Racism, Sexism, LGBTQ Issues

You Me We

You. Me. We.

by Michael Agnew

Some say we live in a post-racial society, but is that really true? Current social movements would argue otherwise. Hate groups are on the rise. Stigmatization of select ethnicities is rampant. New laws are pitting the rights of LGBTQ people against those of people of faith. For most of us, it’s easy to distance ourselves from events like these and say, “That’s not me. I wouldn’t do that.”

But what about the subtler prejudices that each of us carries? Do we make assumptions about others based on appearance, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation? How are these biases formed? How do these assumptions affect our ability to really get to know another individual? More importantly, how can we overcome our preconceptions and begin to bridge the gaps that continue to keep people apart?

You. Me. We. sets the stage for a lively discussion of diversity. In two scenes, we follow students as they attempt to navigate the sometimes-difficult terrain of multicultural relationships. During talk-backs, students can confront the characters and voice their own opinions on issues of race, sex, sexual orientation, and gender. You. Me. We. is a 90-minute program that is perfect for new student orientation or multicultural theme programs.

The Scenes

  • Hannah, Ryan, and Darrick could be friends, but racist and sexist assumptions drive them apart. How can they learn to bridge the gaps?
  • Jacob has just discovered that his best friend and roommate is transgender. How should he deal with his feelings of fear and betrayal? Can they remain friends?

SCENE I: Hanna, Ryan, and Darrick (Racism and Sexism)

  • What subtle prejudices do each of us carry with us and where do they come from?
  • How are those prejudices expressed?
  • What is a microaggression? Are they real? Or are people just too sensitive?
  • What is the best response to subtle racist or sexist comments?
  • How do generalizations about people dehumanize them?
  • What privileges come with being of a certain race, sex or gender?
  • How is our life experience shaped by how we self-identify vs. how others identify us?
  • What is the best way to get to know someone who is different?

SCENE II: Jacob, Chris, and Emily (Homophobia and Transphobia)

  • Does any individual have a responsibility to reveal their gender identity or sexual orientation?
  • What does it mean to “come out?”
  • How does language and labeling hurt?
  • What is gender?
  • Are we defined by our gender or sexuality?
  • What are the fears that drive homophobia and transphobia?
  • Who can be trusted and when?

You. Me. We. asks students to recognize that there are people who think, act, look, feel, and behave differently from themselves. The program doesn’t preach. The goal of You. Me. We. is to encourage students to examine and discuss their own feelings and actions when confronting people who are different. Through open dialogue, students can work together to build the bridges that will bring us all closer together.