Animal Crossing
You’re out on your own for the first time with no money to spare. You hop off the train (or bus, or taxi, or plane), and the first non-person you meet is a filthy capitalist ready to take all your optimism and use it against you. Yes, many have tried to make the point that Tom Nook is actually helping you by giving you a place to stay, at times giving you a job, and not charging you interest. But let’s be clear, he’s typically the only resource in the area for goods and shelter (some entries have a bit more options in terms of stores). He’s not bringing the communities up with him. Instead, he’s got nepo babies Timmy and Tommy by his side. And what could be more American than that?—Lisa Marie Segarra
