Hasbro has come under fire after unveiling a new version of Monopoly that promotes ‘businesswomen’ by giving female players more money at the start of the game than to their male rivals.
In addition, the controversial game pays women more than men each time they pass the ‘GO,’ as it is the “first-ever game in the Monopoly franchise that celebrates women trailblazers” according to Hasbro.
“Collect 240 salary as you pass GO, if you’re a man collect 200,” the instructions of the game read.
While some people have praised the company for addressing the issue of the gender wage gap, others have quickly criticized Hasbro and accused them of promoting inequality.
On top of the higher salary, the female players of the game will also receive a $1,900 payout at the start of the game as opposed to $1,500 payout that male players get.
As for the cover of the game, the cane-wielding mustache man was replaced with a professional-looking businesswoman. The game is advertised as “The first game where women make more than men.”
“Ms. Monopoly gives new meaning to the franchise, as properties are replaced by groundbreaking inventions and innovations made possible by women throughout history,” Hasbro description of the game reads.
“From inventions like WiFi to chocolate chip cookies, solar heating and space station batteries, Ms. Monopoly celebrates everything from scientific advancements to everyday accessories – all invented by women.
“Ms. Monopoly was created to inspire everyone, young and old as it spotlights women who have challenged the status quo.”
After the news of the new Monopoly version went viral, people were quick to lash out at the company.
“20 or 25% more just for being a woman? It’s obviously anti-male, but it’s also patronizing to women, a little like those marathons where the women are allowed to start later so they appear to have run at the same pace as the men. It’s a little pathetic,” someone wrote.
“So, like capitalism itself, many start ahead of the game because who they are,” another one suggested.
One person joked: “What next. Divorce monopoly where men are dispossessed of all their assets to woman as they pass go. Anti-male family courts are a joke.”
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Replaced!