How the Game of Dominoes Is Building a Close Family From a Social Distance
How the Game of Dominoes Is Building a Close Family From a Social Distance
How the Game of Dominoes Is Building a Close Family From a Social Distance
By Wandy Ortiz
August 11, 2020
Summary
In the Manhattan neighborhood of East Harlem, playing dominoes has shaped the lives of generations of men who, during the pandemic, are now getting to know the table - and each other - in new ways.
Designed by one of the players as a health and safety precaution during the pandemic, the structure allows for each domino player to have their own partitioned, isolated area in which to play their part of the game.
For these New Yorkers, it's odd to be playing such a communal game from such a social distance.
The veteran of the group, John, has been playing dominoes most of his life but in past years, has seen the group of players grow to more than a dozen men and a handful of tables stationed in the courtyard of a local co-op.
Not only do players hail from different areas of the neighborhood but Rocky notes they also come from a variety of cultures: "We got Jamaicans, we got Spanish, Puerto Ricans, we got Dominicans who play with us."
The group welcomes curious players and observers of all ages and both genders to the table.
Players will also cook or barbeque for players and passersby.
"How, when they were growing up, parents or uncles taught them how to play the game, and then they passed it on."
"Most of the time, almost seven days a week we get out here. Sometimes it rains on us, but we're still here playing," Rocky said.
For these dedicated players unity is key, and the chance to resurrect this game of old is something they seldom miss out on.
Reference
Ortiz, W. (2020, August 11). How the Game of Dominoes Is Building a Close Family From a Social Distance. Retrieved August 12, 2020, from https://thetablet.org/dominoes-close-family-social-distance/