University News
Tunnel of Oppression March 21 at WIU-Macomb
March 7, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- You know that not-so-subtle glance you often get when you enter a room just because you don't look the "same" as others present. You're continually told you can't do something just because of your gender. Why can't everyone look past their biases and those stereotypes to see who you REALLY are?
To raise awareness of the various forms of oppression that prejudice and discrimination can generate, the Western Illinois University Cultural Diversity Cadre will sponsor the "Tunnel of Oppression" from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 in the University Union Grand Ballroom on the WIU-Macomb campus. The program will provide participants with a look at the multiple faces of oppression through such sensory experiences as racism, sexism, classism and ableism.
The "Tunnel of Oppression" began in WIU's residence halls in 1994 and has been recognized and implemented nationally since. Through graphic, hard-hitting video and audio tapes, dramatic readings and live theatre vignettes, participants are put into contact with oppression as it has played out in daily encounters in many U.S. communities. The participants are then invited to discuss the impact of the experience in small, structured discussion groups and are encouraged to explore ways they can work against oppressive behaviors, whether their own or others. The program's emphasis is on developing greater personal awareness and understanding of situations and occurrences that are oppressive to others.
The "Tunnel of Oppression" is open free to the public. For further information contact Joan Maze, Office of Student Activities, 309/298-3232 or e-mail Danielle Nied, college student personnel graduate student, at DM-Nied@wiu.edu.
The WIU-Quad Cities Student Government Association (SGA) will also host the "Tunnel of Oppression" on the Moline campus from 2-8 p.m. Friday, April 27.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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