Throughline Do Not Pass Go
Jun 30, 2022
Mary Pilon, journalist and author of "The Monopolists," dives into the intriguing history of Monopoly, revealing it as a mirror of America’s dreams and inequities. She discusses the game's unexpected rise during economic downturns and its roots as a critique of capitalism by Lizzie McGee. Pilon highlights how Monopoly embodies the myth of the American Dream while also exposing social disparities. With engaging anecdotes, she reflects on personal stories around the game's legacy and its continuous relevance in today's society.
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Lizzie McGee's Inspiration
- Lizzie McGee, a 13-year-old girl in 1879, was inspired by Henry George's "Progress and Poverty".
- She became a women's suffrage advocate and a patented stenographer, embodying progressive ideals.
Landlord's Game and Single Tax Theory
- Lizzie McGee invented the Landlord's Game (early Monopoly) to teach Henry George's single-tax theory.
- This theory proposed taxing only land to shift the burden to wealthy landlords and address inequality.
Two Rulesets
- Lizzie McGee created two Landlord's Game rulesets: Monopolist and Anti-Monopolist.
- The Anti-Monopolist version rewarded all players for wealth creation, promoting shared prosperity.
