Our Thoughts on Current Events

Today is Juneteenth, a holiday we didn’t know much about until very recently. But as a celebratory moment in the fight against slavery in the US, it’s important to a huge percentage of Americans. (Please, go here to learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth But don’t stop there!)

How can such important things go completely unnoticed by us?

Over the past three weeks, we have witnessed atrocities that have caused us to question deeply our assumptions of “the way things are”. We’ve been driven to learn, to research, and to understand the stories of those whose cries for justice and equality have gone unanswered for too long.

We at The Family Gamers are incredibly blessed with comfort and safety. We are, in many ways, the product of our privilege: unasked for, but enjoyed nonetheless.

The last month has put into perspective the stark contrast between our lives and the lives of many who don’t enjoy such privilege, through no fault of their own.

We have been silent because we felt our voice was not one that needed to be heard. We are still learning how we can be better citizens; better people.

With open eyes, we are reminded of the words of Proverbs 24:

    [11] Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
        hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
    [12] If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
        does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
    Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
        and will he not repay man according to his work?

Black lives matter. They matter to us, and they should matter to everyone. Ignorance is no excuse, and we cannot turn a blind eye because it might be inconvenient, or difficult, or painful.

So what can we do?

At the Family Gamers, we pledge to be more actively inclusive in our industry. We don’t make games, and we don’t hire people, we are just a couple of families who love this hobby.

We have taken this opportunity to discuss with our children the difference in the experiences of our friends and neighbors and how those experiences are valid, valuable, and educational.

We commit to working with BIPOC designers and publishers to bring their stories to our readers and listeners.

In our gaming spaces, we commit to seek out those who might be uncomfortable in the presence of those who don’t look like, or talk like, or act like them. It is grossly unfair for the underrepresented to be forced to bear the entirety of this mental load when all that is desired and deserved is equality. “Not my problem” is not acceptable.

We are not perfect. What we have said is not perfect. But we strive to be humble and to learn, and we hope you do too.

Be well.

Black lives matter.