Welcome to this article in which we explore a parallel between two seemingly different worlds: monarchy and Monopoly. On the one hand, we have kings and queens, crowns and castles. On the other, streets, hotels, money and dice. But beyond appearances, these two worlds share profound similarities.
The video
Imagine a monopoly board
Imagine a Monopoly board spread out in front of you. The colored squares represent properties, stations and utilities. Each player advances his pawn, buys land, builds hotels, and tries to ruin his opponents. It's a game of strategy, negotiation and a whole lot of luck.
Now, let's transport ourselves to a monarchy on Monopoly. The monarchy owns three-quarters of the board, and can add rules whenever they like, as well as print money galore. On the other hand, they must be careful not to overdo it either, otherwise all the players will agree to stop playing their game by, for example, starting a small revolution. They do, however, have some leeway, as they can jail anyone who is too vocal.
Chance cards
But then come the chance cards. Positive or negative, they're a reminder that life is unpredictable. Hop, I'm a king and it's my turn to play, I draw a chance card and, by golly, it's the Declaration of Human Rights. Annoying. Every man and woman is born equal. Well, I'll have to adapt. Do I prefer to lose everything and end up executed, or do I agree to give up some of my power?
Come on, I'm giving up some of my power, I don't want to risk my head. From now on, I can't print money or make the rules I want. On the other hand, I keep all my hotels and land. And the game goes on - people keep paying me! If you think about it, that's exactly the case in the UK, Spain, Italy and many other countries where the monarchy has just relinquished some of its power but retains an incredible stranglehold on the game board.
The reality: Monopoly Monarchy
In Thailand, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, they all still own the game board, print the money and make the rules. It's as if they haven't drawn the wrong luck card yet.
Personally, I don't understand people who live in a monarchy and still accept this. It's like playing Monopoly, but with even more unfair rules. It must be the Swiss in me - all peasants wear the crown!
So, do monarchy and Monopoly go hand in hand? Tell me in a comment! And if you live in a monarchy, I'm curious to know whether you're more of a royalist or a democrat!
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