Brooklyn Midwife Faces Backlash Over Dice Game Club Proposal
In a recent incident that has ignited discussions about cultural appropriation and community dynamics, Ellen Christy, a midwife from Brooklyn, found herself at the center of controversy after posting an invitation for a Bunco game club in a local Facebook group. The post, which aimed to gather women from the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, quickly drew criticism and raised questions about the implications of her initiative.
Who is Ellen Christy?
Ellen Christy, 30, is a midwife employed at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York. Her journey into midwifery was fueled by a deep-seated passion for reproductive health. In a previous interview with a student publication, she expressed her motivation, stating, “I started to read more about the positive impact nurse-midwives can have on perinatal outcomes and experiences of pregnancy, and I became inspired to begin the process of becoming a nurse-midwife myself.” This commitment to healthcare, however, has not shielded her from scrutiny in her community.
The Bunco Club Proposal
On a seemingly innocuous day, Christy took to the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Facebook group to propose the formation of a Bunco club, a social dice game that has its roots in 18th-century England. She described Bunco as a game of rolling dice, likening it to Yahtzee, and emphasized that no special skills were required to participate. Her post included a photo featuring mostly white women, which many perceived as a misstep in a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Cultural Context and Backlash
The backlash was swift and intense. Critics accused Christy of cultural insensitivity, with some labeling her initiative as a “Colonizer Cee-Lo Club.” Cee-Lo, a dice game with origins linked to Chinese laborers in the United States, has become a staple in many Black communities. The juxtaposition of Bunco-a game with European origins-against Cee-Lo raised eyebrows and sparked a broader conversation about gentrification and cultural appropriation.
One commenter articulated the sentiment of many, stating, “Y’all playing gentrified Cee-Lo?!” Another added, “Colonizers be colonizing.” These comments reflect a growing frustration among residents who feel that their cultural practices are being co-opted by newcomers to the neighborhood.
The Historical Perspective
Dice games have a long and varied history, transcending cultures and continents. While Bunco can be traced back to England, Cee-Lo has a rich narrative tied to the experiences of Black Americans. The evolution of these games highlights the complexities of cultural exchange and ownership. Historically, games like Cee-Lo have served as communal activities, fostering connections within neighborhoods. In contrast, Bunco has often been associated with suburban gatherings, primarily among white communities.
This historical context adds depth to the criticism directed at Christy. Many residents viewed her proposal not just as an invitation to play a game, but as a symbol of the broader changes occurring in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood that has seen significant gentrification in recent years.
The Fallout
After receiving over 100 comments, many of which were critical, Christy deleted her original post. However, screenshots of the post circulated widely, leading to further backlash. One commenter lamented, “Deleting your post, and all of the labor that we did to educate, is colonial violence.” This statement underscores the emotional weight of the conversation surrounding cultural appropriation and the responsibility of individuals in gentrifying neighborhoods to engage thoughtfully with local communities.
Christy’s original form for interested players included basic questions about residency and interest in the club, but the backlash overshadowed her intentions. The optional social media links she provided were seen as an attempt to create a more inclusive environment, yet they did little to quell the criticism.
Community Reactions
The incident has sparked a broader dialogue about the responsibilities of newcomers in historically marginalized neighborhoods. Many residents are calling for greater awareness and sensitivity to the cultural dynamics at play. The backlash against Christy serves as a reminder that community engagement requires more than just good intentions; it necessitates an understanding of the historical and cultural context of the area.
As gentrification continues to reshape neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant, the challenge lies in fostering genuine connections between long-time residents and newcomers. This incident highlights the need for open dialogue and mutual respect, as well as the importance of recognizing the cultural significance of local traditions.
Conclusion
Ellen Christy’s attempt to create a Bunco club in Bedford-Stuyvesant has opened a Pandora’s box of discussions about cultural appropriation, community identity, and the complexities of gentrification. While her intentions may have been rooted in a desire for connection, the backlash she faced underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural fabric of the neighborhoods we inhabit. As communities evolve, it is crucial for all members-new and old-to engage in meaningful conversations that honor the histories and traditions that shape their identities.
