Campus Life What is Tunnel

Object

The Tunnel of Oppression (Tunnel) is an interactive program designed to illuminate the issues of oppression that have historically occurred and that still take place in today’s society. Tunnel is an intense experience that can create powerful emotional reactions from those who experience it. Upon arriving for the Tunnel of Oppression participants will be placed in a group of no more than 12 other participants, and a trained tour guide will lead the group through the Tunnel.

Each group is then lead by their tour guide through a series of active and passive scenarios in which they are exposed to various types of oppressive behaviors and information. Potential issues addressed include, but are certainly not limited to: racial hatred, homophobia, homelessness/socioeconomic inequality, body image issues, ableism/disability, genocide, domestic violence, cultural incompetence/hatred, religion, sexism, and other divisive issues. Active scenarios will be performed by trained volunteers who may be students, staff, or faculty. Passive information will be displayed en-route or in conjunction with active scenarios. Once completing the Tunnel every group will be lead to the debriefing room where a facilitator will lead a discussion about what everyone is feeling, what they have just experienced, and what they can do to help alleviate oppression.

All volunteers will be trained well beforehand and debriefed after each evening to process what they experienced. Trained volunteers will be place throughout the Tunnel to assist anyone who has issues with something they are experiencing. Professional staff members will be on-hand to individually assist any students who require one-on-one attention. Scenarios chosen for the Tunnel are chosen or created to suit the needs of the institution. Lastly, the Tunnel will also invite outside/community groups that address some of the same issues as the program and that information will be available to participants after the debriefing session.

Purpose

To provide the Mercer community with current and past issues of oppression while providing a proactive approach in personal and student development. The Tunnel of Oppression will use both passive and active programming to this program. Different rooms will be utilized to provide students with performance on different topics.

Goals

Create opportunities for students to experience realistic scenarios of oppression in hopes of inspiring civic engagement, education, and dialogue.
Set a benchmark for and initiate diversity programming on Mercer University’s campus and the Macon community.
Provide opportunities for students to become involved in civic activities by including them in and introducing them to public groups that address similar issues.
Promote discussion and collaboration between Mercer University entities: Student Affairs, the Faculty, Student Life, Residence Life, Student Support Services, CAPS, First-Year Programs, Religious Life, etc.

Additional Resources Community Outreach Large Group Reservation

January 31- February 1, 2008
6:00pm-9:00pm

February 2, 200810:00am- 1:00pm