Black People and Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs)

I have posted about tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) a handful of times on this blog, including my most recent post in which I shared an article and accompanying video concerning the potential emotional, psychological, and social benefits to be gained from playing such games. My interest in these games of late is due in large part to nostalgia-fueled recollections of fun-filled roleplaying game sessions with my friends and my brothers. As I have previously mentioned, I have been collecting books, box sets, and accessories (e.g., dice) for a variety of TTRPGs. As I have also mentioned previously, I have been kicking around the idea of once more telling a story and joining a game or even running one. So while I haven't played a TTRPG in decades, it has clearly been on my mind.

I have made it clear from the outset that it is my intention to not get too political on this blog. I can be fairly outspoken on my political views and I can be doggedly determined when challenged on those views. Frankly, I genuinely used to enjoy having spirited conversations on political topics with people that were capable of having that conversation while maintaining a more or less friendly and respectful outlook. You know, the kind of spirited discussion that you can have with your buddies that can end with an "agree to disagree" stalemate that culminates in a proposal to have a few beers together? Of course, those kind of political discussions can be tough to find these days and I prefer to not turn this blog into another arena. With that being said, this particular post could potentially be seen as being "political", although I don't think that it should be viewed that way. Then again, giving your opinion on "Frosted Flakes vs. Honey Nut Cheerios" could devolve into shouting, shaming, and accusations of bigotry and fascist sympathies these days.

I must admit that I found this video (see link below) to be thought-provoking and I have decided to share it. I am inclined to believe that there is some truth and substance to this gentleman's take on the subject. He certainly has a different perspective, he has had different experiences, and he runs and has ran in different social/cultural circles.

Frankly, I can't say that I can recall asking a black friend to join a TTRPG session. No one should read that statement and conclude that I am therefore prejudiced or racist, as I can also assure you that there have been plenty of white friends to whom I didn't extend an invitation to join a TTRPG session. My interest and participation in TTRPGs waxed and waned over time and at no time did it really dominate my time and my handful of personal interests and pastimes. It certainly didn't dominate my time and my thinking in the way that sports and active pursuits like bodyboarding sometimes did. If I didn't ask someone to join a TTRPG session, there were undoubtedly reasons that didn't include deep-seated prejudice and bigotry.

In any case, as I said, I found the video to be thought-provoking. Check it out if you are interested. Just remember that if you choose to watch the video and you are offended, you have been duly cautioned. I, for one, intend to check out more of this gentleman's videos about TTRPGs.