Someone told me chess is racist since white always moves first

That's like saying chess is a sport. As much you would like to it to be and believe it is, there is no way it really is.

When you have two options, ONE option has to go first.

 

We'd have this same discussion if black went first. And then it would be: "Is chess racist, because Black goes first?" Either way, it's not about race, it's about trying to make an issue out of nothing. Your friend is just nitpicking chess...and it certainly isn't racist :P

Yeah, I completely agree.  Chess is not racist in any way.  But it is sexist...

Chess offers a liberating, postcolonial narrative.

hybridy wrote:

When you have two options, ONE option has to go first.

 

We'd have this same discussion if black went first. And then it would be: "Is chess racist, because Black goes first?" Either way, it's not about race, it's about trying to make an issue out of nothing. Your friend is just nitpicking chess...and it certainly isn't racist :P

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thnk u someone is making sense!!

millerthesmurf wrote: hybridy wrote:

When you have two options, ONE option has to go first.

 

We'd have this same discussion if black went first. And then it would be: "Is chess racist, because Black goes first?" Either way, it's not about race, it's about trying to make an issue out of nothing. Your friend is just nitpicking chess...and it certainly isn't racist :P

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thnk u someone is making sense!!

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Says the white, English kid.  You people make me sick.

No, it's not based on race.  In fact, chess was first brought to Europe via the Moors in Spain.  The Moors were African Muslims.  They were dark-skinned.  So, if it were based on race, wouldn't you think they'd have had the dark pieces move first?

This is a stupid debate, but I have a solution! How about NOBODY moves first?! Both players can agree on a draw before it starts to avoid being politically incorrect and to avoid being racist. The players would also agree never to mention or play such a racist game like chess ever again. This way both players will feel better and go away as better people and live fulfilling wholesome lives.

You don't know racism or bad juke!...

silentfilmstar13 wrote: millerthesmurf wrote: hybridy wrote:

When you have two options, ONE option has to go first.

 

We'd have this same discussion if black went first. And then it would be: "Is chess racist, because Black goes first?" Either way, it's not about race, it's about trying to make an issue out of nothing. Your friend is just nitpicking chess...and it certainly isn't racist :P

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thnk u someone is making sense!!

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Says the white, English kid.  You people make me sick.

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 White? Smurf's are blue! Everyone knows that.  Your being smurfetic.

 

Chess is not a racist game and in-fact one of the things in our lives that brings us together despite our diverse culture background is sport.

To understand why White moves first one probably needs to read the origins of chess then and only then are we going to appreciate why white moves first.

I suggest on this forum for someone to share with us on literature on the origins of the beautiful game of chess. This may assist most of us understand and appreciate why certain things on the board are the way they are.

 

I'm ok with the coin toss.. as long as a White person tosses the coin.

Just kidding...

This thread is idiotic. Some losers see racism in everything and usually its they who are the racists. In checkers black (or the darker color) moves first, does this make checkers racist? The simple answer is ofcourse NO !

silentfilmstar13 wrote: Yeah, I completely agree.  Chess is not racist in any way.  But it is sexist...

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How is chess sexist?

I'm afraid you might be the only one who detected my sarcasm, og.  As far as I can see, nobody in this thread is backing the position that the game is racist.  Besides, games don't hate.  People hate.  Or something.

I was joking, Reb.  I also think this thread is idiotic.  So, an idiotic reply was all I could muster.

My chess set has green and yellow pieces.

Reb wrote: silentfilmstar13 wrote: Yeah, I completely agree.  Chess is not racist in any way.  But it is sexist...

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How is chess sexist?

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 Because the opposing queen is a bitch.

in the past, black could move first.