In today’s world, the challenges faced by the Black community seem never-ending, and now we’re confronted with an alarming trend undermining the gravity of our history. Enter a “choose your own adventure”-style computer game that allows students to engage in the harrowing experience of being a young enslaved person. Yes, you read that correctly. This unsettling reality has existed since 2012, yet it’s only coming to light now. One might wonder why these issues are surfacing at this moment, but frankly, it’s just another instance of the absurdities that continually arise.
The program, known as Mission US, offers interactive simulations that delve into various aspects of American history. One particular game, titled Flight to Freedom, places players in the role of Lucy, a 14-year-old girl enslaved on a Kentucky plantation, attempting to escape her grim reality. As players navigate this perilous journey, they encounter brutal realities, including beatings, and must make choices that could lead to freedom or further peril.
To be clear, this game is designed for children—specifically middle and high school students. Recently, concerned parents, like Marcus Thompson from Phoenix, discovered its existence through their children. Thompson expressed his outrage to a news outlet, stating, “When my son told me about the game, my immediate reaction was disbelief. I couldn’t allow him to be subjected to something so inappropriate.” I would likely echo his sentiments, albeit with a few more expletives.
The game claims to foster historical empathy, but can such a complex and painful subject truly be reduced to a game format? Slavery is not a game; it’s a dark chapter in human history that deserves thoughtful discussion rather than trivialization. This isn’t just a casual lesson for kids; it’s a deeply serious subject that requires careful, sensitive handling.
Imagine the conversations in the boardroom where this game was conceived—presumably a group of individuals thought it would be enlightening for kids to simulate the life of a slave. What were they thinking? Slavery is not a lesson in problem-solving or entertainment. After engaging with the game, I struggle to see how it imparts more understanding than reading age-appropriate literature or viewing documentaries, which can provide real context without trivializing the subject.
Real enslaved individuals didn’t earn “resistance badges” or “escape master badges.” Their lives were fraught with danger, and the stakes were unimaginably high. The game features a character who asks, “What’s a slave to do?” and presents choices that trivialize the real-life consequences of such decisions. Lucy’s journey includes the option to run away with another enslaved person, a scenario that, while fictionalized, simplifies a harrowing reality.
As a parent, Thompson voiced his concerns: “Growing up with a history rooted in civil rights, I can’t allow my child to engage with something like this without my consent.” The complexities surrounding slavery in America are immense, and dismissing them as just another narrative to explore is an insult to the legacy of those who suffered.
The game introduces characters like Miss Hatcher, a white abolitionist who embodies a misguided sense of allyship. She professes support for Black lives but ultimately refuses to assist Lucy in her quest for freedom. This portrayal is both absurd and offensive, reducing an entire movement to a caricature.
The creators of Mission US believe that assuming historical roles helps students connect with difficult subjects. However, slavery isn’t just another historical event; it’s a lasting trauma that continues to impact society today. While it is crucial for children to learn about the past, it should be done through honest conversations rather than through the lens of a digital game that reduces their suffering to mere entertainment.
It’s essential to engage with history in a way that honors the experiences of those who lived through it. For insights on pregnancy and family planning, you can explore resources like Healthline or check out our blog for further reading.
In summary, while education about slavery is vital, the methods we choose to teach our children should reflect the seriousness of the subject. We must strive for a deeper understanding rather than creating games that turn historical suffering into a virtual experience.