The purpose of such games can be:

1. To become aware of existing views on an issue.

2. To understand the social, religious, political and economical aspects of the situation.

3. To understand the feelings of those in the situation

4. To analyze possible outcomes, or actual historical ones.

Though it has been argued that such games can over-simplify a topic, I have always found that youth really enjoy the games, and it is a great way to be introduced to a subject or start the conversation.

An excellent example from book one would be the simulation game: “I’m superior and couldn’t be prouder.” In this game, a minority group is established, e.g. people with blue eyes. And then the evening continues like any other youth group, except there are rules that need to be followed:

Some of the rules for the Minority Group: Never speak to a majority person unless spoken to.  Always sit on the floor when in the presence of superiors.  Never raise your voice to a majority person. If food is being served, always wait until the majority group has finished eating before you eat yours.

Some of the rules for the Majority group: Always refer to the minority group as “goons” or “scum.”  Make sure the minority group doesn’t get away with more than they should.

After a good 45 minutes to an hour, there is 15 minute to 20 minute slot where the two groups are asked to prepare for a dialog, where the majority group lists why it is logical (even biblical) to have the rules against the minority group. While the minority group prepares by listing arguments against the rules.

After the simulation, you need to have a cooling off period where everyone is equal again. The book has a list of questions to discuss how people felt by the events of the evening, and compares it to racial problems in our society.

 

Take a look at these books; the games are hit and miss, but there are enough great ones to rent them out.

Gordon Fitch