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The Jolly Darkie Target Game (1890)

ByMichail

Jolly Darkie Target Game

The Jolly Darkie Target Game is a game developed and manufactured by the McLoughlin Brothers (now part of Milton Bradley Company) and was released in 1890. The game was popular for about 25 years, from 1890 to 1915. The target consumer for the game was white people, who bought it for their children.

Why is Jolly Darkie Target Game Popular?

The game gained popularity due to its association with minstrel shows and the use of Sambo imagery, which was a common theme in late 19th-century American culture. The term “darkie” referred to the exaggerated physiognomic features depicting black people, and the game reinforced negative stereotypes of African Americans.

Game Components of The Jolly Darkie Target Game

  • Cardboard target featuring imagery of Sambo with a gaping mouth that could open and close
  • Wooden balls
  • Scorekeeping system

    How To Setup The Jolly Darkie Target Game

    The setup involves placing the cardboard target in a standing position and ensuring the mouth can open and close. The game requires less than one minute to set up.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Throw the wooden balls into the target’s mouth.
  • Gameplay:** Players take turns throwing all the balls, scoring one point for each ball that goes into the mouth.
  • Number of Players:** Two or more.

    Player Experience

    The Jolly Darkie Target Game was designed for white consumers, particularly children, and was part of a broader cultural context that reinforced racist stereotypes and themes of domination and subordination. The game mechanic, while simple, was embedded in a larger narrative that depicted African Americans in demeaning and violent ways.

    Pros

  • Simple Mechanics:** Easy to understand and play.
  • Quick Setup:** Less than one minute to set up.
  • Collector’s Item:** Now considered a collector’s item, although for its historical significance rather than its gameplay.

    Cons

  • Racist Imagery:** Depicts African Americans with exaggerated and demeaning features.
  • Reinforces Negative Stereotypes:** Contributes to a historical narrative of racial oppression.
  • Limited Appeal:** The game’s appeal is largely historical and not recommended for modern play due to its offensive content.

    Personal Thoughts on The Jolly Darkie Target Game

    The Jolly Darkie Target Game is a stark reminder of the racist attitudes prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While it is now a collector’s item, it is not a game that should be celebrated or played in a modern context. Instead, it serves as a historical artifact that highlights the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards racial stereotypes and their impact on society. This game is not for entertainment but for educational purposes, to understand and reflect on the darker aspects of cultural history.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl