America: What is wrong with you? Behold these racist, sexist, and downright disturbing games.
"Public Assistance" published by Hammerhead Enterprises in 1980.
This game was ultimately banned. The tagline alone — "Why bother working for a living?" — is enough to see how incredibly awful this game was. The idea: players would pursue two paths, either the "working person's rut" or "able-bodied welfare recipient's promenade," and see who could get ahead first via government welfare payouts or paydays. The player with the most money after taxes wins.
Source: boardgamegeek.com
"Hangman," published by Milton Bradley in 1976.
This is your classic Hangman game taken off paper and converted to tile pieces. Hangman is kind of offensive to begin with, but it's mainly this cover that really puts an unpleasant story onto the game.
Source: ebay.com
"The Sinking of the Titanic," published by Milton Bradley in 1976.
Jeez, Milton Bradley. Where is your conscience? In this "game you play as the ship goes down...then face the peril at open sea!" players must race around the ship as it sinks. The confusing part, however, is this: "After the ship sinks, you must get enough of food and water by visiting islands and/or drawing cards to stay alive until the rescue boat appears..." Islands?! Sure, just go ahead and re-write history.
Source: boardgamegeek.com
"Tressy Career Girl Game," published by Lowell Toy Mfg. in 1960.
Groan. No surprise that in 1960, "career girl" options include: actress, dancer, model, secretary, teacher, and nurse.
Source: ebay.com
