The Culture Complex: Monopoly Is Us

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Fast-forward to 2006, and what are the obsessions of American culture? For starters, getting rich off property--after years of skyrocketing home prices and flattening salaries--which makes the real estate game more relevant than ever. (HGTV has practically become a financial channel, with shows like Designed to Sell, Buy Me and My House Is Worth What?) We've moved from a manufacturing to a service economy, and the white-collar icons--bye, wheelbarrow, hello, laptop--seem aimed at the buyer willing to shell out $29.99 ($10 or so more than the old edition).

Combine all that with consumers creating the illusion of status with luxe accessories--the camera phone, the iPod, the $4 latte--and the gentrification of Monopoly makes perfect sense. Is it so ridiculous to let a Toyota Prius define your identity on a game board? That's what Toyota Prius drivers do on the street.

If you hate the new Monopoly, take heart. The old version is still for sale, and I suspect there will be a new new Monopoly before long. After all, that 2006 hybrid car and phone will look pretty dated in a couple of years and, as with your personal electronics, you'll want an upgrade. Just another reason to keep passing Go and collecting your $2 million.