By Shaelin Sweet
University Relations and Marketing
Fort Hays State University’s 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 “Tunnel of Oppression.”
The “tunnel” consisted of a series of stations located in the Memorial Union’s 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.
“The 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,” said Taylor Kriley, director of the Office of Inclusion and Diversity Excellence.
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.
“My organization, Us4U, wanted to show the oppression women in poorer countries face with water quality,” said Dalton Steinert, Otis senior. “We focused our project on water qualities locally, nationally and internationally.”
Us4U faculty advisor Dr. Cheryl Duffy, professor of English, stressed how raising awareness of oppression fits into the organization’s mission. “Our motto is ‘Come as you are–Serve as you can,’ and this year we’ve been focusing on a variety of social justice issues,” said Duffy. “The Tunnel of Oppression just seemed like a perfect venue to raise awareness.”
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.
“The 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,” said Amele Hounakey-akakpo.
“The 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,” she continued. “It’s important for us to raise awareness about false misconceptions about our continent.”
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.
People looking to raise awareness of oppression can start by recognizing their own privilege and biases.
“I know how very privileged I am, and I don’t want to be blind to the harsh realities for those not born into privilege,” said Duffy. “Us4U is a faith-based organization, and I think that ‘living my faith’ means working consciously to raise awareness and end oppression.”
“It’s important for us to recognize that the way we view the world comes from the way we’ve lived in it,” said Kriley. “Whether intentional or unintentional – and often with a good heart – we can’t help but have preconceived barriers of bias.”
“Being educated helps us see the world differently,” she continued. “It 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.”
Another easy way to start working as an ally is to speak out against oppression that occurs in daily life.
Duffy shared this advice: “Don’t laugh at racist jokes. Don’t thoughtlessly spread ‘fake news’ 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.”
“Engaging with people different from us is essential to get a better understanding and appreciation of differences and points of view,” said Arthur Courbis, a member of the African Ambassadors. “When someone is being rude to someone else, if you can’t 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.”
For information about the Tunnel of Oppression or diversity and inclusion, contact the Office of Inclusion and Diversity Excellence at 785-628-4276.