Don't like what you see? Then go outside and do some yard work!

This year I feel like the Tunnel of Oppression had an interesting impact this year that I am not sure that I have noticed as much in the past. All of the scenes that represented forms of oppression were examples that took place in proximity to all of us. I think I have noticed with students this year is that they were even more thoughtful honestly. There is a lot of oppression that so many of us are blind to because it seems more distant. It is really powerful to our emotions to see the harsh forms of oppression that goes on in the world, but I think in the past students have been somewhat perplexed. Students are intrigued but they are left wondering: "what is my role in all of this?"

Since all of the examples were forms of oppression that are not so distant to us but are actually a part of our very own community. It was thought-provoking because it challenged us to really examine our thoughts and actions in our daily lives. It is impossible not to acknowledge that this oppression is happening and really I don't think it can be lost in our heads because there will always be constant reminders all around us. I think so many students are now much more aware and the question they now have: "how should my role change in all of this?" 

Plausible deniability is no longer an option. The curtains have been torn down and now we just need to decide for ourselves whether we want to change the view that we see outside the window. If you don't like what you see then instead of buying some new curtains, let's go do some yard work!

I think that so many more people need to be aware of the horrors of oppression that are happening everywhere in the country and in the world. But I am now convinced that the best way to open people's eyes and their hearts is to show everyone what is going on right in front of them. Once they feel the connect there might be a greater impact when they learn more about everything else going on in the distance.