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23-Year-Old Woman Creates A Gender And Race-Neutral Deck Of Cards, Can’t Keep Up With The Orders
Interview With Artist
When’s the last time you played a card game? Did you notice anything unusual with your card deck? Indy Mellink, from the Netherlands, certainly thought that something was strange. Last summer, the 23-year-old card fan realized that traditional playing cards were, in her opinion, sexist and racist, so she created a new deck of cards that would be fully inclusive by completely removing “gender hierarchy and race differences” altogether.
Indy, spurred on by her supportive dad, founded ‘GSB Playing Cards’ where, instead of Kings, Queens, and Jacks, the cards feature Gold, Silver, and Bronze. She had a lot of time on her hands because of the Covid-19 lockdown, so she put her graphic design skills to use.
“I would really like to stress that I do not wish to polarize people and take away something. I was raised by my mom to always consider my choices and look for alternatives outside of the box. That is why I wanted to design something more inclusive for those who think like me and want that and offer more choice!” Indy told Bored Panda.
The creator of the gender-neutral deck said that she completely agrees that there are better ways to fight inequality than focusing on playing cards. “There are bigger problems and better ways to tackle this demon, and we should focus on those. I just happened to stumble on this subtle inequality problem and happened to think of a solution as well and decided to spread it to those who want it. I do not identify myself as a strong activist and try to tackle sexism and racism with my simple cards, I just wanted to provide an alternative, a small solution to a small problem.” Scroll down for our full in-depth and candid interview with the creator about her goals and the criticism that she’s received so far.
More info: GSB-PlayingCards.com | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
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Indy Mellink, from the Netherlands, believes that traditional playing card decks are sexist and racist, so she came up with an alternative
Image credits: Indyozie
Indy told Bored Panda that everything started back in June, 2020. “We experienced another hard lockdown in the Netherlands so I had extra time on my hands. I always enjoy playing card games with my friends and family every summer so I was brainstorming a cardgame myself and as I was going through the standard explanation in my head I suddenly said, ‘Yeah, okay standard hierarchy, King above Queen above Jack.’ And then suddenly something clicked in my head like, woah, wait a minute why is the King worth more and the Queen worth more than the Jack?”
The 23-year-old created a gender and race-neutral card deck and founded GSB Playing Cards in October, 2020
Image credits: Indyozie
According to her, that moment of introspection started up a discussion with her parents who suggested that she should create an alternative. “To keep it more inclusive for everyone and not have such strong inequalities. And that is when my dad said, ‘Why not make one yourself?’ That is when my creative juices started flowing.”
Instead of Kings, Queens, and Jacks, the deck features Gold bars, Silver coins, and Bronze shield icons
Image credits: Indyozie
Bored Panda was interested to find out how Indy went about designing the new deck. She said that the first step was thinking up a brand new hierarchy that didn’t involve Kings, Queens, and Jacks. “Then I also noticed that all the cards are white royalty, which is also an inequality, not including any people of color. So I decided to step away from people in general. So I came up with Gold, Silver, Bronze, a hierarchy everybody is already familiar with due to sports.”
Here’s a closer look at the new card designs that Indy crafted
Image credits: gsbplayingcards
She continued: “Then I started designing on the computer and ordered just 4 packs for myself to play with. My friends and family loved them so much they also wanted a pair so I ordered a new shipment of about 50 just to sell to them but it started spreading immensely, so I ordered a batch of 500 and then the rest started snowballing from there.”
All of the other cards remain unchanged
Image credits: Indyozie
Indy was very open about the fact that her project has received a lot of negative comments. “The truth is, I have nothing but understanding and empathy for these people. They get the notion that they are being blamed and that something is being taken from them, so of course you will lash out then. Next to that, people do not understand the effect of subtle inequalities on people’s lives as they reply with ‘we are going too far, it’s just a game’ or ‘I never thought about and no one did so why does it matter?’ I’d like to show them studies and case examples of how subtle inequalities do affect people and that is why I designed this alternative for those who do not wish to play with the traditional cards.”
She believes the new icons are a better alternative and are more inclusive
Image credits: gsbplayingcards
So far, Indy plans to start up new projects to tackle inequalities using the profit made from selling her deck. “Maybe new games, or workshops, or look into working together with charities. All cards are still on the table and I am still working it out,” she said, adding that so far, the details are still too blurry to be specific.
“Even subtle inequalities like this do play a big role.”
Image credits: gsbplayingcards
Now, she aims to spread equality by changing how people perceive gender and race hierarchies in playing cards
Image credits: Indyozie
“If we have this hierarchy that the king is worth more than the queen then this subtle inequality influences people in their daily life because it’s just another way of saying ‘hey, you’re less important.’”
Image credits: Indyozie
She wants everyone to feel comfortable using cards, no matter what their gender, race, or background
Image credits: Indyozie
The orders are exceeding everyone’s expectations and Indy can barely keep up with the demand
Image credits: gsbplayingcards
The Dutch woman has already sent out around 1.5k decks to customers in Europe and the US
Image credits: Indyozie
Check out Indy’s full promo video right here
Image credits: Indyozie
“Why should the King have a higher position than the Queen? Why should the King, Queen, and Jack be white? However, rather than complicating the sex and race inequality debate even more, we decided to remove the gender and race factor as a whole and to introduce a common, universally known ranking system. All the other cards in the deck are the same as usual. This card pack was designed with the passion to fight for equality in gender as well as race. Our goal is for everyone to feel comfortable while playing cards,” Indy writes on the GSB website about her mission. Her project received both support and criticism.
“I was looking for something new; something easy that everyone already knows. Finally, I had a Eureka-moment: gold, silver, and bronze! Everyone already knows those three from sports like the Olympics medals,” she told Cardplayer Lifestyle.
Indy graduated from Erasmus University College in 2018 with a degree in forensic psychology. It was only in the summer of 2020, as she was explaining a card game to her cousins that she started thinking about how regular playing cards could do with an overhaul and a fresh new perspective that would be “neutral” so that everybody would feel “comfortable.” So in October, she launched her playing card site.
For the Dutch woman, equality is a core part of her character: she aims to spread equality as far and wide as she can in the world. Currently, her main way of doing this is through her own brand of playing cards. Or, in her own words, “Play for equality. Game on!”
Indy has already sent out around 1.5k card packs to customers in Belgium, Germany, France, as well as the US. Berit van Dobbenburgh, head of the Dutch Bridge Association, told Reuters that while it’s good to “reflect on gender neutrality,” making a formal switch would be difficult because it would require updating the rules.
The project wasn’t without its critics, though. Among them were well-known personalities like Piers Morgan who expressed his disbelief (though, ironically, the Daily Mail did a proper feature on the GSB cards, too) while the social commentary YouTube channel The Quartering that has 1 million subscribers also wondered why it was necessary to alter the deck.
However, Indy takes the criticism in stride. In her opinion, the fact that people are reacting to her project shows that the issue isn’t small at all. She also feels motivated by all of the attention and thinks that she’s onto something important. Among focusing on her equality deck, Indy is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
Here’s how people reacted to Indy’s project: some people thought her idea was brilliant while others believe that it was a step too far
What do you think of Indy’s project, dear Pandas? Do you think it’s high time to get rid of Kings, Queens, and Jacks from our decks? Would opting for Gold, Silver, and Bronze be the way to go? Do you think that this is the best way to spread equality? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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What do you think ?
Naima Ebiche 3 years ago
Wow, just wow 😳 Now cards are racists and sexists ? What’s next ? Watermelon, oranges and beetroots ???
Evelína Zlá 3 years ago
I agree ... it's like she was asking herself. What could offense me now? I know Deck of Cards! What´s next? Chess? Why is the king so lame... let's make him as powerful as the Queen! And! They should be equaly important!
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Brendan 3 years ago
I am not ashamed to admit that I laughed at this article. Seriously? Who has ever felt uncomfortable playing with the current deck of cards?
wandile dludlu 3 years ago
The question we need to ask ourselves right now is "WHAT THE F**K?"... Sexist and racist to who? It's a deck of cards with a king and queen... you know what f**k this s**t is just making me mad
somnomania 3 years ago
clearly someone did, or the artist wouldn't have made it, and wouldn't be having trouble keeping up with all the orders
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John Louis 3 years ago
I am a professional magician who performs card tricks. I never considered that every time I say, "Pick a card, any card." I am perpetuating racist and sexists stereotypes.
StIJN 3 years ago
If somebody picks the king Card, you could find that same Decks Queen's Card as it's the same ...
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Roland Gosselin 3 years ago
Also, not trying to be an a**hole but the design is... ugh. Super cluttered - and those gradients... ugh. Not a fan, sorry.
Donald Drake 3 years ago
...and she missed the obvious design criteria that face card images are traditionally the same upside/down or downside/up.
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Mila S 3 years ago
Ok, might I ask why? Why the hell do we need "gender neutral playing cards"? Why would you need to change a perfectly normal set of playing cards into something ridiculous? Being non binary is fine, but this? According to her "Even subtle inequalities like this do play a big role". SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: this is not an inequality. Nobody cares about playing cards.
somnomania 3 years ago
what i'm hearing from you is that art doesn't matter to you. what this woman has created isn't hurting you in any way at all, but it clearly appeals to some people. i'd suggest you keep moving, and stop wasting your energy complaining about a thing that obviously wasn't made for you.
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Mark Fuller 3 years ago
Yep, just gonna add to the comments that suggest this individual is an utter prat. What on Earth is wrong with the world when we give such muppets airtime? What a bloody farce! She should do something more constructive with the vast amount of time she clear has on her hands.
somnomania 3 years ago
christ, people, lighten up. i was pointing out that, as a white man, nothing about this deck of nonbinary nonhuman cards was intended for someone like mark. additionally, many, MANY white men are known for bulldozing assorted things as unnecessary and pointless just because they don't personally see a need for whatever it is. mark clearly doesn't appreciate fun or artistic statements.
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
I cannot speak for everyone, but as a queer woman I NEVER felt that my playing cards were sexist, racist, or homophobic. In all honesty, I was paying much more attention to enjoying a fun game of cards with friends or family than thinking about the "overt sexist" and "racist" connotations of playing cards. We do have a true problems with racism, sexism, and homophobia in many countries, this just seems so overly "politically-correct" and really isn't solving anything. I feel like this is just trying to solve a problem when there wasn't one. There are so many clever and inventive playing card decks out there that feature animals, cartoon characters, gods and goddesses -- if people are getting offended over cards and not the other injustices in the world they may really need to ask where their priorities lie.
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
So far I’m counting one person who was maybe triggered by regular playing cards and made her own and a whole lot of others triggered by these goofy ones and crying about them.
Load More Replies... LIZ HALL 3 years ago
Just ridiculous. Anyone who has been offended (or affected) by a deck of cards has bigger issues. It's a deck of cards!!!
Kevin Corcoran 3 years ago
I'm not even going to start on how stupid that a deck of cards can be sexist/racist. The other comments highlight that well enough! I will however tackle the issue with them being poorly executed with an unoriginal and uninteresting system of denoting their value. Really? Gold, silver, and bronze is the best alternative you could think of? What about the animal Kingdom? Different types of trees? Just spit balling here but they would have richer types of imagery to base the hierarchy on. Also! Just as an example, if you try hard enough you can make anything seem "racist".. Example being the Gold, silver, and bronze colours this European, blue eyed, blonde haired person decided to use. One could think she was racially motivated to put the pure blonde colour first, followed second be the silvery/grey (perhaps ageist in motivation?), and don't get me started why she put the BROWN colour as the least important... There's an argument to say these are even MORE racist!
Telmo Belo 3 years ago
I see a problem in Portuguese language, maybe others. The Diamonds suit in portuguese is actually Ouros, which means Golds. A Gold of Golds wouldn't be practical
BeenElle 3 years ago
Even playing devil’s advocate, I’m really at a loss as to where the racist part comes in. The cards never had any race at all. Is transparent (no skin colour on a white background) supposed to be white and that’s the offensive part? Genuinely don’t understand how she came to the conclusion of racist.
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
I fully expect to be downvoted out of existence for this, but as a kid I was annoyed there was a prince and no princess. Okay, folks, slam the hell out of six-year-old snowflake me to show how rational you are.
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Alan Green 3 years ago
Going by comments here and elsewhere it seems her actions have offended more people than a pack of cards ever did. So was it really worth it?
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
She doesn’t need to curtail her activities to spare the feelings of snowflake-y playing-card purists. What she should do is get cracking on some sexuality-neutral, black and white, miniature playing cards using a base-5 numeral system. (For colorblind, one-handed children. Obvi.)
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Luca Giordano 3 years ago
I'm Dutch and I think I can safely say the represents a very small segment of our lovely population. A very useless segment that has too much time on their hands and feel that every single moment that is not used to point out that they are super-special and superduper-important, is a wasted one. And if she is not part of it, she does cater to it. which is worse.
Guillaume O'Perucha 3 years ago
She created something that some people like to have. You wrote a comment bashing someone who created something that some people like to have. Question: Which of you 2 have the most value for the society? (I mean, come on, YOU think she has too much time on her hands?)
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Piper McLean 3 years ago
Honestly I have never thought cards were racist or sexist. I think theses are more like a special edition
William Abler-Ramirez 3 years ago
Racist and sexist is when you discriminate a race or a gender. When I see those cards there is no discrimination. They are playing cards with a king, queen, jack, and a joker. She made something that nobody thought was racist or how in the world can in be sexist. Then she made a big deal with it because in her mind it was sexist.
Gyro Pilot 3 years ago
As long as Indy is working on solutions for problems that don't exist I'd like for her to address the issue of referring to ships as "she." Equal time for male pronouns, perhaps? Or simply gender-neutral? Please, Indy, save us from ourselves!
kkathleen517 3 years ago
I'm a woman and I've never found playing cards to be sexist. It's a deck of cards. Seriously. Just playing cards. Let's work on not destroying the planet and each other first. Or getting through the deadly pandemic.
birdhouse 3 years ago
I've decided I will now identify myself as silver so I can be offended that gold is rated as more important in this deck. She will just have to come up with something else.
miss demeanour 3 years ago
So now I'll feel bad because I'm poor and cant afford gold and silver! I'm offended!
Juan Alcorta 3 years ago
Cards are based on real historic characters. Changing them is like trying to change the past. So according to her, Kings were supposed to be gender neutral? There were Kings and Queens. You can´t change that.
Nothanks L. Walk 3 years ago
It's not just racist and sexist, it's also elitist because it normalises feudal social hierarchy much of the world isn't developed enough to recognise as anything but collonial oppression. My own deck of cards is also scandalous because I got it for my 40th birthday and has nude men on every card. Then there's the fact all cards are two faced, have dangerous sharp edges, can contain materials harmful to the digestive tract of children or pets, AND when packed they could obliterate someone's skull if accellerated to sufficient speed. BAN ALL CARDS TODAY. Or just get over yourselves and stop making drama. Chess pieces aren't racist, clocks aren't phallic, doorbells aren't nipples, and vaccines don't cause autism. Just. Sit. Down.
Davor Jelacic 3 years ago
In Spain they want to change the kids going to school traffic sign, because a female girl being smaller and lead to school is being machista. Nevermind the electricity, gas and water billing being outright criminal, horrible minimal wage and temporary work contracts... this is the real problem spanish society is facing. The traffic sign
Raoul Poup 3 years ago
in all honesty, i do like the idea of gold silver and bronze... but as a Designer, the design gives me some itches. It doesn't yell card game to me, looks too flashy or too alienated
Kathy Thrash 3 years ago
I wonder if Old Maid will be next on her list. Oy! This lady has way too much time on her hands.
George-Florin Constantin 3 years ago
Oh, I can't wait to see what she will do to the game of chess! This political correctness/bi-gender/non-gender bullshit is really getting out of hand.
Marky Mark 3 years ago
As a bronze sculptor I am TRIGGERED that she would place such easily worked and malleable metals like gold and silver above bronze. And everyone from 3000 BC to 1200 BC is outraged as well. EVERYONE from the Bronze Age.
Pegasaurus Hanaen 3 years ago
Can I just say that I didn't find her design estetically appealing.
SykesDaMan 3 years ago
Next, someone is going to find these cards too materialistic and greedy (gold and silver?)...
Aliquid A 3 years ago
Someone selling a deck of specialty cards to people who might be interested in buying them... and things are "out of control"? Other people's decisions in this world result in death, starvation, and mass suffering... but things are "out of control" when someone makes a deck of cards.
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Bepina 3 years ago
More comfortable? How on earth are cards making you feel uncomfortable? So as I woman I should feel uncomfortable holding King card. I mean, OK, redesign them, but don't make it look like some battle against patriarchy. Should we then request the chess game to change, since queen figure is the most powerful one, is that also making someone uncomfortable?
HissyFitzz 3 years ago
Honestly, this comment section is absolutely hilarious. Like guys what are we, nine? This is the dumbest argument I have ever seen. I 100% agree that this girl is making a problem where there is not one. When did a deck of cards ever offend you? But seriously, if you don't like the idea then just don't purchase it. There is no need to hate. And people defending this 'inclusive' deck of cards. Purchase it if you like it. No need to attack people who don't like it. All of you guys need to chill. Downvote me if you want- I know it's gonna happen;-;
Jackson Gohn 3 years ago
"I want to play cards (picks up deck) oh no no no this just wont do. These cards are sexist. I guess I'll just stare at the wall instead. (Gasp) oh no. The wall is painted white!? This is so racist."
Jack Candy 3 years ago
Nice design, but extremely stupid idea. I would not play cards with her.
Mohsie Supposie 3 years ago
Can you imagine saying "Gold of Hearts", "Gold of Diamonds", "Gold of Spades", "Gold of Clubs", "Silver of Hearts", "Silver of Diamonds", "Silver of Spades", "Silver of Clubs", "Bronze of Hearts", "Bronze of Diamonds", "Bronze of Spades" and "Bronze of Clubs"?
somnomania 3 years ago
@PotatoNInja5000 i. was pointing out that the minor arcana of a full tarot deck includes four full suits of numbered objects that are similar to and as unwieldy as all the things Mohsie suggested, i.e. the three of pentacles, the eight of wands, etc. but i guess i'm glad you felt i was trying to be special with my secret knowledge?
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Evelyne Loo 3 years ago
I like the idea but its so ugly. The metals look practically the same for each suit whereas there is a big difference between the different kings Queen,...
More Thinking Needed 3 years ago
Another person who created a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. What's next, renaming and redesigning chess pieces?
Dario T. 3 years ago
Is this article a waste of time? Yes, but at least the comment section is heartfilling XD
Lord of Pastries 3 years ago
I don't get the logic of her creation. Depending on the game like blackjack, the king, the queen, and the jack holds equal rank. The ace can be the most worthless card or the most powerful card (mostly always), outranking the face cards, depending the situation. So what is next? Chess?
YouDontLikeMe? 3 years ago
I looked them up and they are selling for $18 a pack. "Please, take all my money now!!!"
Sandra Bollox 3 years ago
Wow. I'm not usual one to take away from something semi-good to say, "don't you know X is happening? Let's focus on that!" But don't you know how many real problems there are? Playing cards? Nobel peace prize, am I right?
David 3 years ago
When's she going to get offended by a chess set? OMG, can you imagine the out rage!? A King and a Queen! BISHOPS!?? Religious oppression! And what is surely a crime against humanity... BLACK PAWNS! Can you say slavery?! Good lord what is this world coming to. It's like people LOOK for s**t to be offended by, even if it has nothing to do with THEM. Being offended is now a career choice.
Rainy Horse 3 years ago
"The King is more powerful than the Queen" So therefore it's sexist? Did you forget that Ace, a female is higher than everyone?
Roberto Gardella 3 years ago
Please, hibernate me and wake me up when all this s**t will finally have an end. Every day is another ridiculous day.
Ellie Dimino 3 years ago (edited)
A Creative young lady no doubt. The Cards are pretty but I imagine they would be more of a Collectible item and/or used by those youngsters of her generation. I cannot see my husband and his cronies using this "newest change"... Our Artist needs to find something else to be creative about. Lots of things out there who can use her talent. The Cards are "cute".. So is she.........Ellie
Jackson Gohn 3 years ago
Kings, Queens and Jacks are all worth 10. Zero inequality there. Is she triggered by the fact that the Aces can be worth 11? I mean even if we're playing poker, those Aces just think that they're better than everyone. They're who we really need to cancel!
R3belB4nny 3 years ago
I don't get HOW they are racist and sexist, but I like the idea. I like the thought, mostly, but I just can't possibly see their point of view. This doesn't mean we should judge, because eventually, we will have a similar incident happing to us. Like, I don't know, um let's see, maybe you think that X is bad bc of Y, but no one agrees. See, we all see through different eyes. Don't make fun of theirs, bc they can easily make fun of yours. (And I'm not just stealing this off the internet, I do TRULY believe this.)
Brobro McDuderson 3 years ago
Heh...Check the comments, doesn’t take much for people to allow themselves to be offended nowadays.
Ovidiu Buleandra 3 years ago
i love how Queen Elizabeth never complained about this but then comes a 23 year old that fixes the world! aren't we supposed to know history and remember the usual pecking order that defined a good chunk of it
AzKhaleesi 3 years ago
I can't even anymore, I'm so done with this world. The government gets rid of gender role names, and now this? This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen and I thought I saw it all. Look, if you are offended because there's a K, Q or J in a deck of cards, you have WAY bigger issues than a gambling problem. You need intensive therapy.
Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
The only advantage I see to this is younger kids will probably have an easier time knowing what is worth more by putting it in terms of money. But really...... who is getting offended by playing cards?!?!?!?!
Pierce Fabruada 3 years ago
Hi guys, you might want to also check this new card game called LAGIM. Its story is based on Filipino folklore and myths. Where you need to defend your baryo from evil fiends. Try to visit their FB page and website for more details."Lagim Card Game". https://lagimcardgame.com/kickstarter-signup/
Jessica Manning 3 years ago
So you are from NL, where we HAVE a KING and QUEEN and you are offended by the King and Queen in a deck of cards? Unreal.
Alex Torkington 3 years ago
Lol, I assume everything is offensive to these types of people, actively looking to be offended
Book Panda!!!! 3 years ago
I think the cards are beautiful but I wouldn't buy them until someone actually was offended by them. I'm sorry.
Marta Orlíková 3 years ago
Wait till she finds out there are black and white pieces in the chess game and that the white is always first to move. And Lord have mercy with the king....
AroAcePanda 3 years ago
the cards are kinda cool, but who in their right mind think's that playing cards are racist and sexist?
Shinomi Chan 3 years ago
Wasn't a necessary change in my opinion but the new designs do look cool not gonna lie. NEXT MAKE THE THREE CARDS AS Lovecraftian Demons! .U.
Marina 3 years ago
I think it's nice that the option exists, nothing wrong with that. No one says these cards should be the new norm. In my opinion the existence of these cards is just a way to show moral support to people dealing with discriminations, to let them know they're not alone and that the worlds cares.
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
These might make a nice, supportive gift for gay, straight, bi or metallic people. They’ll probably make the recipient laugh since the cards are (to me at least) silly. OTOH, these cards would make a great gift for a certain type of snowflake if you want to see some violent pearl clutching.
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Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
Well Indy, to be fair, now you have to change the game of Chess, to drastically reduce the moves allowed the Queen.
Alberto Santos Martín 3 years ago
I like more the spanish deck, from wikipedia: "The three face cards of each suit have pictures similar to the jack, queen, and king in the French deck, and rank identically. They are the sota, which is similar to the jack/knave and generally depicts a page or squire, the caballo (knight, literally "horse"), and the rey (king) respectively."
QUITTED BORED PANDA! 3 years ago
Are you stupid? No i'm politically correct. What's the difference?
Ellie Dimino 3 years ago
The Cards are surely a Novelty. Probably work well with the younger generation. College age, especially. Us older folks could care less. We find more important things to want to "change".. Changing pictures on a Deck of Cards isn't one of them. Obviously, this young lady has a talent that seems creative. That talent can be put to better use, I'm sure. The Sign of the Times, I suppose. Ellie
Troy Currie 3 years ago
I love all the realistic common sense answers on here...What happened to Bored Panda and where did all the Liberals go???
Beans 3 years ago
I'm a liberal but I don't think playing cards are sexist or gendered. They come from ancient mamluk culture. It's crappy to change the names given they are hundreds of years old. Plus I know male Queens, female Kings and Jacks that are gender neutral, she could have easily designed for that.
Load More Replies... somnomania 3 years ago
i'm honestly stunned by the reaction this article, i've never encountered a single other thing on bored panda where i was downvoting highly-rated comments and upvoting things that were in the negative. i really don't understand why so many of you are sh*tting on something that doesn't affect you, and clearly interests at least 1.5k people who've bought this deck. you don't think the original cards are racist or sexist? me neither, but i appreciate this for the artistic effort and her intentions. if you don't like it, KEEP MOVING and stop trashing things that aren't for you. christ.
Beans 3 years ago
Look I appreciate what you're trying to say. The reason this is having a negative response is because it affects us though. Stuff like this detracts from real sexism and racism and makes us look like we are special snowflakes when we fight for stuff that is actually important. Outrage culture isn't good, and it's harming society. Moreover stuff like this feels less like equality and more like a cash grab. Nothing about her designs are especially clever nor original. I would recommend the book 'Outraged' by Ashley Charles.
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John King 3 years ago
Cucumbers! Cucumbers are also sexist! Do not allow the patriarchy to deceive you! To tell you to eat those giant green c***s is truly disgusting! Veiled in lies of "vitamins and minerals" lies of fiber and low caloric content! They are but goblin d**k disguised as health food and such is the king and Jack of cards they hold no value compared to the queen of any suit(goddammit I almost had a full, f*****g queens over..king of hearts and draw, oops no king of spade seems to be missing. What a surprise)
Chrissi Blackmore-Tamme 3 years ago
All changes for the better. If this bothers you, maybe you need to ask yourself why?
Chrissi Blackmore-Tamme 3 years ago
Awesome attitude...all changes for the better! If this bothers you, maybe you need to ask yourself why.
StrawberryParfait 3 years ago
Snowflake generation constantly on the lookout to perform false woke outrage. How tiring that must get. It's certainly tiring to watch.
Kostas 3 years ago
either she's the dumbest person in the world or the smartest. if she thinks that cards are problematic - she is the king (get it) of idiots. if she ragebaited all the idiots in the world - she's the smart one
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
Oooh, ragebait. New word. These are ragebait cards for hooking angwy snowfwakes
Load More Replies... Beans 3 years ago
Except she's assuming that the terms are gendered. I know male Queens, and a Jack doesn't have to be anything. And they can be whatever colour. She is basically just profitting off internet outrage.
Load More Replies... Beans 3 years ago
How's it better? A queen can be any gender or colour. All she's done is remove people which is fine if you're misanthrope I guess
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Lillukka79 3 years ago
I only know the one north of France, maby that one.
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Thenatural 3 years ago
Tracy...I stopped reading when you wrote making a deck of cards more "inclusive" Jesus f*****g Christ!!!
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Naima Ebiche 3 years ago
Wow, just wow 😳 Now cards are racists and sexists ? What’s next ? Watermelon, oranges and beetroots ???
Evelína Zlá 3 years ago
I agree ... it's like she was asking herself. What could offense me now? I know Deck of Cards! What´s next? Chess? Why is the king so lame... let's make him as powerful as the Queen! And! They should be equaly important!
Load More Replies... Brendan 3 years ago
I am not ashamed to admit that I laughed at this article. Seriously? Who has ever felt uncomfortable playing with the current deck of cards?
wandile dludlu 3 years ago
The question we need to ask ourselves right now is "WHAT THE F**K?"... Sexist and racist to who? It's a deck of cards with a king and queen... you know what f**k this s**t is just making me mad
somnomania 3 years ago
clearly someone did, or the artist wouldn't have made it, and wouldn't be having trouble keeping up with all the orders
Load More Replies... John Louis 3 years ago
I am a professional magician who performs card tricks. I never considered that every time I say, "Pick a card, any card." I am perpetuating racist and sexists stereotypes.
StIJN 3 years ago
If somebody picks the king Card, you could find that same Decks Queen's Card as it's the same ...
Load More Replies... Roland Gosselin 3 years ago
Also, not trying to be an a**hole but the design is... ugh. Super cluttered - and those gradients... ugh. Not a fan, sorry.
Donald Drake 3 years ago
...and she missed the obvious design criteria that face card images are traditionally the same upside/down or downside/up.
Load More Replies... Mila S 3 years ago
Ok, might I ask why? Why the hell do we need "gender neutral playing cards"? Why would you need to change a perfectly normal set of playing cards into something ridiculous? Being non binary is fine, but this? According to her "Even subtle inequalities like this do play a big role". SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: this is not an inequality. Nobody cares about playing cards.
somnomania 3 years ago
what i'm hearing from you is that art doesn't matter to you. what this woman has created isn't hurting you in any way at all, but it clearly appeals to some people. i'd suggest you keep moving, and stop wasting your energy complaining about a thing that obviously wasn't made for you.
Load More Replies... Mark Fuller 3 years ago
Yep, just gonna add to the comments that suggest this individual is an utter prat. What on Earth is wrong with the world when we give such muppets airtime? What a bloody farce! She should do something more constructive with the vast amount of time she clear has on her hands.
somnomania 3 years ago
christ, people, lighten up. i was pointing out that, as a white man, nothing about this deck of nonbinary nonhuman cards was intended for someone like mark. additionally, many, MANY white men are known for bulldozing assorted things as unnecessary and pointless just because they don't personally see a need for whatever it is. mark clearly doesn't appreciate fun or artistic statements.
Load More Replies... Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
I cannot speak for everyone, but as a queer woman I NEVER felt that my playing cards were sexist, racist, or homophobic. In all honesty, I was paying much more attention to enjoying a fun game of cards with friends or family than thinking about the "overt sexist" and "racist" connotations of playing cards. We do have a true problems with racism, sexism, and homophobia in many countries, this just seems so overly "politically-correct" and really isn't solving anything. I feel like this is just trying to solve a problem when there wasn't one. There are so many clever and inventive playing card decks out there that feature animals, cartoon characters, gods and goddesses -- if people are getting offended over cards and not the other injustices in the world they may really need to ask where their priorities lie.
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
So far I’m counting one person who was maybe triggered by regular playing cards and made her own and a whole lot of others triggered by these goofy ones and crying about them.
Load More Replies... LIZ HALL 3 years ago
Just ridiculous. Anyone who has been offended (or affected) by a deck of cards has bigger issues. It's a deck of cards!!!
Kevin Corcoran 3 years ago
I'm not even going to start on how stupid that a deck of cards can be sexist/racist. The other comments highlight that well enough! I will however tackle the issue with them being poorly executed with an unoriginal and uninteresting system of denoting their value. Really? Gold, silver, and bronze is the best alternative you could think of? What about the animal Kingdom? Different types of trees? Just spit balling here but they would have richer types of imagery to base the hierarchy on. Also! Just as an example, if you try hard enough you can make anything seem "racist".. Example being the Gold, silver, and bronze colours this European, blue eyed, blonde haired person decided to use. One could think she was racially motivated to put the pure blonde colour first, followed second be the silvery/grey (perhaps ageist in motivation?), and don't get me started why she put the BROWN colour as the least important... There's an argument to say these are even MORE racist!
Telmo Belo 3 years ago
I see a problem in Portuguese language, maybe others. The Diamonds suit in portuguese is actually Ouros, which means Golds. A Gold of Golds wouldn't be practical
BeenElle 3 years ago
Even playing devil’s advocate, I’m really at a loss as to where the racist part comes in. The cards never had any race at all. Is transparent (no skin colour on a white background) supposed to be white and that’s the offensive part? Genuinely don’t understand how she came to the conclusion of racist.
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
I fully expect to be downvoted out of existence for this, but as a kid I was annoyed there was a prince and no princess. Okay, folks, slam the hell out of six-year-old snowflake me to show how rational you are.
Load More Replies... Alan Green 3 years ago
Going by comments here and elsewhere it seems her actions have offended more people than a pack of cards ever did. So was it really worth it?
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
She doesn’t need to curtail her activities to spare the feelings of snowflake-y playing-card purists. What she should do is get cracking on some sexuality-neutral, black and white, miniature playing cards using a base-5 numeral system. (For colorblind, one-handed children. Obvi.)
Load More Replies... Luca Giordano 3 years ago
I'm Dutch and I think I can safely say the represents a very small segment of our lovely population. A very useless segment that has too much time on their hands and feel that every single moment that is not used to point out that they are super-special and superduper-important, is a wasted one. And if she is not part of it, she does cater to it. which is worse.
Guillaume O'Perucha 3 years ago
She created something that some people like to have. You wrote a comment bashing someone who created something that some people like to have. Question: Which of you 2 have the most value for the society? (I mean, come on, YOU think she has too much time on her hands?)
Load More Replies... Piper McLean 3 years ago
Honestly I have never thought cards were racist or sexist. I think theses are more like a special edition
William Abler-Ramirez 3 years ago
Racist and sexist is when you discriminate a race or a gender. When I see those cards there is no discrimination. They are playing cards with a king, queen, jack, and a joker. She made something that nobody thought was racist or how in the world can in be sexist. Then she made a big deal with it because in her mind it was sexist.
Gyro Pilot 3 years ago
As long as Indy is working on solutions for problems that don't exist I'd like for her to address the issue of referring to ships as "she." Equal time for male pronouns, perhaps? Or simply gender-neutral? Please, Indy, save us from ourselves!
kkathleen517 3 years ago
I'm a woman and I've never found playing cards to be sexist. It's a deck of cards. Seriously. Just playing cards. Let's work on not destroying the planet and each other first. Or getting through the deadly pandemic.
birdhouse 3 years ago
I've decided I will now identify myself as silver so I can be offended that gold is rated as more important in this deck. She will just have to come up with something else.
miss demeanour 3 years ago
So now I'll feel bad because I'm poor and cant afford gold and silver! I'm offended!
Juan Alcorta 3 years ago
Cards are based on real historic characters. Changing them is like trying to change the past. So according to her, Kings were supposed to be gender neutral? There were Kings and Queens. You can´t change that.
Nothanks L. Walk 3 years ago
It's not just racist and sexist, it's also elitist because it normalises feudal social hierarchy much of the world isn't developed enough to recognise as anything but collonial oppression. My own deck of cards is also scandalous because I got it for my 40th birthday and has nude men on every card. Then there's the fact all cards are two faced, have dangerous sharp edges, can contain materials harmful to the digestive tract of children or pets, AND when packed they could obliterate someone's skull if accellerated to sufficient speed. BAN ALL CARDS TODAY. Or just get over yourselves and stop making drama. Chess pieces aren't racist, clocks aren't phallic, doorbells aren't nipples, and vaccines don't cause autism. Just. Sit. Down.
Davor Jelacic 3 years ago
In Spain they want to change the kids going to school traffic sign, because a female girl being smaller and lead to school is being machista. Nevermind the electricity, gas and water billing being outright criminal, horrible minimal wage and temporary work contracts... this is the real problem spanish society is facing. The traffic sign
Raoul Poup 3 years ago
in all honesty, i do like the idea of gold silver and bronze... but as a Designer, the design gives me some itches. It doesn't yell card game to me, looks too flashy or too alienated
Kathy Thrash 3 years ago
I wonder if Old Maid will be next on her list. Oy! This lady has way too much time on her hands.
George-Florin Constantin 3 years ago
Oh, I can't wait to see what she will do to the game of chess! This political correctness/bi-gender/non-gender bullshit is really getting out of hand.
Marky Mark 3 years ago
As a bronze sculptor I am TRIGGERED that she would place such easily worked and malleable metals like gold and silver above bronze. And everyone from 3000 BC to 1200 BC is outraged as well. EVERYONE from the Bronze Age.
Pegasaurus Hanaen 3 years ago
Can I just say that I didn't find her design estetically appealing.
SykesDaMan 3 years ago
Next, someone is going to find these cards too materialistic and greedy (gold and silver?)...
Aliquid A 3 years ago
Someone selling a deck of specialty cards to people who might be interested in buying them... and things are "out of control"? Other people's decisions in this world result in death, starvation, and mass suffering... but things are "out of control" when someone makes a deck of cards.
Load More Replies... Bepina 3 years ago
More comfortable? How on earth are cards making you feel uncomfortable? So as I woman I should feel uncomfortable holding King card. I mean, OK, redesign them, but don't make it look like some battle against patriarchy. Should we then request the chess game to change, since queen figure is the most powerful one, is that also making someone uncomfortable?
HissyFitzz 3 years ago
Honestly, this comment section is absolutely hilarious. Like guys what are we, nine? This is the dumbest argument I have ever seen. I 100% agree that this girl is making a problem where there is not one. When did a deck of cards ever offend you? But seriously, if you don't like the idea then just don't purchase it. There is no need to hate. And people defending this 'inclusive' deck of cards. Purchase it if you like it. No need to attack people who don't like it. All of you guys need to chill. Downvote me if you want- I know it's gonna happen;-;
Jackson Gohn 3 years ago
"I want to play cards (picks up deck) oh no no no this just wont do. These cards are sexist. I guess I'll just stare at the wall instead. (Gasp) oh no. The wall is painted white!? This is so racist."
Jack Candy 3 years ago
Nice design, but extremely stupid idea. I would not play cards with her.
Mohsie Supposie 3 years ago
Can you imagine saying "Gold of Hearts", "Gold of Diamonds", "Gold of Spades", "Gold of Clubs", "Silver of Hearts", "Silver of Diamonds", "Silver of Spades", "Silver of Clubs", "Bronze of Hearts", "Bronze of Diamonds", "Bronze of Spades" and "Bronze of Clubs"?
somnomania 3 years ago
@PotatoNInja5000 i. was pointing out that the minor arcana of a full tarot deck includes four full suits of numbered objects that are similar to and as unwieldy as all the things Mohsie suggested, i.e. the three of pentacles, the eight of wands, etc. but i guess i'm glad you felt i was trying to be special with my secret knowledge?
Load More Replies... Evelyne Loo 3 years ago
I like the idea but its so ugly. The metals look practically the same for each suit whereas there is a big difference between the different kings Queen,...
More Thinking Needed 3 years ago
Another person who created a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. What's next, renaming and redesigning chess pieces?
Dario T. 3 years ago
Is this article a waste of time? Yes, but at least the comment section is heartfilling XD
Lord of Pastries 3 years ago
I don't get the logic of her creation. Depending on the game like blackjack, the king, the queen, and the jack holds equal rank. The ace can be the most worthless card or the most powerful card (mostly always), outranking the face cards, depending the situation. So what is next? Chess?
YouDontLikeMe? 3 years ago
I looked them up and they are selling for $18 a pack. "Please, take all my money now!!!"
Sandra Bollox 3 years ago
Wow. I'm not usual one to take away from something semi-good to say, "don't you know X is happening? Let's focus on that!" But don't you know how many real problems there are? Playing cards? Nobel peace prize, am I right?
David 3 years ago
When's she going to get offended by a chess set? OMG, can you imagine the out rage!? A King and a Queen! BISHOPS!?? Religious oppression! And what is surely a crime against humanity... BLACK PAWNS! Can you say slavery?! Good lord what is this world coming to. It's like people LOOK for s**t to be offended by, even if it has nothing to do with THEM. Being offended is now a career choice.
Rainy Horse 3 years ago
"The King is more powerful than the Queen" So therefore it's sexist? Did you forget that Ace, a female is higher than everyone?
Roberto Gardella 3 years ago
Please, hibernate me and wake me up when all this s**t will finally have an end. Every day is another ridiculous day.
Ellie Dimino 3 years ago (edited)
A Creative young lady no doubt. The Cards are pretty but I imagine they would be more of a Collectible item and/or used by those youngsters of her generation. I cannot see my husband and his cronies using this "newest change"... Our Artist needs to find something else to be creative about. Lots of things out there who can use her talent. The Cards are "cute".. So is she.........Ellie
Jackson Gohn 3 years ago
Kings, Queens and Jacks are all worth 10. Zero inequality there. Is she triggered by the fact that the Aces can be worth 11? I mean even if we're playing poker, those Aces just think that they're better than everyone. They're who we really need to cancel!
R3belB4nny 3 years ago
I don't get HOW they are racist and sexist, but I like the idea. I like the thought, mostly, but I just can't possibly see their point of view. This doesn't mean we should judge, because eventually, we will have a similar incident happing to us. Like, I don't know, um let's see, maybe you think that X is bad bc of Y, but no one agrees. See, we all see through different eyes. Don't make fun of theirs, bc they can easily make fun of yours. (And I'm not just stealing this off the internet, I do TRULY believe this.)
Brobro McDuderson 3 years ago
Heh...Check the comments, doesn’t take much for people to allow themselves to be offended nowadays.
Ovidiu Buleandra 3 years ago
i love how Queen Elizabeth never complained about this but then comes a 23 year old that fixes the world! aren't we supposed to know history and remember the usual pecking order that defined a good chunk of it
AzKhaleesi 3 years ago
I can't even anymore, I'm so done with this world. The government gets rid of gender role names, and now this? This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen and I thought I saw it all. Look, if you are offended because there's a K, Q or J in a deck of cards, you have WAY bigger issues than a gambling problem. You need intensive therapy.
Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
The only advantage I see to this is younger kids will probably have an easier time knowing what is worth more by putting it in terms of money. But really...... who is getting offended by playing cards?!?!?!?!
Pierce Fabruada 3 years ago
Hi guys, you might want to also check this new card game called LAGIM. Its story is based on Filipino folklore and myths. Where you need to defend your baryo from evil fiends. Try to visit their FB page and website for more details."Lagim Card Game". https://lagimcardgame.com/kickstarter-signup/
Jessica Manning 3 years ago
So you are from NL, where we HAVE a KING and QUEEN and you are offended by the King and Queen in a deck of cards? Unreal.
Alex Torkington 3 years ago
Lol, I assume everything is offensive to these types of people, actively looking to be offended
Book Panda!!!! 3 years ago
I think the cards are beautiful but I wouldn't buy them until someone actually was offended by them. I'm sorry.
Marta Orlíková 3 years ago
Wait till she finds out there are black and white pieces in the chess game and that the white is always first to move. And Lord have mercy with the king....
AroAcePanda 3 years ago
the cards are kinda cool, but who in their right mind think's that playing cards are racist and sexist?
Shinomi Chan 3 years ago
Wasn't a necessary change in my opinion but the new designs do look cool not gonna lie. NEXT MAKE THE THREE CARDS AS Lovecraftian Demons! .U.
Marina 3 years ago
I think it's nice that the option exists, nothing wrong with that. No one says these cards should be the new norm. In my opinion the existence of these cards is just a way to show moral support to people dealing with discriminations, to let them know they're not alone and that the worlds cares.
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
These might make a nice, supportive gift for gay, straight, bi or metallic people. They’ll probably make the recipient laugh since the cards are (to me at least) silly. OTOH, these cards would make a great gift for a certain type of snowflake if you want to see some violent pearl clutching.
Load More Replies... Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
Well Indy, to be fair, now you have to change the game of Chess, to drastically reduce the moves allowed the Queen.
Alberto Santos Martín 3 years ago
I like more the spanish deck, from wikipedia: "The three face cards of each suit have pictures similar to the jack, queen, and king in the French deck, and rank identically. They are the sota, which is similar to the jack/knave and generally depicts a page or squire, the caballo (knight, literally "horse"), and the rey (king) respectively."
QUITTED BORED PANDA! 3 years ago
Are you stupid? No i'm politically correct. What's the difference?
Ellie Dimino 3 years ago
The Cards are surely a Novelty. Probably work well with the younger generation. College age, especially. Us older folks could care less. We find more important things to want to "change".. Changing pictures on a Deck of Cards isn't one of them. Obviously, this young lady has a talent that seems creative. That talent can be put to better use, I'm sure. The Sign of the Times, I suppose. Ellie
Troy Currie 3 years ago
I love all the realistic common sense answers on here...What happened to Bored Panda and where did all the Liberals go???
Beans 3 years ago
I'm a liberal but I don't think playing cards are sexist or gendered. They come from ancient mamluk culture. It's crappy to change the names given they are hundreds of years old. Plus I know male Queens, female Kings and Jacks that are gender neutral, she could have easily designed for that.
Load More Replies... somnomania 3 years ago
i'm honestly stunned by the reaction this article, i've never encountered a single other thing on bored panda where i was downvoting highly-rated comments and upvoting things that were in the negative. i really don't understand why so many of you are sh*tting on something that doesn't affect you, and clearly interests at least 1.5k people who've bought this deck. you don't think the original cards are racist or sexist? me neither, but i appreciate this for the artistic effort and her intentions. if you don't like it, KEEP MOVING and stop trashing things that aren't for you. christ.
Beans 3 years ago
Look I appreciate what you're trying to say. The reason this is having a negative response is because it affects us though. Stuff like this detracts from real sexism and racism and makes us look like we are special snowflakes when we fight for stuff that is actually important. Outrage culture isn't good, and it's harming society. Moreover stuff like this feels less like equality and more like a cash grab. Nothing about her designs are especially clever nor original. I would recommend the book 'Outraged' by Ashley Charles.
Load More Replies... John King 3 years ago
Cucumbers! Cucumbers are also sexist! Do not allow the patriarchy to deceive you! To tell you to eat those giant green c***s is truly disgusting! Veiled in lies of "vitamins and minerals" lies of fiber and low caloric content! They are but goblin d**k disguised as health food and such is the king and Jack of cards they hold no value compared to the queen of any suit(goddammit I almost had a full, f*****g queens over..king of hearts and draw, oops no king of spade seems to be missing. What a surprise)
Chrissi Blackmore-Tamme 3 years ago
All changes for the better. If this bothers you, maybe you need to ask yourself why?
Chrissi Blackmore-Tamme 3 years ago
Awesome attitude...all changes for the better! If this bothers you, maybe you need to ask yourself why.
StrawberryParfait 3 years ago
Snowflake generation constantly on the lookout to perform false woke outrage. How tiring that must get. It's certainly tiring to watch.
Kostas 3 years ago
either she's the dumbest person in the world or the smartest. if she thinks that cards are problematic - she is the king (get it) of idiots. if she ragebaited all the idiots in the world - she's the smart one
Tina Hugh 3 years ago
Oooh, ragebait. New word. These are ragebait cards for hooking angwy snowfwakes
Load More Replies... Beans 3 years ago
Except she's assuming that the terms are gendered. I know male Queens, and a Jack doesn't have to be anything. And they can be whatever colour. She is basically just profitting off internet outrage.
Load More Replies... Beans 3 years ago
How's it better? A queen can be any gender or colour. All she's done is remove people which is fine if you're misanthrope I guess
Load More Replies... Lillukka79 3 years ago
I only know the one north of France, maby that one.
Load More Replies... Thenatural 3 years ago
Tracy...I stopped reading when you wrote making a deck of cards more "inclusive" Jesus f*****g Christ!!!
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