Get out of jail free: what Monopoly tells us about modern America

Monopoly has a ubiquitous, often loathed, place in American culture. Everybody knows of the game, a dogmatic celebration of pure capitalism that encourages players to take on the cut-throat persona of a real estate tycoon and drive their friends into bankruptcy by charging more rent than they can afford. This has left the game with a reputation for ruthless behavior and perhaps a few broken friendships.