Cards Against Humanity; is it a game to play amongst professionals (on or off duty)?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:34:38 -0400

I while ago I saw a game being played amongst a joint SM group; Cards Against Humanity. Some of the cards that I saw were borderline unprofessional while other ones where just offensive towards certain groups of people. Now, I do understand that it is all up to the player on how the cards are played. However, is the game a gateway to something we don't want to get into? Does it seem as an appropriate game to be played at a social function?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cards_Against_Humanity

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 11:16 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 11:16:01 -0400

The game is offensive and inappropriate, and that's the only reason to play it. Guys in my platoon played it a lot in Afghanistan. I never played, but I certainly wouldn't think of telling somebody else they couldn't, or shouldn't.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 12 at 2015 1:38 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:38:22 -0400

This is not a "mixed setting" game. It is one of adult humor, to be played with "blouses off" so to speak. Much like hearts, spades, or most other downtime games with no stakes involved.

As a civilian, I would never play it in front of my boss, my juniors, nor my HR rep, but I would play it among friends "who could take a joke." It is not for the easily offended.

That said, were I still in the service, this is something that would be played in the barracks room, not in the squadbay, if that makes sense. It being played isn't the issue, the fact that you saw it being played was. A casual observer could walk in, and see "good clean fun" with no ill will, and things could quickly escalate out of control.

My personal recommendation, were I the witness would be to take it to a more private setting, so that perception didn't bite them in the tailfeathers.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:53 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:53:29 -0400

It is just a game meant to be inappropriate and funny, not for those that are easily offended. As another comment says it is not the game to play at an official function where rank is involved. But it is a regular at my game nights at home where I would never invite someone that would be offended.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 9:02 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:02:59 -0400

I agree, it is not appropriate for a professional or public setting. I have played it with other service-members, although it was at a going away party for a buddy who was deploying in a private setting. It is not something I would want to see in my day room, armory, or barracks. However if a Soldier chooses to play the game with close friends at his home I don't see an issue with it. Those involved should know going in that the game is offensive.