Oppression is far more than just racism and sexuality, according to a university activity Wednesday.
Tunnel of Oppression took place in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom where several types of oppression had individual booths to inform students of what it is like to be a victim of several different types of oppression: cyber-bullying, religious oppression, abuse and veteran issues.
“We can talk to people about it a lot,” said Bobby Steele, residence hall director and Tunnel of Oppression chair. “But giving people an immersive experience will help get people to really consider their words and the type of activities they engage in.”
The event showed students oppression in different lights, the fact that domestic abuse can include women attacking men and ableism, the capability of people with certain disabilities to enjoy certain tasks.
One of the most striking exhibits, according to several people asked, was the booth on cyber-bullying. It consisted of a doll with abusive words written on it hanging from computer cords, with hateful tweets pulled from Twitter scattered around the body.
AJ Owens, a sophomore social work major, said he had both been the target of cyber-bullying and, regretfully, said things that hurt people online, which is why the booth had such a large impact on him.
“It is really disgusting and sad people feel it is okay to say things that are so hurtful,” Owens said. “It is evil.”
Before the live experience portion of the event, the booths were open for students to tour on their own. The sexuality and gender identity booth contained a sign for students to write their thoughts on. Kristin Wilson, a junior legal studies major, said the thoughts startled her.
“Some of the things people had written were extremely offensive,” Wilson said, citing, among others, the phrase “be a man”. “Even though people get shown all of this about oppression it just goes to show people don’t care, they will still be just as rude.”
Each section contained a skit or video that introduced students to a topic, several of which made students question their views on what oppression really meant.
Tiffany Bontrager, a junior Spanish major, said she didn’t realize veterans faced so many problems, nor realized that the way post-traumatic stress disorder is handled is a form of oppression.
“I didn’t realize there were so many problems with marriage [in the military,]” Bontrager said. “When I think of military wives I think of strong women who want to be faithful, but I guess they face a lot of problems”
Freshman Melissa Freeman, criminal justice manager, said she couldn’t believe some of these things happened in her back yard.
“The picture of a little sick boy made me cry,” Freeman said. “You know it goes on, but [Tunnel of Oppression] opens your eyes because it happens every day across the world and worst, in America. And now you have to face it.”
