Abstract

This project delves into the author's journey of creating and producing a board game, starting from the initial idea and leading to an understanding of the social and cultural implications behind its design. The game, called JACK RABBITS, is a classic cards-based game with a fantasy adventure theme inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In it, players, represented as rabbits, race around a kingdom to put together a royal wedding, the most popular of all happy endings. The author's personal background and upbringing in the Dominican Republic expose how the original idea unintentionally perpetuates colonialism, heteronormativity, gender-binarism, monarchy, tribalism and patriarchy. These traits are inherent in the traditional deck of cards. The author reflects on his own identity as a queer, liberal, atheist, and mixed-raced individual who is unable to legally marry or effectively run for office in his homeland. He seeks to examine the societal norms that shaped him, and raises questions about the intersectionality of art and identity, as well as the responsibility of creators to be aware of their impact on society. The author plans to use the game's appeal to create a platform to tell his story of realization and liberation to those in his family and homeland. The game's success would enable him to share his journey, raising awareness of the implications of perpetuating societal norms through art and inspiring others to challenge these norms.

Research

The author researched the impact of his culture and upbringing on his identity and creative pursuit. He delved into his childhood in the Caribbean and his mixed heritage of Iberian, Nigerian, and Taino. He also studied the hold of patriarchy in his homeland and the struggle for women's and LGBTQIA rights. Drawing from research on the role of children's literature in shaping a worldview, the author considered the reorientation and decolonization of fairy tales—or wonder tales, to avoid the Eurocentric dominance of the genre. He observed how modern tales tend to give traditionally masculine storylines and powers to new and old female heroes, effectively empowering women. However, this trend can also mean that traditionally "masculine" traits become the heroes of the story. This project advocates for a journey of curiosity and diversity in a macho, Christian, and capitalist world, promoting the creation of sensitive and sensible heroes who can empathize, nurture, educate, and appreciate art and nature regardless of gender.

Technical Details

The game production utilizes laser cut MDF as its primary material, wood is also used for the game pieces, packaging, and dice. Additionally, the remaining components, such as the cards and stickers, are made of paper and cardboard. The artwork was created using Adobe Animate, Illustrator, and Indesign, and the instructions are written entirely in rhyming verses. To launch the game, an event was organized for the Dominican diaspora in New York City, which took place at the Dominican Consulate in Times Square and was live-streamed. The project's website offers several interactive experiences, inspired by the game's art, concept, and philosophy. These experiences include a personality test and several activities created in P5.