Mafia is a popular party game because it caters to a large group of players, and allows socialization in an entertaining way. The entire class was able to understand the rules of the game in a matter of minutes. With such a massive game, the rules need to be quick and easy just like mafia. The main mechanic of the game are the roles: mafia, sheriff, angel, and civilian. All of which give meaning for one to speak up and socialize, which is what is most important about this game. At a party, everyone wants to talk and have fun, and Mafia gives that leeway to talk for no particular reason other than to win the game. The cards that are used are almost pointless, as one could just come around and whisper a random role into the players ear. So, the game could be played impromptu during a gathering of friends. The class obviously enjoyed playing the game. Even myself, who does not speak up as much as some others, could still follow and have fun with the game.
It is easy for Americans to judge Italians. Italians are portrayed as mobsters in many media outlets. The Sopranos, for example, is a TV show about the Italian mafia mobsters. Although I’ve never watched the show, I know that from word of mouth. The stereotype is just that ubiquities. In the game Mafia, the mafia kills people overnight and is deceitful in order to win. This is parallel to how the media paints the picture of the Italian gangsters. The movie The Godfather depicts the Italian mob who are violent and kill civilians because they feel like it, very much like the game. Al Capone, one of the most famous Italian mobsters, makes his way onto TV in a way that makes the audience believe that all Italians are like that. That is what a stereotype is – a false accusation. Not all Italians are killers who are part of the mob. Although, it is fun to think that they are.
It is easy for Americans to judge Italians. Italians are portrayed as mobsters in many media outlets. The Sopranos, for example, is a TV show about the Italian mafia mobsters. Although I’ve never watched the show, I know that from word of mouth. The stereotype is just that ubiquities. In the game Mafia, the mafia kills people overnight and is deceitful in order to win. This is parallel to how the media paints the picture of the Italian gangsters. The movie The Godfather depicts the Italian mob who are violent and kill civilians because they feel like it, very much like the game. Al Capone, one of the most famous Italian mobsters, makes his way onto TV in a way that makes the audience believe that all Italians are like that. That is what a stereotype is – a false accusation. Not all Italians are killers who are part of the mob. Although, it is fun to think that they are.