Six and One
Story Summary
In "Six and One," a Committee on Gerrymander, consisting of six Republicans and one Democrat, loses a poker game, leading to the Democrat winning all the money. The next day, a disgruntled Republican accuses the Democrat of cheating, claiming that disasters always occur when the minority is dealing, suggesting the cards were manipulated. This short and sweet moral story highlights the absurdity of blame and the lessons of fairness, making it a heartwarming tale for kids about integrity and accountability.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those in power often blame their failures on others, even when their own actions lead to misfortune.
Historical Context
This story reflects the historical practice of gerrymandering, a term originating from a 1812 Massachusetts redistricting effort that aimed to benefit the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Governor Elbridge Gerry. The narrative satirizes the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain, a theme prevalent in American political discourse, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, as various states grappled with issues of fairness and representation in electoral processes. The humor and irony in the poker game setting underscore the often underhanded tactics employed in politics, highlighting the tension between party interests and democratic principles.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the dangers of manipulation and self-serving behaviors in politics, which resonate in modern life where gerrymandering and partisan tactics often skew democratic processes. For instance, in a recent election, a political party might redraw district lines to ensure their candidates have a better chance of winning, akin to the poker game where the majority blames their losses on the minority's unfair advantage, ultimately undermining public trust in the electoral system.
You May Also Like
The Rainmaker
In "The Rainmaker," a Government Officer embarks on an elaborate mission to induce rain in a decade-long drought using balloons, kites, and explosives, ultimately leading to his downfall. The only survivor, Ezekiel Thrifft, a mule-driver who is revealed to be a minister working for the equipment supplier, humorously claims his prayers brought the rain, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. This short moral tale contrasts the seriousness of the rain-seeking endeavor with the unexpected truth, serving as a fable that reminds us of the often overlooked roles played in grand narratives.
Jupiter and the Baby Show
In "Jupiter and the Baby Show," a clever Monkey enters her unattractive cub in a competition hosted by Jupiter, who initially mocks the cub's appearance. However, the Monkey turns the tables by highlighting the flaws in Jupiter's own offspring depicted in antique sculptures, prompting Jupiter to award her the first prize to avoid embarrassment. This impactful moral story emphasizes the value of humility and the importance of recognizing one's own imperfections, making it a noteworthy addition to short story collections with moral lessons.
The Dog and His Reflection
In the thought-provoking moral story "The Dog and His Reflection," a State Official, while stealing the Dome of the Capitol, encounters the ghost of his predecessor at midnight, who warns him that God is watching. As they converse, another State Official quietly seizes the opportunity to add the dome to his own collection, illustrating the themes of greed and moral consequence found in many well-known moral stories. This short moral tale serves as a reminder of the unseen consequences of one's actions.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
Gerrymander Games, Poker Politics, Redistricting Roulette, Majority vs. Minority, The Lucky Democrat, Political Poker Face, Card Games and Corruption, The Mapmakers' Gamble
Did You Know?
This story satirically illustrates the absurdity of political maneuvering and gerrymandering, highlighting how those in power often manipulate systems to their advantage while deflecting blame onto others, even in seemingly trivial matters like a game of poker.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.