history101/play

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Hello friend! What should we call you? <<textbox "$name" "">> Ready to [[play|Welcome]]?

So $name, here's the deal. This is an excerpt from Pathways, our mobile story game coming soon. The goal of the game is to solve the mystery and save the day. (You know, basic hero stuff.) We've pulled this scene from the middle of the 1st chapter. Here's the sitch: It's your first day at Pathways Institute of Higher Learning, a cutting-edge, futuristic university designed in response to the disastrous year of 2020. Your new bestie, Zoe, has been showing you around campus, and now you're in your first actual class. Good luck! (You'll need it.) Do you want the background of the [[characters]] first? Or jump right in and [[start|Start]] playing?

I’m on a bus in 1961, traveling to Birmingham, Alabama. Ok, I’m actually in a virtual reality simulator in my history class. Trippy. <blockquote> Mr. Marquez: “The Freedom Riders were a group of young White and Black people committed to non-violence." </blockquote> It’s like I’m really on a bus. The details are remarkable. I see scratches on the windows and roughly sewn seams of fabric on the seats. I can count the freckles on the nose of the passenger next to me. I know she’s just part of the simulation, but the determination on her face feels very real. <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “Together, they staged many sit-ins on buses and in restaurants to advocate for desegregation.” </blockquote> I [[flex]] my hands in front of me.

They look like my hands. I look at Zoe on the seat next to me. It looks like the real Zoe. Different outfit, but she’s rocking her trademark thick, wire-frame glasses. Logically, I know Zoe’s several feet away from me in her own VR dock. But it makes me wonder how realistic this simulator is. Curiosity gets the best of me. [[I poke her in the shoulder.|poke]] [[I wave at her.|wave]]

Zoe jumps and squeals, surprise evident on her face. <blockquote>Zoe: “That tickles!” Me: “You felt that?”</blockquote> Zoe pokes me back. A subtle pressure and tingling spreads through my shoulder. <blockquote>Me: “How?” Zoe: “There’s pressure points on the body suit.” Me: “And what about…”</blockquote> I motion to my face. Zoe gets what I mean. <blockquote>Zoe: “These are military grade X160 VR body suits with facial recognition technology in the face shield to capture our features and expressions. Wild, right?”</blockquote> Wild is right. History might be my new favorite [[class]].

Zoe’s face scrunches in confusion. She looks around to see who I’m waving at. <blockquote>Zoe: “Don’t tell me you’re trying to open a door again.” Me: “What? No!” Zoe: “Do a lot of pageants as a kid?” Me: “Pageants?” Zoe: “You're like Miss Universe on steroids: elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist.”</blockquote> She’s totally messing with me. I laugh. <blockquote>Me: “I was just trying to see if our avatars can interact with each other.” Zoe: “These are military grade X160 VR bodysuits. Facial recognition technology and pressure sensors. The best of the best.”</blockquote> I’ve noticed Zoe’s words speed up excitedly every time she talks about technology. I don’t blame her. This is history [[class]] on a whole other level.

<<set $zoePoints = 0>> <<set $saxonPoints = 0>> <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: "A few White Freedom Riders would sit with their Black peers in the back,while a few Black Freedom Riders would sit in the front." </blockquote> He motions to the different sections. <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: "And they always had one White Freedom Rider to sit in the 'Whites only' section. That way, they made sure someone in the group could bail out the others if they were arrested." </blockquote> As Mr. Marquez moves to the back of the bus, Saxon, sitting across from us with his fellow Royals, motions to the “Whites only” sign. <blockquote>Saxon: “Going on a trip boys. A white guilt trip.”</blockquote> He says it in a low voice, but it carries. His two buddies huff in agreement. Rana shakes her head in disbelief. <blockquote>Rana: “Wow, we’re in the middle of Jim Crow South, and you still find a way to make it all about you.” Saxon: "This history is long over. What’s the point of dredging it up if not to make us 'privileged Whites' feel bad?" Jeff: “My man’s delivery may need finesse, but he’s got a point.” </blockquote> I... [[Stay out of it]] [[Agree with Saxon|agree]] [[Disagree with Saxon|disagree]]

<<set $zoePoints = 0>> <<set $saxonPoints = 0>> Zoe stiffens next to me. I can feel her outrage building, but I don’t know what to say. <blockquote>Rana: “The point is people of color should be able to tell their story and share their history, without Whites thinking it’s all about them!” Saxon: “I never said this was about me.” Rana: “You implied this whole simulation is designed to make you feel bad!” Saxon: “You don’t get it.” Rana: “Oh, I get it. There’s even a name for it: white fragility. When you can’t handle talking about race.” Saxon: “Get off your high horse, Rana. I’m the sensitive one? You’re the biggest Snowflake I know.”</blockquote> He makes a show of flexing his considerable biceps. <blockquote>Saxon: “Do I look fragile to you?”</blockquote> He [[winks]].

<blockquote>Me: “Yeah I don’t see how guilting people for things that happened in the past helps us now.” Saxon: “Exactly!” </blockquote> Rana tosses up her hands. Zoe gapes at me with wide eyes. <blockquote>Zoe: “Are you serious right now?” Me: “What?”</blockquote> I feel my shoulders tighten, defenses locking into place. <blockquote>Sarah: “Why do you feel this is about ‘guilting’?”</blockquote> All eyes turn to the tiny blonde who’s inserted herself in the conversation. I’m pretty sure she’s the one I saw trying to convince that guy Flint to go to Bible study with her. She looks at me expectantly. Me: “[[‘White privilege' is weaponized|weaponized]]. It’s implying you only have what you do because you’re White. And that’s not true.” “Hearing this stuff all the time… [[it doesn’t feel good|feel]]. It never lets up—online, the news, and now at school.”

Me: “Yeah, [[let’s whitewash history|shook]] so your perfect lil' world doesn’t get shook.” “[[Why do you think|ask]] people are trying to make you feel bad?”

Rana’s face is so red I’m worried her head will explode. <blockquote>Zoe: “Fam, he literally just flexed on her,” she whispers.</blockquote> I barely contain my snort. Not the time, Zoe. A gentle hand settles on Rana's shoulder. I think it belongs to the small blonde I saw trying to get that guy Flint to go to the Bible study. I swear she and Rana share a look, but it’s gone before I can be sure. Rana takes a deep breath and settles back to her seat. Sarah turns to Saxon. I [[lean forward|turns]] to hear what Sarah has to say. I [[remain still|turns]]. Maybe if I don't move, I'll turn invisible.

I’m suddenly reminded of my favorite 1st grade teacher. <blockquote>Sarah: “I felt bad, so I assumed they were trying to make me feel bad. But what if they're not?" </blockquote> Saxon tilts his head, eyes narrowing. She gestures to the “Whites only" sign. <blockquote>Sarah: “What if they’re just sharing their story? Like Rana said, they deserve that opportunity. The least we can do is listen and try to understand.” </blockquote> Me and half the class just stare at the little blonde church girl. Saxon looks like he’s thinking really hard. <blockquote>Zoe: “I think she just did that Jedi mind thing on him.”</blockquote> This time, I can’t help it. I [[laugh|why]] at Zoe's antics. I [[groan|why]] at Zoe's cornball-humor.

<blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “History often answers the ‘why’ question. Why are things the way they are?” </blockquote> I jump at the unexpected voice. How long has he been listening in? Me: [[I sink back in my seat, hiding.|next]] [[I lock my eyes on Mr. Marquez, like a model student.|next]]

<<set $zoePoints = +3>> <<set $saxonPoints = -2>> <blockquote>Me: “Yeah, let’s ‘whitewash’ history so your perfect lil' world doesn’t get shook.”</blockquote> Zoe lets out an appreciative whistle, followed by a few “ooo’s” and one “preach!” from Rana. Triumph trickles through me. Yeah. I handled that. Saxon’s face is now bright red, his eyes murderous. I swallow. <blockquote>Zoe: "$name with the clap back! I need to write that down."</blockquote> She pretends to look for a pen in her VR-simulated pockets. I try to enjoy her antics, but Saxon’s seething. <blockquote>Saxon: “What’s your name?” Me: “$name.” Saxon: “$name. Ever got your bell rung? Your world… shook?”</blockquote> The threat is clear, his eyes locked on mine. I [[meet|locked on mine]] his gaze with a silent challenge of my own. I [[take a breath|locked on mine]] to gather myself.

<<set $zoePoints = 3>> <<set $saxonPoints = 2>> <blockquote>Me: “Why do you think people are trying to make you feel bad?”</blockquote> Saxon shifts his attention towards me. Clearly he has no idea who I am, but he meets my gaze head on. <blockquote>Saxon: “Our so-called 'privilege' is constantly thrown in our face.” Me: “What do you mean?” Saxon: “White men are under constant attack these days. This just feels like more ‘evidence’ against us.”</blockquote> He motions at the “Whites only” sign. I hear Zoe huff at his explanation and murmur under her breath. <blockquote>Zoe: “Boy’s salty 'cause he feels a target’s on his back? Try being Black for one day.”</blockquote> She’s got a point. I’m soooo tempted to go down that tit-for-tat, who’s-got-it-worse rabbit hole. But I refrain… just barely. I think I understand what the real problem is. I [[scrub all condescension|real problem]] from my tone before I ask... I make sure to [[make eye contact|real problem]], so he knows I'm sincere when I ask...

A small blonde moves between us. <blockquote>Sarah: “I’ve had my own world shaken a time or two. Well, at least how I saw the world.”</blockquote> It’s Sarah, the girl I saw trying to get that guy Flint to go to Bible study. My heart is still in my throat. It takes me a second to catch up. What is this girl doing? <blockquote>Sarah: “Tell me, Saxon, why does it feel like people are after you?” Saxon: “Because they are!”</blockquote> He motions to me and everyone else who backed me up. <blockquote>Saxon: “You’re saying they’re not trying to make me the bad guy?” Sarah: “Our classmates?” Saxon: “Them, Twitter, the news, this damn simulation!”</blockquote> He feels like I came after him? Dude was ready to take my head off. <blockquote>Sarah: “Let’s talk about this simulation. I’m guessing being in here made you feel uncomfortable right?” Saxon: “I guess.” Sarah: “That’s totally normal.” Saxon: “What’s normal?” Sarah: “To [[feel that way]]."</blockquote>

Saxon rubs his hand over his face. <blockquote>Saxon: “Sarah, you’re real sweet and all, but I have no idea where you’re going with this.” Sarah: “It’s called race-based stress. I used to feel it any time race came up.” Saxon: “Ok…” Sarah: “I felt attacked, so I assumed people were attacking me. But that’s just what they were—my feelings.”</blockquote> She taps her turtleneck-covered chest, meaningfully. <blockquote>Sarah: “They weren’t trying to do anything to me." </blockquote> She motions to the ‘Whites only' sign. <blockquote>Sarah: They were just trying to tell their story. I might not ever truly understand, but I can try to.”</blockquote> Me, Saxon, and half the class just stare at the little blonde church girl, who mostly just saved my skin. Sarah turns and studies me for a moment. She moves closer to me and whispers. <blockquote>Sarah: “Understand them, before they can understand you.” </blockquote> Okkkkk… Why do I feel like a young Skywalker right now? I [[want to ask|why]] her what she's talking about. I [[smile and nod|why]], as if it's a completely normal way for earthlings to talk.

<blockquote>Me: “So it sounds like you feel like you’re under attack, therefore ‘they’ must be attacking you?”</blockquote> He shrugs. <blockquote>Me: “What if they’re not? What if they’re just trying to get you to understand?” Sarah: “Talking about things around race can be uncomfortable. I know it was for me for a long time.”</blockquote> Everyone’s attention shifts to the tiny blonde with the kind voice. I think she’s the same girl I saw trying to get that guy Flint to Bible study. <blockquote>Sarah: “A lot of us do that. We’re caught up in how we feel.”</blockquote> She gestures at the “Whites only” sign. <blockquote>Sarah: “When really, they’re not trying to make us feel bad. They’re just sharing their own experiences and history.” Me: “Totally. The least we can do is try to hear them out and understand what it’s like.”</blockquote> Saxon looks like he’s thinking hard. Well, that’s a start. Sarah shares a smile with me. Rana, Zoe, and the other half of the class are looking at me. They seem surprised, but... not in a bad way. I get the feeling Saxon is rarely contemplative. <blockquote>Zoe: “Fam, that was some high-key adulting right there. Color me impressed.”</blockquote> I [[laugh|why]] and give Zoe a fist bump. I [[play|why]] it cool and wink at Zoe.

<<set $zoePoints = -1>> <<set $saxonPoints = 3>> <blockquote>Me: “‘White privilege' is weaponized. It’s implying you only have what you do because you’re White. And that’s not true.” Saxon: “Random new kid drops truth! You know, you’re not as basic as you look.” Me: “Uh… Thanks?”</blockquote> Dude needs charm school. <blockquote>Sarah: “That term used to bother me so much.” Me: “Right?” Sarah: “My family never got handouts. I’ve never felt privileged.” </blockquote> Exactly. Saxon nods in agreement. <blockquote>Sarah: “But it was actually Rana who explained it to me this way:”</blockquote> She lowers her voice and continues. <blockquote>Sarah: “'White privilege’ doesn’t mean you haven’t suffered. It doesn’t mean you haven’t earned what you have or that you don’t deserve what you have. It just means your skin color wasn’t a barrier to getting there.”</blockquote> I look [[skeptical|continues]]. I [[consider|continues]] her words.

<<set $zoePoints = 0>> <<set $saxonPoints = 2>> <blockquote>Me: “Hearing this stuff all the time… it doesn’t feel good. It never lets up—online, the news, and now at school.” Sarah: “I completely understand what you’re saying.” Me: “You do?” Sarah: “Talking about anything to do with race used to make me feel super uncomfortable.” </blockquote> I relax a bit when I realize she’s not going to bite my head off. <blockquote>Sarah: “It’s called 'race-based stress,' and we all handle it differently. Some feel guilty, defensive, or even angry.”</blockquote> She shrugs. <blockquote>Sarah: "At the time, all I wanted was for the feeling to go away. And I thought if we could just stop talking about it, it would.” Saxon: “That’s what I’m saying! Stop kicking a dead horse.”</blockquote> [[Cringe]]. [[Contain a snort|Cringe]].

<blockquote>Sarah: “I’m saying terms like ‘white privilege’ can make us feel attacked.”</blockquote> Right. Hence the weaponizing. <blockquote>Sarah: “As well as other things that remind us of race.”</blockquote> She waves to the “Whites only" sign. <blockquote>Sarah: “And when we feel attacked, it’s easy to think they’re attacking us.” Me: “Logically.” Sarah: "But what if they’re not? What if they’re just trying to share their story and history? And they deserve to.”</blockquote> I wait for the accusation to seep through her voice or the punchline to drop. But it doesn’t come. <blockquote>Sarah: “I may never be able to truly understand what it’s like. But I can try.”</blockquote> She smiles at us. Well, that was new. Everyone must be thinking, because all I hear is the simulation of the bus engine. Even Zoe looks thoughtful. At least she’s not glaring at me anymore. [[I'm not sure what to think.|why]] [[This has given me new insight.|why]] [[This doesn't change how I feel.|why]]

Dude seriously needs to work on his delivery. It doesn’t seem to phase Sarah. <blockquote>Sarah: “When the reality is that if I avoid it, I don’t have to deal with it, but what about Zoe or other people of color? She doesn’t get that choice.” Zoe: “Straight up. My family and I can’t turn off our color. If people avoid talking about what happens to us, that leaves us to deal with it on our own.” Sarah: “And you shouldn’t have to.” Zoe: “I appreciate that, Fam.”</blockquote> Zoe raises her hand to give Sarah dap. Clearly confused, Sarah awkwardly salutes Zoe. Everyone laughs. Even Saxon. Zoe throws a friendly arm around a sheepish Sarah. <blockquote>Zoe: “Go ahead, Trouble. [[Finish your thought]].”</blockquote>

<blockquote>Sarah: “Err... Thanks. So when race comes up and I start feeling bad, I ask myself, 'Are they attacking me? Or are they just telling their story?' They have the right to be heard.”</blockquote> I don’t think she can read me, because she adds: <blockquote>Sarah: “Once you can take yourself out of their story, you’ll find you are becoming a better friend. And that makes you feel good. Or least it makes me feel good.”</blockquote> She smiles and shrugs, her cheeks still a bit flushed. So, this conversation got real deep, real fast. I realize now everyone has been listening in. Yikes. I give her a very cool, not-unclear-at-all nod-shrug. Yep. It’s a thing. I spare a look at Zoe. She looks like she’s thinking, too. She gives me a I-know-you-didn’t-mean-anything-by-it nudge. Relieved, I [[smile|why]] back at her. I [[scramble|why]] to find something to say.

<blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “When there is a problem, we have to stop and ask why. We must look at the root cause.” Sarah: “So, history can help us find solutions for today.” Mr. Marquez: “Yes. It helps us understand the world better and learn from past mistakes. Or be inspired by brave souls like the Freedom Riders.” Saxon: “Don’t see what’s so brave about sitting on a bus.”</blockquote> Thud. It sounds like something hit the side of the bus. The startled expressions of my classmates tell me it’s not my imagination. More thuds come in rapid succession. The dull roar of angry voices reaches my ears. I have the primal urge to... Go into [[beast mode|angry voices]]. Whatever comes next, I'm ready. [[Run|angry voices]]. Nothing can hurt me if nothing can catch me.

We shift our collective gaze to the windows. Some kids are standing to get a better look. Over 200 people swarm the bus, holding signs, pipes, and ropes. The anger in their faces makes my blood freeze. <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “Bravery is what these young men and women faced in the spirit of standing up for each other.” </blockquote> The simulation slows down. <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “Soon, someone will throw a firebomb at the bus. The mob will drag the Freedom Riders out of the burning bus and beat them so badly, many will be hospitalized.”</blockquote> Suddenly this simulation seems a lot less fun. <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “But they refused to be deterred. Over the next few years, the Freedom Riders would grow to number in the hundreds.” </blockquote> Waving his hand, a screen appears with hundreds of mug shots—faces every shade of humanity. <blockquote>Mr. Marquez: “Doing sit-ins, riding buses, getting arrested—the Freedom Riders never retaliated in violence. They played a major role in desegregating the S—”</blockquote> <h1>[[BOOM]]</h1>

Was that part of the simulation? Or something more sinister? You'll have to wait and see! Ha! Gotta love those cliff-booms ;) But the fun doesn't have to end. Play again and see how you choose to agree or disagree with Saxon changes your experience and score. There are 5 total different paths/scores possible. Here's your influence score with two key characters in the game. Zoe: <<print $zoePoints>> Saxon: <<print $saxonPoints>> <><<if $saxonPoints eq "-2">> Well, looks like Saxon's not doing you any favors anytime soon. <</if>> <<if $zoePoints eq "-1">> You might need to get Zoe some ice cream... <</if>> <<if $saxonPoints eq "0">> You've gained zero influence. But hey! Watch and learn, right?<</if>> <<if $zoePoints eq "3" and $saxonPoints eq "2">> Legitness. You managed to disagree with Saxon AND make him feel heard. You impressed everyone. #Winning <</if>> <<if $zoePoints eq "0" and $saxonPoints eq "2">> Brave soul. Willing to open up about how you feel. Zoe might not agree, but at least she understands where you're coming from.<</if>> <> [[Play again|Start]]?? Or see the background of [[characters]], and then play again? If you're done playing, pretty please take a few minutes to give us your feedback. Can't tell you how much we appreciate it! [[Tell us what you think.|https://www.wickedsaints.studio/classroomfeedback]] And please share with friends, so we can get their feedback too!

<blockquote>Sarah: “Saxon, why do you think these lessons are trying to make us feel bad?” Saxon: “You’re telling me you don’t see it? How we’re enemy number one right now?" </blockquote> Saxon gestures around him. <blockquote>Saxon: “Turn on your phone or your TV. All you hear is how we should feel bad for what we have. What we’ve earned.” Sarah: “No, I’ve felt it. That uncomfortable tightening in your chest any time race issues come up. Inner defenses rising for the attack you know is coming.” Saxon: “Yes! Exactly.” Sarah: “I was laser-focused on how I felt, too.”</blockquote> Her voice is super kind and understanding. I [[can|1st grade teacher]] relate. I [[can't|1st grade teacher]] relate.

Zoe Zoe. Lovable, fun, leap-before-you-look, Zoe. Half black and half Mexican, Zoe's got ins with East Side. She's also "ins" with anything with a keyboard. That's right. She's Miss Hacker Extraordinaire. Her twitchy fingers and impulsive personality cause her (and you) quite the problems. Sarah When Sarah walks by, you expect singing sparrows and furry forest creatures to follow in her wake. She's that nice. Sarah grew up with three older brothers in a tight-knit, middle-class community on the outskirts of town. This freckled sweetheart is very active in her church and dreams of working with young children as a speech therapist one day. Rana If Rana has an off switch, no one has found it. Rana is the daughter of Indonesian immigrants and never backs down from a challenge. She's passionate about equality and social justice. Not only is she the co-chair of every other club on campus, but she is a permanent fixture at Pathways, serving as the only student reporter. Saxon Saxon lives life in the fast lane. Literally. He's a supercar fanatic and lives to drag race his baby, a McLaren 720S. He's the only child of a restaurant and night club mogul, and the fast life fits him just fine. Well, that is until the pandemic hit. He's a part of the Royals clique, but ‘old money’ can smell ‘new money,' something his frenemy and your nemesis, Kai, never lets him forget. Jeff If Jeff were a country, he'd be Switzerland. He's best friends with both Kai and Saxon, who are locked in a silent battle for Jeff's #1 BFF spot. But who wouldn't want to be his friend? His baby blues are always dancing with good-natured humor. Jeff comes from a very wealthy and powerful family. He plays lacrosse, helps his little sister with homework, and volunteers at his mom's charity events. (For more characters go to the World Reborn landing page!) Ok, let's [[start|Start]].