Spent Reaction
The Spent game was a virtual wake-up call of sorts for me. It made me consider the many different issues and expenses that one must face on a small budget. For those without education and a need for an immediate job, the options are limited, requiring sacrifices to other wants or needs. The game also emphasized the “when it rains it pours” reality through the occurrence of evictions, medical emergencies, and other disasters. For those on such a small budget, it is necessary to account for these possibilities.
The game format did indeed impact the knowledge presentation because it allowed the player to consider different options to each decision choice. For those on a small budget, there are other alternatives to missing a payment or forgoing necessary medical treatments. Also, as the game included a running fund balance throughout the month, it allowed the player to constantly consider the ramifications of each spending choice and the inevitable budget impact. The stated purpose of the game of making it through the month is emphasized throughout the course of the game, bringing up realities of poverty-stricken Americans in the United States.
I do not think the game is necessarily biased in all respects. The only criticism I have is that the game assumes the player lives and works in New York City, or another large metropolitan area. Though this may be a reality for some, it does not represent all Americans. These situations, however, can occur to persons regardless of race, age, disability, family type, etc. There are a few things missing, however, to make it a truly representative depiction of a poverty lifestyle:
1. Job choices: the game assumes those jobs are the only alternatives on short notice when there are many alternatives available, even if at a lower wage.
2. Food purchases: the game assumes a person only purchases groceries once a month, when in reality this happens periodically.
3. Assistance options: the game assumes the person can only solicit help from friends, when they can also ask family, and other government programs, apart from food stamps which was mentioned in the game.
4. Living arrangements: the game assumes the person has to live 20-30 miles outside of a city in order to save on rent. There are more living arrangements closer to the city that would allow someone to save on rent and traveling expenses.
These were just a few characteristics that I noticed while playing.
I think this game might specifically represent groups who live in large metropolitan areas because of the emphasis on public transportation and non-benefit type employment. Not to be biased, but it might represent minority or immigrant populations who do not have extended family support or job connections in the United States. I think it also represents single-parent families because they often do not have support and have to consider their children in every spending and recreation decision.
10,000 Solutions Platform Reaction
My solution was to make home developers in the Phoenix metropolitan area be required to install solar panel devices to new homes. The developer would absorb those costs, though offer residents sustainability options and cheaper utilities. This would also support economic development while improving the environment reputation of the developer.
In researching other solutions, I found the following:
1. Chelsea B. “Treatment rather than jail time”: This solution centered on providing treatment to drug offenders while incarcerated. This would provide employment opportunities for counselors, while also addressing drug addiction instead of just imprisonment. I liked this solution because it a constructive alternative to the inmate just waiting to get out and break the law once more. Correctional services should take advantage of that time to offer low-cost drug counseling.
2. Jessica G. “Drowning Prevention”: This solution centered on offering free swim lessons and classes teaching survival techniques and CPR instruction. This is a great solution because swim lessons usually center on swim techniques, not on drowning prevention. This would require local governments to solicit volunteers to implement, but it would be a great addition to community programs.
3. Svetlana B. “Reduce number of plastic bags used in the USA”: This solution emphasizes the use of recycled bags instead of plastic bags. This is a good solution that has been discussed a lot in recent years. She also mentioned how it reduces clutter in the home as well, and that is a great point. This is a great sustainability option.
To improve the site, I would provide more category options that people can post solutions to. I would also encourage users to post more specific responses to their solution choices. This would increase the interaction while also providing more useful advice.
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