Blamify Part 3: Games and Human Culture

Blamify Part III: The Historical Significance of Games in Human Culture

In the first installment of our Blamify series, we introduced the concept of Blamify, a framework designed to amplify Black studies and culture through gamification. In Part II, we explored the circles of influence that Blamify engages with to foster community empowerment.  If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, you can read our first blog on the topic for an introduction here. 

Now, in Part III, we delve into the historical importance of games, examining their role in human societies, highlighting ancient African games, and discussing the cultural significance of games within the context of African American history, particularly during the era of enslavement.

Play is Essential to Human Culture

Games have been an intrinsic part of human culture for thousands of years, serving as tools for socialization, education, and entertainment. Archaeological findings reveal that games and sports are universal features of human culture, both past and present.  These activities often reflect the values, beliefs, and social structures of the societies that created them.

Dutch historian Johan Huizinga, in his seminal work "Homo Ludens," posited that play is a fundamental aspect of culture, predating even the formation of societies. He argued that play is primary to and a necessary condition of the generation of culture.  This perspective underscores the integral role of games in cultural development and social cohesion.

I found a similar perspective on the importance of play for culture formation from Chicago scholar and Co-Founder of the Betty Shabazz International Charter School, Dr. Carol Lee. In her book "Culture, Literacy, and Learning: Taking Bloom in the Midst of the Whirlwind" (2007), Lee argues that culturally rooted forms of play and narrative help scaffold academic engagement, demonstrating how play is not just recreational but deeply tied to intellectual and cultural growth.

Ancient African Games: Reflections of Culture and Society

Africa boasts a rich heritage of traditional games that have been passed down through generations, each reflecting the continent's diverse cultures and societies. These games often serve as means of socialization, imparting values such as teamwork, resilience, and respect. Below are some examples.

Mancala: One of the oldest known two-player board games, Mancala dates back to around 700 AD in East Africa, with ancient boards found in Eritrea and Ethiopia. The game involves strategic movement of pieces on a board, fostering critical thinking and planning skills. I remember playing Mancala in elementary school but never knew its Ancient African roots.

Dambe Boxing: Originating from the Hausa tribe in Northern Nigeria, Dambe is a traditional form of boxing enjoyed by both elites and commoners. Participants travel to different villages during harvest time, challenging others to duels as festival entertainment. The dominant arm of each fighter is tied with rope to provide punch power, and they aim to strike their opponents until one person drops to the floor, an outcome known as "killing". The influence of Dambe boxing can be traced back to 10th Century Nigeria, “Buck fights” hosted by American Slavers,  and continues today with American Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts.

Oware: This ancient West African board game is more than just a pastime; it holds cultural and symbolic significance. Often played during social gatherings, family events, and special occasions, Oware plays similarly to mancala but uses seeds instead of stones.  The game promotes critical thinking and strategic planning, reflecting the cultural value of foresight and planning. 

As you can see games have been a key part of culture for thousands of years. Modern games seem to have shifted focus from cultural production to pure entertainment. The goal of Blamification is to reconnect games to their purpose of teaching essential lessons and being pillars of cultural production and learning.

Games and Competition in African American History

In the context of African American history, games and sports have played pivotal roles in community building and resistance against oppression. From 1619 to 1864, enslaved Africans used games and physical activities as subtle forms of resistance and preservation of their cultural identities. These activities provided temporary mental escapes from the harsh realities of bondage and fostered a sense of community and resilience.

In "Forty Million Dollar Slaves," author William C. Rhoden explores the complex relationship between African Americans and the sports industry. He traces the journey from the plantation to modern professional sports, highlighting how African American athletes have navigated a landscape saturated with exploitation and discrimination. Rhoden argues that, despite the significant economic contributions of Black athletes, systemic racism has often limited them to subordinate roles within the industry.

The rise of sports and competitive games among African Americans has also been a conduit for social mobility and empowerment. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) played a crucial role in providing opportunities for Black athletes to showcase their talents, leading to the integration of professional sports leagues. Moreover, community-based games and sports have been instrumental in fostering leadership, discipline, and unity within African American communities.

One key modern example of an athlete who was able to use sports as a platform is Jesse Owens. During the 1936 Olympics hosted in Nazi Germany, Jesse Owens was center stage. Hitler claimed the Arian race was superior to all races and produced propaganda that depicted people of Jewish and African descent as less than human. When Jesse Owens won 4 Gold Medals he defied the Nazi racial ideology by defeating German athletes in front of Hitler himself. This defeat gave Americans and African Americans, specifically, pride and the affirmation of their humanity. Jack Johson, Jackie Robinson, Tiger Woods, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and many other athletes have played a major role in shifting the perception of what is possible.

Cultural Significance of Games

Games serve as microcosms of society, reflecting cultural norms, values, and social structures. They offer insights into the collective psyche of a community and act as vehicles for cultural expression and preservation. In African cultures, traditional games are powerful tools that drive social development, education, and cultural preservation. These time-honored activities help shape communities by encouraging connections and passing down essential values between generations. 

In African American culture, games and sports have been avenues for challenging societal norms and asserting identity. From the basketball courts of urban neighborhoods to the football fields of Southern colleges, all the way to the screens of esports athletes across the Diaspora, these spaces have been arenas where Black individuals could demonstrate excellence, challenge stereotypes, and inspire future generations.

Through the theory of Blamification, we want to continue to explore the historical connection between games and culture and develop a framework we can use to create modern games that educate, socialize, and reinforce positive cultural lessons for our youth.

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