Caucasians Persons of Color<br />
A < 1 min 1 min<br />
B 2min 3 min<br />
C 3 min 4 min<br />
D 4 min 5 min<br />
E 5 min 6 min<br />
• When bringing participants to the judge for trial, the participant can choose to defend him/herself or choose to<br />
have you represent them. You can charge defendants with whatever fee you feel is appropriate for the crime.<br />
Giving preferential treatment to participants with A, B, and C codes.<br />
• Collect money for trial fees if hired and help convince the judge to let participants off with a warning.<br />
• Occasionally offer pro bono work to D and E participants (once or twice)