Racism – Mafia 3. 11 video games with a powerful message
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The re-release of Mafia 3 in the Definitive Edition, which includes the refreshed version of the second part, coincided with the dramatic events that occurred in the United States, which caused a great deal of concern about the racism issue which is still present in America. The title developed by Hangar 13 studios often refers to this important topic, not in order to cause a sensation, but to create a coherent and authentic background for the plot of Mafia 3, which takes place in 1968 in the southern part of US. Back then, racism against black people was widespread and occurred on a daily basis.
Mafia 3 offers quite a unique opportunity to experience the racism issue on your own, because you play as a black Vietnam vet. Lincoln Clay can hear the 'n' word at every step during the main campaign. White women instinctively hold their bags when a black man passes by. Also, if Lincoln enters the 'whites only' area, then he may easily get rebuked by the cops.
As we explore the city, we often come across rednecks – typical representatives of American countryside who, in the name of the flag of Confederates, enjoy beating up every encountered man of a different race. Many times you can witness how the police officers are over-zealously controlling black couples. We will also have an opportunity to visit the ruins of Baron Saturday's Fun Park – a strange theme park, which was built especially for black race. Filled with vulgar stereotypes, it became a place of social riots and was closed just three months after its opening.
The historical facts taken from the history of the United States, skillfully woven into the game's background that is set in the seemingly fictional city, are the cherry on top. From the news or the comments of random pedestrians we can even hear about the assassination of Martin Luther King. Lincoln will also have to carry out an assault on the Ku Klux Klan gathering, during which you can notice a burning cross and white-hooded figures. Before that, you can listen to the speech of the KKK leader, full of racist slogans. In general, Mafia 3 depicts racism so accurately that it looks like the creators of the game have managed to deal with this difficult social problem a lot better than with gameplay mechanics of the open world.
