Chelsea Martino
Reaction to Tunnel of Oppression
I did not expect the Tunnel of Oppression to be as moving as it was. I thought it was going to be a disorganized representation of boring information put together in a slipshod manner. However, it was set up in a way that was eye catching and shocking. It presented real issues that so many people struggle with on a regular basis. There was a great deal of factual evidence such as statistics and news articles that helped to emphasize the horror of the oppressions. It also was interactive and thought provoking. One exhibit had a two jars with marbles placed inside. One jar had white marbles and the other dark green. People were supposed to place a marble in a jar depending on if they knew someone who had been a victim of abuse. To my astonishment the jar with the green marbles, which was for abuse, contained more then twice as many marbles as the one without abuse. It really made me think about how many people are being harmed. Another section that caught my attention was the one that dealt with homosexuality. The poster of the boy, who had been murdered just because he was gay, was frightening. He did nothing wrong, just had a different sexual orientation. It goes to show that there are evil people out there who are willing to kill someone just because he or she is different. I think that the best aspect of the entire display is that it dealt with many different forms of oppression. It did not leave one group out. It showed the struggles of homosexuals, women, minorities, and people in poor countries. Because of this, I feel that no matter whom the audience was he or she could relate to the Tunnel on some level, while still being exposed to other struggles that people face.
1 comment:
Erika Sundberg
WMST250 Dis. 0106
4/24/08
Tunnel of Oppression
Before entering the tunnel of oppression I did not know exactly what to expect, but I was almost positive it was going to be dull and repetitive. Contrary to my belief, the tunnel of oppression was extremely interesting and creative. It was set up in a way that was informative, interactive, and eye catching to its thousands of visitors. Each station covered a group that was oppressed in todays society in some form. Through facts, quotes, and colorful images, each station relayed their message regarding the oppressed group they were focusing on. Although each station was very different and focused on a different oppressed group, the message of all the stations were the same. That message was awareness, and how everyones needs to be aware of the oppressed and the challenges they are facing on a daily basis. Overall, I was very impressed with the exhibit. I believe the different organizations around campus who compiled the information did a magnificent job and should be very pleased with all their hard work. Not only did the tunnel keep my attention for the fifty minutes that we were required to be there for class, but it intrigued me enough to go back and finish the last few exhibits that I missed at the end. Overall, I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to walk through the tunnel and learn about all the different oppressed groups in todays society.
One booth in the tunnel of oppression dealt with drug and cocaine smuggling. It showed the many different ways that drug dealers smuggled and transported drugs, such as swallowing pellets in plastic bags and later excreting them once they were to their desired location. Although drug smugglers are looked down upon and are not the majority of people, other forms of oppression are liked to this particular habit. For example, the social class that one is in has a great impact on whether or not one smuggles and deals drugs. Typically, if one if well off and is in a middle to high class family, illegal activities such as drug smuggling are not needed since money is present. Overall, this shows that life is a chain of events, and one form of oppression can often times be linked to another form of oppression.
Another booth dealt with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia within the United States. After thinking, I realized that this specific issue of oppression would be presented very differently in a different location, such as certain parts of Africa. In the U.S food is very abundant and obtainable, but it is not like this in many parts of Africa. In the U.S, if someone does not eat a certain but loosely set amount, many times an eating disorder is considered. In certain parts of Africa where the food supply is extremely scarce, not eating a lot would not be viewed as an eating disorder. Since there is not a great amount of food, it is socially excepted that one does not eat a lot. Although the tunnel of oppression was very well done, I do believe that a lot of it was U.S centric. Overall, it can be seen that different issues of oppression can be viewed in very different ways depending on the location.
Regarding the homosexual station, the audio part within the station was very successful at drawing out an emotional response. If one puts on the earphones that are hanging in front of a mirror, one can hear the yelling and screaming of hurtful words and phrases at a homosexual. Although I have heard most of these words and phrases spoken before, it was very different listening to it with in the homosexual station within the tunnel of oppression. Although I know that most of those words are normally meant to offend homosexual individuals, it is very different hearing them actually directed at a homosexual. Hearing the audio commentary made me realize the brutality and utter hurtfulness that those words possess, and I felt extremely bad for the homosexual individual having to endear those words. Overall, this form of art really brought out a sorrow within me, and made me want to jump to the individuals aid.
Regarding abuse and rape, there are many available resources for victims that have experienced this pain or know someone who has experienced this pain. For example, one resource and helpful website for people who have experienced abuse or rape is http://www.rainn.org/. The website of RAINN stands for Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, and is the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the nation. This organization is a way for individuals who have suffered from any of these horrible and life changing events to get information, help, and support. In addition to meetings and counseling, an online hotline is available. This hotline is similar to instant messaging, and a private session can be held with a trained individual to answer and questions, give advise, or give references for medical care. This website is just one of many that aid in helping individuals with informations regarding abuse and rape.
Overall, I am extremely pleased I had the opportunity to walk and spend some time going through the tunnel of oppression. I learned a lot about many different oppressed groups, especially groups that I would not have considered to be oppressed before my visit. It was very moving, and I am glad I got to experience all the tunnel had to offer.
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