First off, I had to verify that I am a millennial by speaking in code “shook.” I know as millennials, we get written off as offended at any little thing, so I thought why not play into this stereotype? But I am “shook” for a different reason. This cover of the new Monopoly board game didn’t settle well with me. On the cover has a big graphic of a cow, crossed out.
As if Monopoly didn’t already ruin every relationship that tried to sit down for a “quiet” board game. They have ruined all of the cardboard tables at my house by being flipped over, and wills have been changed after one family afternoon of playing. But they went one step further. MONOPOLY FOR MILLENNIALS. Of course the millennials took to Twitter to show their disapproval of the game, but it got me thinking even more.
Why drag agriculture into this? *Duh!* This is the world we live in. We are constantly fighting off untrue accusations in our industry, and not all the time does the truth get the attention it deserves. Hasbro, the makers of the board game, are playing on the stereotypes they see in the world and running with the idea.
- Millennials can’t own their house. Let’s laugh at it and make money off their disparity.
- Agriculture is up against “Internet Doctorates” and untrue attacks on the beef industry. Let’s make a vegan experience in our game.
- Student loans are outrageous these days. We will let the first person who has the most student debt, roll first.
Wal-Mart ,where the game can be bought for $20 (that is only like four iced coffee drinks), says, “Money doesn’t always buy a great time, but experiences, whether they’re good — or weird — last forever. The Monopoly for Millennials game celebrates just that. Instead of collecting as much cash as possible, players are challenged to rack up the most Experiences to win. Travel around the game board discovering and visiting cool places to eat, shop, and relax. Interact with other players via Chance and Community Chest cards, (which are super relatable). And players don’t pay rent — they visit one another, earning more Experience points. This board game is a great way to bring a fun and relaxed vibe to a party or casual get-together.”
*insert eye roll here* Casual.
Can we talk about the tag line, though? “Forget real estate. You can’t afford it anyways.” That part is maybe true, most of us can’t afford real estate due to student debt or crazy prices. Moving back in with your parents has become the norm since rent is outrageous and you are just throwing that money away. Many live with mom and dad to save up for that one day in 20 years when you can afford a down payment. Until then, I guess all the millennials can play this game in the basement of the “cool parent’s” house.
