taz.de
Relooted": A Video Game Repatriating Colonial Artifacts
Relooted," a heist video game set in a futuristic Johannesburg, lets players steal back 70 real colonial artifacts from Western museums, including human remains, to return them to an empty museum in Dakar, Senegal, meant to house such artifacts, highlighting the ongoing struggle for repatriation.
- What is the central theme of "Relooted," and how does its gameplay directly address the issue of colonial artifact repatriation?
- In "Relooted," players burglarize Western museums to return colonial artifacts to Africa. The game uses a humorous approach, portraying Black Africans joyfully, contrasting typical Western portrayals. The gameplay involves planning heists, solving puzzles, and managing a diverse team.
- How does "Relooted's" Afrofuturist setting and diverse cast of characters contribute to its narrative and challenge conventional depictions of Africa?
- The game's setting in a futuristic Johannesburg and its diverse team of characters from across Africa represent an Afrofuturist approach, showcasing a positive and technologically advanced Africa. The inclusion of real artifacts and the story of their repatriation challenges existing narratives around African agency and the preservation of cultural heritage.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of "Relooted" on the discourse surrounding repatriation and decolonization, and how does the game's reception within different communities reflect this?
- Relooted's" futuristic setting avoids direct conflict with museums while allowing for a free-flowing narrative about repatriation. The game's engagement with real artifacts and the inclusion of human remains highlights the lasting impact of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for their return, generating discussion around cultural heritage and restitution.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the game positively, highlighting its innovative approach and the positive reception within specific communities. The focus on the game's cheerful tone and Afrofuturism, while relevant, might overshadow the serious underlying issue of colonial looting and its lasting impact. The headline, while not provided, likely reinforces this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, except for the description of the game's depiction of Africa as "fröhlich" (cheerful), which could be seen as avoiding the harsh realities associated with colonialism. Some might consider "cheerful" to be an overly simplistic descriptor for such a complex topic, although it aligns with the game's stated approach. More precise language could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the game's premise and development, but omits discussion of potential counterarguments or critiques of the game's approach to the sensitive topic of repatriation. It doesn't explore the perspectives of museums or those who oppose repatriation. This omission limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion on the complexities of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the debate, portraying the game as a clear-cut solution to a complex problem. It doesn't fully address the nuances and differing viewpoints within the repatriation debate, potentially creating a false dichotomy between the game's positive portrayal and the complexities of reality.
Sustainable Development Goals
The game promotes a more equitable distribution of cultural heritage by focusing on the return of colonial artifacts to their rightful owners in Africa. It challenges the historical power imbalance and the narrative that Africa is incapable of preserving its own cultural heritage. The game actively counters the narrative that museums are the only legitimate custodians of these artifacts.