Nerd Gang!
By BadCat! on Jan 26, 2010 in Geeky
![geekgangsignsmain1[1]](http://www.perfectduluthday.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says prisoners can no longer play Dungeons & Dragons in prison, because it “promotes gang-related activity“.
The only thing hazardous about D&D are possibly the 4-sided dice if you happen to step on them! I think activities like this are harmless, and could provide an alternative to prison gang culture (and it uses math!). Some of my coworkers think that if you’re in prison, you shouldn’t be allowed to game. I think everyone can agree that despite what Jack Chick tells you, D&D is not a gang. Thoughts?
Being totally unfamiliar with prison culture, I have no idea if it should be allowed -- I don’t see what it could hurt, other than giving everyone else in there a new group of people to pick on. Unless the prison authorities think the blade skills and unarmed fighting translate into the real world…
Either way, I laughed. Thanks.
Hazardous? What about Mazes & Monsters??
Perhaps an overcorrection, but the ban is based on using the game to pass coded messages among gang members. Also, it allows prisoners to congregate, which is generally frowned upon for the same reason. Don’t take it as an attack on D&D. Take comfort in knowing D&D is so special, felons are not allowed to do it. Like voting and handgun ownership.
http://volokh.com/2010/01/25/7th-circuit-upholds-prison-rule-forbidding-inmates-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons/
That doesn’t appear to be an accurate description of the case presented by the prison..
I consider D&D to be of great benefit for my son, formerly known as “Little Pirate”. He and are going through a tough time right now, but I do not think D&D will lead him to prison, and I don’t perceive that he will develop a “gang” with either of his D&D groups. Although, I don’t know a lot about D&D, which suits us fine.
If a “large” prison population is persuaded to learn & perform the dance “Thriller”, choreographed & sung by one who may or may have not been a pedophile, I’m unsure why a small group of prisoners (supervised) could not have a D&D game. Surely dance moves could be more readily adapted into “gang signs” than D&D stuff? Are there signs in D&D?
if I was a prison guard, the strength related skill bend bars / lift gates might give me pause for concern.
Both of my escape attempts were foiled after the screws confiscated my “Chutes and Ladders” game. The only game I get to play now is “Life”.
p.s. Would Princess Leia like a pen pal?
Skybub,
I only write to prisoners who are playing the Star Wars Roleplaying Game:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Roleplaying_Game_%28West_End_Games%29
Princess Leia,
I would love to join the game, but they put something in the food here that keeps my light saber from working. Thanks anyway.
I agree whose to say these people should be allowed the ability to carry lightsabers