Don't Drop the Soap explained

Don't Drop the Soap is a controversial prison-themed board game designed by art student John Sebelius as a 2006 class project at the Rhode Island School of Design.[1] The game received criticism for its content, most notably for the game's treatment of prison rape.[2] Sebelius also received notice for being the son of Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Gary Sebelius.[3] The game officially went on sale on January 31, 2008 in Lawrence, Kansas and through Sebelius' personal website,[4] and is considered to be similar to Monopoly in its gameplay.[5]

Gameplay

The gameplay consists of six levels and can be played by up to three people. Users can choose to play as Sal "The Butcher", "Anferny", or "Wheelz", a disabled prisoner. The ultimate goal of the game is for the player to make parole without dropping the soap in the prison shower. If a prisoner "drops the soap", they must return to the beginning of the game.

Reaction

The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission, a U.S. bipartisan panel aimed at curbing prison rape, criticized the game and stated that the title made light of "a serious and all-too-pervasive violent sex crime."[6] The Pitch criticized Sebelius, labelling him "The Idiot Son of an Elected Official."[7] Politician Tim Huelskamp requested that the game be investigated and voiced concerns that the game was being marketed and stored at Cedar Crest, the Governor's mansion.[8]

Sebelius responded to the criticism, explaining that he meant for the game to be a lighthearted spoof and was not an endorsement of prison rape.[9]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: 'Don't Drop The Soap' Game Causes Controversy. https://web.archive.org/web/20081007072907/http://www.kctv5.com/news/15172807/detail.html . 2008-10-07 . 7 January 2014. KCTV5. January 30, 2008.
  2. Web site: Kansas governor's son makes 'Don't Drop the Soap it will get the guards attention and can lead to seriously hurt prisoners game. Joystiq. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107114222/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/kansas-governors-son-makes-dont-drop-the-soap-game/. 7 January 2014. live.
  3. Web site: Governor's son creates prison-themed game. 27 January 2008 . MSNBC. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107110326/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22870462/#.UsvTz9JDvA0. 7 January 2014. live.
  4. Web site: Sebelius' son sells game out of Cedar Crest. CJ Online. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20080129084659/http://www.cjonline.com/stories/012608/bus_240507951.shtml. 29 January 2008. live.
  5. News: Cornado. Chris. Game Changer: John Sebelius. Washington Post. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140618171137/http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2009/03/09/game_changer_john_sebelius/. 18 June 2014. live.
  6. Web site: BIPARTISAN PANEL CONDEMNS "DON'T DROP THE SOAP" BOARD GAME (press release). NPREC. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20090806202312/http://nprec.us/Press/press%20statements/1.29.08.STMT.DontDroptheSoapGame.pdf. 6 August 2009. dead.
  7. Web site: The Idiot Son: A Board Game. Pitch. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20120908004727/http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/the-idiot-son-a-board-game/Content?oid=2188761. 8 September 2012. dead.
  8. Web site: Lawmaker critical of Sebelius' son's game. Lawrence Journal-World. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141019011154/http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/feb/23/lawmaker_critical_sebelius_sons_game/. 19 October 2014. live.
  9. Christopher, Hearne, Jr. "Soap game has some lather", The Kansas City Star, February 3, 2008, accessed June 4, 2008.

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