By Shaelin Sweet
\nUniversity Relations and Marketing
\nFort Hays State University\u2019s Office of Inclusion and Diversity Excellence recently teamed up with diverse student organizations to educate the FHSU community on issues of prejudice and privilege through a \u201cTunnel of Oppression.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u201ctunnel\u201d consisted of a series of stations located in the Memorial Union\u2019s Fort Hays Ballroom which formed a pathway. The room was dimly lit with individual lighting focused on each station to metaphorically shine a light on issues of oppression.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose of this event is to create an impactful, educational experience that helps people understand oppression, discrimination and bias from a local, national and global perspective,\u201d said Taylor Kriley, director of the Office of Inclusion and Diversity Excellence.<\/p>\n
Five student groups, Us4U, African Ambassadors, Black Student Union, International Student Union and Gay Straight Alliance, each selected an area of oppression to highlight. Participants had the opportunity to speak with each group while walking through the tunnel and interacting with presentations, which covered issues of oppression at local, national and global levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy organization, Us4U, wanted to show the oppression women in poorer countries face with water quality,\u201d said Dalton Steinert, Otis senior. \u201cWe focused our project on water qualities locally, nationally and internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n
Us4U faculty advisor Dr. Cheryl Duffy, professor of English, stressed how raising awareness of oppression fits into the organization\u2019s mission. \u201cOur motto is \u2018Come as you are\u2013Serve as you can,\u2019 and this year we\u2019ve been focusing on a variety of social justice issues,\u201d said Duffy. \u201cThe Tunnel of Oppression just seemed like a perfect venue to raise awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The African Ambassadors dedicated their presentation to raising awareness about the discrimination and prejudice that African students encounter while living in the United States. The Ambassadors specifically highlighted micro- and macro-aggressive stereotypes about Africa and the people who live there.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main [stereotypes] are that Africans live with animals, Africa is a country instead of a continent and that African students can only afford to study in the U.S. by earning athletic scholarships,\u201d said Amele Hounakey-akakpo.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Africa associated with poverty that is usually shown in the media clashes with the reality of many African countries that are beautiful and have the same infrastructure as any developed nation,\u201d she continued. \u201cIt\u2019s important for us to raise awareness about false misconceptions about our continent.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to raising awareness about stereotypes and aggressive speech, the Tunnel of Oppression also provided students and faculty with the opportunity to learn how they can be allies in the fight for equality.<\/p>\n
People looking to raise awareness of oppression can start by recognizing their own privilege and biases.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know how very privileged I am, and I don\u2019t want to be blind to the harsh realities for those not born into privilege,\u201d said Duffy. \u201cUs4U is a faith-based organization, and I think that \u2018living my faith\u2019 means working consciously to raise awareness and end oppression.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important for us to recognize that the way we view the world comes from the way we\u2019ve lived in it,\u201d said Kriley. \u201cWhether intentional or unintentional \u2013 and often with a good heart \u2013 we can\u2019t help but have preconceived barriers of bias.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing educated helps us see the world differently,\u201d she continued. \u201cIt helps us to shape our thoughts and perspectives so that we can be better leaders, advocates and supporters. We are more impactful leaders when we can help break down those barriers of bias.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another easy way to start working as an ally is to speak out against oppression that occurs in daily life.<\/p>\n
Duffy shared this advice: \u201cDon\u2019t laugh at racist jokes. Don\u2019t thoughtlessly spread \u2018fake news\u2019 that can ultimately be hurtful. Speak up gently when someone speaks out of ignorance and prejudice or when people make sweeping and unfounded generalizations about someone different from themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEngaging with people different from us is essential to get a better understanding and appreciation of differences and points of view,\u201d said Arthur Courbis, a member of the African Ambassadors. \u201cWhen someone is being rude to someone else, if you can\u2019t stop that person from being rude, which can be difficult to do, at least have compassion for the victim of aggression. Hopefully this could lead to beneficial action afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n
For information about the Tunnel of Oppression or diversity and inclusion, contact the Office of Inclusion and Diversity Excellence at 785-628-4276.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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