Reimagining Playing Cards: The Rise of Gender and Race Neutral Decks

The Outdated Traditions Behind Standard Playing Cards

For centuries, card games have mirrored social systems of their era—and traditional decks have barely evolved with the times. While many aspects of society have shifted toward greater equality, the hierarchy found in a regular deck of playing cards stubbornly maintains age-old stereotypes. Despite moves toward inclusivity in everything from government to the workplace, classic playing cards still rank the King above the Queen, sending a subtle yet clear message about gender and power.

Challenging the Norm: Indy Mellink’s Inspiration

The catalyst for change came when Indy Mellink, a PhD student from Rotterdam with a background in neuroscience and forensic psychology, noticed how these subconscious messages could influence people, even during small acts like teaching card games to children. As she explained the rankings to her younger cousin one summer, the inherent bias of the cards became glaringly apparent.

Driven by her academic understanding of how seemingly minor inequalities can have profound effects, Indy became determined to create a more equal alternative. Inspired in part by problem-solvers and innovators who advocate for practical solutions, she decided that action was the only way forward.

From Concept to Creation: The Development of GSB Cards

Initially, Indy experimented with various ways to redefine the face cards, contemplating replacing Kings, Queens, and Jacks with royal couples or even substituting them with characters from other walks of life. However, she quickly ran into challenges around both gender and a lack of racial representation—most traditional cards depict only white royalty.

Seeking symbols that transcend boundaries, she eventually found inspiration in universally recognized awards: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These terms are familiar worldwide, notably in sports, and are free from gender or racial bias, making them ideal for a truly inclusive deck.

Thanks to her graphic design experience, Indy quickly transformed this idea into reality, producing the first deck of Gold, Silver, and Bronze (GSB) cards—a set designed to welcome all players, regardless of background or identity.

The Response: Embracing Modernity, Facing Criticism

The launch of GSB cards in October 2020 started off quietly but rapidly gained momentum after coverage in a major Dutch newspaper. Sales soared, and the cards ignited much-needed conversations about equality, inclusivity, and subtle biases.

Feedback has been a mix of excitement and resistance:
– Many have celebrated the new deck as a modern alternative, noting how it opens card games to a broader audience and challenges outdated norms.
– Some criticize the idea as unnecessary, arguing that classic playing cards are just harmless tradition and see the move as over-emphasizing gender neutrality.
– A vocal minority has directed personal criticism at Indy, ranging from online negativity to accusations of making a fuss over trivial matters.

Indy has responded by emphasizing the importance of addressing micro-inequities, explaining that seemingly small messages can influence perceptions in subtle but significant ways. She stresses that her cards are not intended to replace traditional decks, but to provide another, more inclusive option for those who want it.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Choices, Reducing Polarization

Indy’s journey with the GSB cards reveals how even simple changes can spark larger debates about inclusivity and tradition. Instead of aiming to erase or judge the beloved standard deck, the GSB cards simply add more choice. As Indy hopes, increased options and conversations may eventually lead to greater acceptance and unity—even in a field as seemingly lighthearted as playing cards.

Whether or not you opt for these new cards, their very existence gives everyone another way to enjoy card games that better reflect today’s values. As inclusivity continues to be a driving force in society, initiatives like GSB cards signal a new era for age-old traditions.

Images: gsb-playingcards.com