Episode 222: Capitalism, The (Board) Game

In the final episode of 2024, Amanda is inspired by a conversation with her friend Janelle to explore board games that teach children (and adults) the “winner takes all” aspect of late stage capitalism and/or reinforce the message that success=stuff. We’ll take a journey through the history of board games, with a deep dive into the Game of Life. We’ll check out the shopping focused games of the 1980s and 90s, including Mall Madness. We will touch on some other games that just seem agonizing for adults to play, like Payday (too real). And we’ll explore the origin story of Monopoly, along with all of the other games that (accidentally or otherwise) seem to reinforce dumb ideas like the bootstrap myth. Amanda also talks about what a "no buy year" means to her (and somehow ties into board games, because why not). This episode also includes an audio essay from Eleisha of SHIFT, a refillery in Narberth, PA. Find SHIFT on Instagram: @mainlineshift Learn more about board games: "Why the game of Life used to have poverty, suicide, and ruin," Phil Edwards, Vox. Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History, American Experience (PBS) "5 Wild Facts About Mall Madness," Jake Rossen, Mental Floss. Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here! Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/ If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses: Spokes & Stitches is a size-inclusive patternmaking and sewing studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patternmaker Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of designing and making their own clothes! Ruby also provides professional services such as pattern digitization, size charts, patternmaking, and grading services for indie slow fashion brands that want to prioritize inclusive sizing. You can find Ruby on Instagram as @spokesandstitches, and get in touch with her for professional services at www.spokesandstitches.com. The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble ( @thepewterthimble ). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens. Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 of

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