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ASU Wells Fargo Student Center hosts Tunnel of Oppression


February 13, 2009

A Muslim tries to ignore dirty looks she receives at the airport. A woman is harassed with insensitive comments regarding her femininity. The president of the United States is questioned about his loyalty to his country, only because of his middle name.

These are just a few of the types of discrimination people face, and social justice advocates are hoping an hour-long sensatory experience will make students want to change the world.

The ASU Wells Fargo Student Center is hosting the “Tunnel of Oppression” on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 455 N. Third St., located directly above the AMC Theaters box office. Tours leave every 15 minutes between 6 and 8 p.m.

ASU junior Eichelle Armstrong organized the event, which she says is intended to force students to take a look at their own prejudices and eradicate oppression worldwide.

“College students have the privilege of getting a well-rounded, non-limited education and because of that, it is their responsibility to do something about oppression once they’re exposed to it,” Armstrong says. “This is a life-changing event and I’m hopeful our students will take action.”

Originating in the residence halls of Western Illinois University in the early 1990s, the Tunnel of Oppression is a multimedia tour designed to challenge peoples’ ideas and perceptions of issues dealing with oppression.  The tunnel experience involved touring a series of rooms that present interactive skits and monologues, videos, sound and visual art pieces on issues such as homelessness, poverty, racism, sexism and religious persecution.  At the end of the tour, attendees will have a chance to reflect on the experience and thinks of ways to be social justice advocates.

Armstrong says she is still looking for both volunteers and participants. For more information, e-mail tunnelasu@yahoo.com or call (480) 496-0973.

To learn more about the ASU Wells Fargo Student Center in the Arizona Center, visit http://campus.asu.edu/downtown/student-life.