Thanks so much for this exploration of the origins of a game many of us grew up playing. I was inspired to look up and learn more about "The Landlord's Game." I discovered a photo of one of the old colorful games. Examining the spaces was particularly illuminating.
We know how the version we've all come to know works: you try to gobble up enough land to bankrupt opponents. But there are a few parts of the game that, if we think about it, don't make a lot of sense. For example, why are we going to jail? What are we assumed to have done to collect money after passing go? And is this "free parking" business?
The original game gives us clear answers to these questions. We go to jail for doing things like trespassing on "Lord Bluebood's Estates." The aim of the game was to demonstrate American economist, Henry George's objection to the way a small number of people owned property and exploited working people's need for housing and land to live on. Rather than confiscating the land of the wealthy he argued it should be taxed based on its value so the public could reclaim their lost wealth. He also advocated for public management of transportation and utilities, and that such essentials should be made available for minimal costs.
Why do we receive money for passing go? The original board reads, "Labor upon mother earth produces wages." In a word, this is money we make by the sweat of our brow--work rather than exploiting working people.
Lastly, what's free parking? "Poorhouse/ Central Park: Free." As a poorhouse, this is a place where local government provided temporary relief to those in need. As Central Park it was a public space--a commons not yet confiscated by concentrated capital, and therefore a place where a person might rest their weary head without being sent to jail. This space doesn't cost money and won't put you in jail. It's one of the rare spots in the board where a person may simply exist.
Thanks so much for this exploration of the origins of a game many of us grew up playing. I was inspired to look up and learn more about "The Landlord's Game." I discovered a photo of one of the old colorful games. Examining the spaces was particularly illuminating.
We know how the version we've all come to know works: you try to gobble up enough land to bankrupt opponents. But there are a few parts of the game that, if we think about it, don't make a lot of sense. For example, why are we going to jail? What are we assumed to have done to collect money after passing go? And is this "free parking" business?
The original game gives us clear answers to these questions. We go to jail for doing things like trespassing on "Lord Bluebood's Estates." The aim of the game was to demonstrate American economist, Henry George's objection to the way a small number of people owned property and exploited working people's need for housing and land to live on. Rather than confiscating the land of the wealthy he argued it should be taxed based on its value so the public could reclaim their lost wealth. He also advocated for public management of transportation and utilities, and that such essentials should be made available for minimal costs.
Why do we receive money for passing go? The original board reads, "Labor upon mother earth produces wages." In a word, this is money we make by the sweat of our brow--work rather than exploiting working people.
Lastly, what's free parking? "Poorhouse/ Central Park: Free." As a poorhouse, this is a place where local government provided temporary relief to those in need. As Central Park it was a public space--a commons not yet confiscated by concentrated capital, and therefore a place where a person might rest their weary head without being sent to jail. This space doesn't cost money and won't put you in jail. It's one of the rare spots in the board where a person may simply exist.
https://landlordsgame.info/games/lg-1906/lg-1906.html