Court rules D&D equates to Gangs

[Lightslei]

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dungeons-and-dragons-board-games-d-and-d,news-9895.html


Honestly, this is probably the dumbest thing I've ever heard but it's hilarious.

 

[Risingblade]

So the plan to make criminals into lazy D&D gamers has failed?

 

[Lightslei]

So the plan to make criminals into lazy D&D gamers has failed?

Apparently D&D teaches them how to organize gangs, I mean really this is the best thing the courts could spend their time doing?

Also why do I get a Capatcha on every single post?

 

[Rednog]

So it is related to gangs because one person takes the lead and tells others what to do...wow better go ban Simon Says while you're at it.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

Spoiler: My response, which is has inappropriate lingo

Honestly, this is an odd ruling.

 

[DigitalLight]

From the article:

No, it won't make inmates believe they are dragon-slaying knights sent to save a princess; instead, it helps prisoners organize themselves into gangs that inhibit prison security. As ridiculous as this may sound, the Courts argued that the structure of the game mimics the organization of a gang and therefore promotes gang activity

By the same token, team building exercises and team-based sports (basketball, football, etc) should also be banned... they're working together to achieve a goal, they must be a gang!

 

[omicron1]

A more appropriate and equally valid result from the same data is, "D&D helps prisoners become functional members of society by assisting others in groups."

There's a logical disconnect here that no honest court should be making: equating "working together" with "creating a gang." Why not hire DMs for your prisons and help the prisoners adjust? Now there's an idea!

 

[elcamino41383]

I want to type something here, but I'm at such a loss of words because of the stupidity of this, that this is what you get.

 

[Leg End]

Spoiler: My response, which is has inappropriate lingo

Honestly, this is an odd ruling.

Thank you for using that image. Makes me feel at home. Plus, it sums up my reaction fairly well.

From the article:

No, it won't make inmates believe they are dragon-slaying knights sent to save a princess; instead, it helps prisoners organize themselves into gangs that inhibit prison security. As ridiculous as this may sound, the Courts argued that the structure of the game mimics the organization of a gang and therefore promotes gang activity

By the same token, team building exercises and team-based sports (basketball, football, etc) should also be banned... they're working together to achieve a goal, they must be a gang!

Also, by that logic, Paintball also does the same, even moreso. Plus, it trains you to use gunz.

SAVE THE CHILDREN!

 

[Lizard Queen]

Exactly. Guess they better ban religion too. One voice telling others what to do...

I am truly amazed the courts can be so stupid.

 

[DigitalLight]

Also, by that logic, Paintball also does the same, even moreso. Plus, it trains you to use gunz.

True, but I was referring to activities they have in prison... not sure if paintball fits in that category

 

[ANImaniac89]

When twelve sided dice are outlawed, only outlaws use twelve sided dice.

 

[Leg End]

Also, by that logic, Paintball also does the same, even moreso. Plus, it trains you to use gunz.

True, but I was referring to activities they have in prison... not sure if paintball fits in that category

Actually, it does.

Damn it... can't find the link... if I remember correctly, there actually is a prison that allows inmates to have small paintball tournaments... can't find a link though.

 

[Plurralbles]

I'd be willing to donate a few hours a week and dm for some criminals. Why not?
Surely that would solve the problem and let people in jail have some semblance of fun and oh-crap, human dignity(?).

 

[Serenegoose]

Surely D&D would only help you organise prison gangs if you put a lot of points in the 'organise prison gangs' skill.

 

[BehattedWanderer]

First they came for our tabletop, but I do not roll any d20's, so I did not speak up.

Seriously, that's like saying that playing Battleship is the equivalent of learning how to apply tactical warfare to sink ships in the pacific. Or that playing Monopoly will lead to you understanding economics. And it's not like any gang that sits down for a good campaign is really gonna get up and shiv some bitches, ya dig?

 

[KefkaCultist]

So first D&D gets accused of satan worshiping and now as a gang encourager... What next? Is it going to get accused of causing teen pregnancy? Or how about nuclear warfare?

it helps prisoners organize themselves into gangs that inhibit prison security. As ridiculous as this may sound, the Courts argued that the structure of the game mimics the organization of a gang and therefore promotes gang activity.

A group of adventurers going on quests and getting loot is gang activity? Well then accuse any form of literature, movies, games, comics, tv, and other activities that do that as well. I swear, our justice system is getting dumber.

Actually, if they wanted to tie a table top game to gang activity Shadowrun would be a better choice than D&D. In D&D you are merely adventurers. In Shadowrun you are mercs for hire that steal shit and kill people. Neither are causes of gangs obviously, I'm just saying that they chose a weak example to try and support their point.

 

[twistedheat15]

"Break yo self fool! Time to bust a cap in yo ass!" *rolls dice* "Lucky mother fcker! I needed a 13 or higher to shoot you... I'll get yo ass next time and I'm bringing my +4 revolver with the atk roll numbers next time!"

 

[Macgyvercas]

First off, legal system, it's called a "party" not a "gang". Second, the Dungeon Master does not tell us what to do. He sets up the story (narrator), makes the final decisions on rulings (referee), and throws stuff at the players to see what they do (god). Ultimately, it's up to the players, not the DM, that determines who does what in the situation (unless the DM is railroading, but those DM usually get kicked in the pants)...

You know what, let me just simplify and save time: THE COURT SYSTEM SUCKS!

 

[Death on Trapezoids]

No no no! They've got it all wrong!
The DM doesn't "tell the players what to do", he describes the setting, presents the opposition (monsters), and lays down the plot (while the players make choo choo noises).

I mean really, if they had their hearts set on forming gangs then why would they bother with D&D?

NEXT UP: Chess teaches prisoners how to organize and effectively perpetrate riots and jailbreaks.