ME TOO MONOLOGUES
ME TOO MONOLOGUES
HANDBOOK
HANDBOOK
Table of Contents: Table of Contents: I. What is MTM? I. What is MTM? Executive Summary Executive Summary Goals Goals Purpose Purpose Future Vision Future Vision Show Life Cycle Show Life Cycle Our Online Presence Our Online Presence II. Why MTM?
II. Why MTM?
The Big Picture: Empathy and Identity Building The Big Picture: Empathy and Identity Building Intersectionality
Intersectionality
This Generation’s Form of Advocacy This Generation’s Form of Advocacy
Teaching Aids for Faculty and Student Organizations/Support Institutions Teaching Aids for Faculty and Student Organizations/Support Institutions III. How MTM?
III. How MTM?
Understanding Privilege, Valuing Diversity Understanding Privilege, Valuing Diversity Timeline Timeline Organization Structure Organization Structure Guide to Producing Guide to Producing Guide to Directing Guide to Directing Guide to Acting Guide to Acting
Guide to Getting Writers/Editing Work Guide to Getting Writers/Editing Work Guide to Writing
Guide to Writing IV.
IV. Quick Guide to LaunchingQuick Guide to Launching FAQs FAQs What to Expect What to Expect History History
V. Gaining Administration Support V. Gaining Administration Support
Alignment with Diversity Goals of Higher Education Alignment with Diversity Goals of Higher Education MTM Mechanisms of Effect (Proof It Works)
MTM Mechanisms of Effect (Proof It Works) 1.
1. Emotional Intimacy Enhances Memory and Commitment to Prosocial BehaviorEmotional Intimacy Enhances Memory and Commitment to Prosocial Behavior 2.
2. Overcoming Compassion Fatigue with Comedic ReliefOvercoming Compassion Fatigue with Comedic Relief 3.
3. Palliative NarrativePalliative Narrative 4.
4. Contact Theory/Mere Exposure Effect & Intergroup Anxiety/Selection BiasContact Theory/Mere Exposure Effect & Intergroup Anxiety/Selection Bias 5.
5. Emerging AdulthoodEmerging Adulthood 6.
6. Effortless Perfection: Breaking the Mirror & Bringing New Forms of ReflectionEffortless Perfection: Breaking the Mirror & Bringing New Forms of Reflection 7.
8.
8. Counteracting Shame and LonelinessCounteracting Shame and Loneliness 9.
9. Working Against an Alternative Unfriendly EnvironmentWorking Against an Alternative Unfriendly Environment 10.
10. Breaking Down Categorization/Stereotype to Combat PrejudiceBreaking Down Categorization/Stereotype to Combat Prejudice 11.
11. Perspective-Taking & Personalizing the IssuePerspective-Taking & Personalizing the Issue 12.
12. Allows for IntersectionalityAllows for Intersectionality 13.
13. Groupthink in a Good WayGroupthink in a Good Way VI. Resources, Support, and Contacts VI. Resources, Support, and Contacts
Here’s a print version Here’s a print version
Find downloadable versions at
Find downloadable versions at www.metoomonologues.comwww.metoomonologues.com VII. Appendices
VII. Appendices
A: Constitution (for Our Charter as a Student Organization) A: Constitution (for Our Charter as a Student Organization) B: Sample Rehearsal Schedule
B: Sample Rehearsal Schedule C: Sample Pre-Show Speech C: Sample Pre-Show Speech D: Production Team Application D: Production Team Application E: Appeal for Funding
E: Appeal for Funding F: Sample Program F: Sample Program G: Sample Budget G: Sample Budget H:
H: Audition BlurbAudition Blurb
I: Invites for Faculty & Special Guests I: Invites for Faculty & Special Guests J: Graphics
J: Graphics
K: Categorized Duke MTMs on Youtube (2011-2014) K: Categorized Duke MTMs on Youtube (2011-2014)
I.
I. What is MTM?What is MTM? Executive Summary Executive Summary
Me Too Monologues is an annual show about identity written, performed, and produced Me Too Monologues is an annual show about identity written, performed, and produced by members of a university community. Students, alumni, and faculty submit stories of their by members of a university community. Students, alumni, and faculty submit stories of their
experiences, and they become a documentary theatre performance. Founded at Duke in 2009, the experiences, and they become a documentary theatre performance. Founded at Duke in 2009, the show originally focused on race, ethnicity, and culture, but over the years it has expanded to show originally focused on race, ethnicity, and culture, but over the years it has expanded to include broader concepts of identity. Recent performances have included monologues on include broader concepts of identity. Recent performances have included monologues on sexuality, class, gender, religion, family, social life, mental illness, abuse, an
sexuality, class, gender, religion, family, social life, mental illness, abuse, an d community.d community. Goals
Goals !
! Assert that, whatever issues a particular student may be deaAssert that, whatever issues a particular student may be dealing with, he/she is not alone.ling with, he/she is not alone. !
! To promote a more supportive and empathetic community climate.To promote a more supportive and empathetic community climate. !
! To dispel the myth of effortless perfection at Duke To dispel the myth of effortless perfection at Duke by presenting student strengths andby presenting student strengths and weaknesses as natural and acceptable.
weaknesses as natural and acceptable. Purpose
Purpose
The purpose of MTM is to expose
The purpose of MTM is to expose audiences to stories and experiences to audiences to stories and experiences to which theywhich they might not otherwise have access, using theatrical performance to encourage empathy and identity might not otherwise have access, using theatrical performance to encourage empathy and identity exploration. The stories chosen for the show
exploration. The stories chosen for the show often feature controversial viewpoints thatoften feature controversial viewpoints that encourage the audience to engage in new modes of thinking and reevaluate their own encourage the audience to engage in new modes of thinking and reevaluate their own perceptions, both of their environment and themselves. Conversely, when a person in the perceptions, both of their environment and themselves. Conversely, when a person in the
audience can relate to
audience can relate to the character’s struggle the monologue provides a the character’s struggle the monologue provides a reaffirming sense ofreaffirming sense of validation and support, showing that person
validation and support, showing that person that he or she is not alonethat he or she is not alone. This is where the “Me. This is where the “Me Too” part of the production
Too” part of the production title was derived— as in, “You feel alonetitle was derived— as in, “You feel alone/don’t have things figured/don’t have things figured out/are having a hard time? … Me too.”
out/are having a hard time? … Me too.”
“Effortless perfection” — the sense that one must have
“Effortless perfection” — the sense that one must have the perfect grades, perfect body,the perfect grades, perfect body, perfect social life, all without an visible effort— r
perfect social life, all without an visible effort— reigns on many college campus whereeigns on many college campus where
overachievement is expected. MTM aims to create a safe space where that toxic notion can be overachievement is expected. MTM aims to create a safe space where that toxic notion can be combated through a more
combated through a more realistic, alternative narrative— one that is more honest and vulnerablerealistic, alternative narrative— one that is more honest and vulnerable due to the protective guise of anonymity. When a new actor steps onto the stage, the audience due to the protective guise of anonymity. When a new actor steps onto the stage, the audience can never be entirely sure what they are going to see or what new mode of thinking they will can never be entirely sure what they are going to see or what new mode of thinking they will encounter. Some stories in the show
encounter. Some stories in the show bring laughter, while others bring tears.bring laughter, while others bring tears. MTM also strives to provide a successful model for uniting members of
MTM also strives to provide a successful model for uniting members of differentdifferent advocacy groups on college campuses. At Duke, we are blessed to have a multitude of centers advocacy groups on college campuses. At Duke, we are blessed to have a multitude of centers including the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black
including the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, the Center for Multicultural Affairs,Culture, the Center for Multicultural Affairs, the Center for Sexual and
the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, the Kenan Center for Ethics, the Gender Diversity, the Kenan Center for Ethics, the Women’s Center,Women’s Center, and the Center for Race
and the Center for Race Relations. While these centers serve a crucial purpose Relations. While these centers serve a crucial purpose in providing ain providing a safe space and sense of community, not all students take full advantage of them. They either lack safe space and sense of community, not all students take full advantage of them. They either lack knowledge of the resources each provides, do not feel they belong to the center’s “target”
knowledge of the resources each provides, do not feel they belong to the center’s “target” demographic, or view the ce
attending events at each center are those most heavily impacted by the issues being discussed, so attending events at each center are those most heavily impacted by the issues being discussed, so the programming just preaches to the c
the programming just preaches to the choir. Simply through its entertainment value— but also inhoir. Simply through its entertainment value— but also in its diverse overall representation of issues— MTM draws attendance from a wide
its diverse overall representation of issues— MTM draws attendance from a wide variety ofvariety of groups that would normally opt out
groups that would normally opt out of certain types of programming or discussions that do noof certain types of programming or discussions that do nott apply to them directly. In this way
apply to them directly. In this way it successfully creates a sense of universal humanity andit successfully creates a sense of universal humanity and advocacy.
advocacy.
After each performance, the audience is invited to engage in “talk back” dialogues with After each performance, the audience is invited to engage in “talk back” dialogues with the production team, members of the
the production team, members of the cast, and two facilitators. The intended result is honest acast, and two facilitators. The intended result is honest andnd sincere dialogue and reflection that would otherwise be hard to generate. Even those that do not sincere dialogue and reflection that would otherwise be hard to generate. Even those that do not attend the post-discussion almost always leave the theater ha
attend the post-discussion almost always leave the theater having deeper discussions amongving deeper discussions among themselves as they continue to process wha
themselves as they continue to process what they just took in. There is a t they just took in. There is a strong link between thestrong link between the awakened understanding of these
awakened understanding of these issues resulting from these conversations and the productionissues resulting from these conversations and the production and future prosocial behavior.
Future Vision Future Vision
We have seen firsthand the incredible impact a production like MTM can have on a We have seen firsthand the incredible impact a production like MTM can have on a college campus. The following pages will feature testimonials from audience members, college campus. The following pages will feature testimonials from audience members,
production team members, writers, actors, and administration. From our own experiences we production team members, writers, actors, and administration. From our own experiences we
have figured out a system that
have figured out a system that works and would love to hworks and would love to help schools interested in bringing MTMelp schools interested in bringing MTM to their campuses in any way
to their campuses in any way possible! Use us, ask us questions! Contact us atpossible! Use us, ask us questions! Contact us at [email protected]
[email protected] or or [email protected]@gmail.com. In this handbook we have. In this handbook we have included all the materials we have
included all the materials we have created over the years and created over the years and compiled tons of tips for gettingcompiled tons of tips for getting administration on board, getting the student body invested, finding funding, and so on.
administration on board, getting the student body invested, finding funding, and so on.
We encourage you to take what we have to offer, while also allowing your own creativity We encourage you to take what we have to offer, while also allowing your own creativity to flow into your own finalized product. There is so much room for adding your own unique to flow into your own finalized product. There is so much room for adding your own unique twist to the model we have created We would love, however, to be notified if you do decide to twist to the model we have created We would love, however, to be notified if you do decide to jump in on the national expansion of MTM so we can link any websites or Youtube channels you jump in on the national expansion of MTM so we can link any websites or Youtube channels you
may develop to our upcoming national MTM site. This way we can all be part of one big MTM may develop to our upcoming national MTM site. This way we can all be part of one big MTM community and take part in the successes of everyone’s efforts. We all have something to learn community and take part in the successes of everyone’s efforts. We all have something to learn and gain from each
and gain from each other! This is just the beginning!other! This is just the beginning!
“[Sitting in the audience is like] hearing a Dear Diary entry or a confession to your “[Sitting in the audience is like] hearing a Dear Diary entry or a confession to your closest friend or a secret that has never been told before. Monologue after monologue allows closest friend or a secret that has never been told before. Monologue after monologue allows
you to take
you to take residence residence in someonin someone else’s hee else’s head for a few mad for a few minutes, and cinutes, and connect wionnect with eachth each distinctive perspective through laughter, tears, and pure felt emotion. Suddenly, you find distinctive perspective through laughter, tears, and pure felt emotion. Suddenly, you find yourself a
yourself able to connble to connect with coect with complete strmplete strangers as yangers as you realize ou realize their emottheir emotions, trials, aions, trials, andnd tribulations are not so strange. Muscles are to gym, as empathy is to Me Too.” tribulations are not so strange. Muscles are to gym, as empathy is to Me Too.”
-Andrew Kragie, Me Too actor (Class of ’15) -Andrew Kragie, Me Too actor (Class of ’15)
Show Life Cycle: Show Life Cycle:
!
! March:March:Production team selectionProduction team selection !
! April:April: Book the venue for proper dates, tentative plans for the year, get website and Book the venue for proper dates, tentative plans for the year, get website and Facebook page up and running (update submission deadline and audition dates) Facebook page up and running (update submission deadline and audition dates) !
! SeptemberSeptember: Meet once a week as a production team to work through details (reaching: Meet once a week as a production team to work through details (reaching out for submissions via listservs and speaking at meetings, flyering, other forms of out for submissions via listservs and speaking at meetings, flyering, other forms of publicity, funding, graphic design, t-shirts & stickers)
publicity, funding, graphic design, t-shirts & stickers) !
! OctoberOctober: Submissions due mid-month, auditions begin shortly after; have all: Submissions due mid-month, auditions begin shortly after; have all monologues and actors selected by end of the month
monologues and actors selected by end of the month !
! November: Email out decisions, begin individual anNovember: Email out decisions, begin individual and small group rehearsalsd small group rehearsals !
! DecemberDecember: Actors must have monologues memorized before : Actors must have monologues memorized before leaving for breakleaving for break !
! January: Rehearsals become more intensive, full week of nightly rehearsals before showJanuary: Rehearsals become more intensive, full week of nightly rehearsals before show time, tech run-through
time, tech run-through !
! FebruaryFebruary: Shows the first weekend of the month (before all other school programming: Shows the first weekend of the month (before all other school programming begins)
begins)
Our Online Presence: Our Online Presence:
http://www.metoomonologuesduke.org http://www.metoomonologuesduke.org
https://www.youtube.com/user/metoomonologues/playlists https://www.youtube.com/user/metoomonologues/playlists
II. Why MTM? II. Why MTM?
The Big Picture: Empathy and Identity Building The Big Picture: Empathy and Identity Building
Empathy and identity are the keys to bringing about engagement in social justice issues Empathy and identity are the keys to bringing about engagement in social justice issues and increasing prosocial behavior. Both elements converge in MTM, as audience members and increasing prosocial behavior. Both elements converge in MTM, as audience members experience empathy while taking the perspective of each narrative performed on stage and are experience empathy while taking the perspective of each narrative performed on stage and are immersed in an emotional connectivity that c
immersed in an emotional connectivity that can impact the way they an impact the way they see their own worlds, assee their own worlds, as well as their role in those worlds.
well as their role in those worlds. Clinical and developmentalClinical and developmental psychology expert James Marcia psychology expert James Marcia explains that the stronger an empathetic connection, the more likely one is to integrate an explains that the stronger an empathetic connection, the more likely one is to integrate an experience into his or her moral
experience into his or her moral identity, or the “growth of moral values, chidentity, or the “growth of moral values, character, andaracter, and behavior” within an overall identity concept.
behavior” within an overall identity concept.11 Moral identity enforces commitments because they Moral identity enforces commitments because they essentially state, I would not be myself if I acted
essentially state, I would not be myself if I acted or thought in a way that or thought in a way that was different fromwas different from what I have personally committed to.
what I have personally committed to.22 The resulting intrinsic motivation reinforces strong The resulting intrinsic motivation reinforces strong
incentives to behave according to one’s own identity principles, allowing agency and purpose to incentives to behave according to one’s own identity principles, allowing agency and purpose to truly be a part of identity.
truly be a part of identity.
Much of what our production team considers to be the magic of MTM closely aligns with Much of what our production team considers to be the magic of MTM closely aligns with the South African concept of “ubuntu.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu defines ubuntu as:
the South African concept of “ubuntu.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu defines ubuntu as:
[T]he very essence of being human. When we went to give high praise to someone we say, [T]he very essence of being human. When we went to give high praise to someone we say, “Yu, u nobuntu”; “Hey, so-and-so has ubuntu.” You are generous, you are hospitable, you “Yu, u nobuntu”; “Hey, so-and-so has ubuntu.” You are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, “My are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours.” We belong in a bundle of life. humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours.” We belong in a bundle of life. We say, “A person is a person through other persons.” It is not, “I think therefore I am.” It We say, “A person is a person through other persons.” It is not, “I think therefore I am.” It says rathe
says rather: “I am humr: “I am human becauan because I belongse I belong. I participa. I participate, I share.” A te, I share.” A person wiperson with ubuntu isth ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are able and good, for he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are… To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of less than who they are… To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest. What dehumanizes you inexorably dehumanizes me.
interest. What dehumanizes you inexorably dehumanizes me.33 It is this sense of unity that the MTM produc
It is this sense of unity that the MTM production seeks to create. While the show dotion seeks to create. While the show does highlightes highlight difference, it also demonstrates that no matter how different we
difference, it also demonstrates that no matter how different we may seem, we are all conmay seem, we are all connected by thenected by the emotions and vulnerability that make us human. As Maya Angelou once said,
emotions and vulnerability that make us human. As Maya Angelou once said, “I am a human being,“I am a human being, nothing human can be alien to me.”
nothing human can be alien to me.”
1 1
Marcia, J.E., (1966), Development and validation of ego
Marcia, J.E., (1966), Development and validation of ego identity status, Journal of Personality and Socialidentity status, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
Psychology,
Vol 3, pp. 551-558 [Journal Article] Vol 3, pp. 551-558 [Journal Article]
2 2
Waterman, A. “Finding Someone to be: Studies on
Waterman, A. “Finding Someone to be: Studies on the Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Identity Formation.”the Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Identity Formation.” Identity:
Identity:
An International Journal of The
An International Journal of The ory and Researchory and Research, Vol 4(3), Jul, 2004. pp. , Vol 4(3), Jul, 2004. pp. 209-228. Publisher: Lawrence209-228. Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum [Journal Article]
Erlbaum [Journal Article]
3 3
In order to understand the role
In order to understand the role of empathy and identity within MTM, we of empathy and identity within MTM, we wish to break downwish to break down what both terms mean in a psychological sense and how they play a role in promoting
what both terms mean in a psychological sense and how they play a role in promoting prosocial behavior.
prosocial behavior. Empathy Empathy is the “chief enabling process to altruism,” as it is “the prime is the “chief enabling process to altruism,” as it is “the prime inhibitor of human cruelty.”
inhibitor of human cruelty.”44 Withholding our natural inclination to feel with another allows us Withholding our natural inclination to feel with another allows us to treat the other as an It,” but rather a human being. Daniel Goleman, who coined the term to treat the other as an It,” but rather a human being. Daniel Goleman, who coined the term “emotional intelligence,” explains that empathy goes beyond numbers and statistics, which “emotional intelligence,” explains that empathy goes beyond numbers and statistics, which evoke rational parts of our brain that
evoke rational parts of our brain that think in a non-personal way, think in a non-personal way, to the incorporation of faces,to the incorporation of faces, lives, and stories that humanize the issue. The
lives, and stories that humanize the issue. The most important thing to recognize about empathymost important thing to recognize about empathy is that “to understand what someone
is that “to understand what someone else experiences… we utilize the same brain wiring that else experiences… we utilize the same brain wiring that isis active during our own experience.”
active during our own experience.”55 For example, “When we hear an anguished scream, it For example, “When we hear an anguished scream, it activates the same parts of our brain that
activates the same parts of our brain that experience such anguish, as weexperience such anguish, as well as the preemptorll as the preemptor cortex, a sign we are prepared to act.”
cortex, a sign we are prepared to act.”66 By the same token, “Hearing someone tell an unhappy By the same token, “Hearing someone tell an unhappy story in doleful tones activates the listener’s motor cortex—which activates movements— as story in doleful tones activates the listener’s motor cortex—which activates movements— as well as the amygdala and
well as the amygdala and related circuits for sadness.”related circuits for sadness.”77 When we empathize to the extent that we When we empathize to the extent that we
4 4
Goleman, D. (2006).
Goleman, D. (2006). Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human RelationshipsSocial Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships. New York: Bantam Dell. p.. New York: Bantam Dell. p. 117. 117. [Book] [Book] 5 5 (Goleman, 2007, p. 28) (Goleman, 2007, p. 28) 6 6 (Goleman, 2007, p. 60) (Goleman, 2007, p. 60) 7 7 (Goleman, 2007, p. 60) (Goleman, 2007, p. 60)
truly connect with another person’s experience, we do not just connect emotionally— we are truly connect with another person’s experience, we do not just connect emotionally— we are additionally motivated to act and respond accordingly.
additionally motivated to act and respond accordingly. In a the winning entry of
In a the winning entry of the Huffington Post 2013 Sustained Dialogue the Huffington Post 2013 Sustained Dialogue Empathy EssayEmpathy Essay Contest, Eke Agu, a Harvard student, poetically captures the essence of what empathy feels like Contest, Eke Agu, a Harvard student, poetically captures the essence of what empathy feels like as it occurs:
as it occurs:
This conversation [with a friend talking about discrimination] was not about statistics or This conversation [with a friend talking about discrimination] was not about statistics or innovative argumentative strategies; it was about the lived experiences… I suddenly felt innovative argumentative strategies; it was about the lived experiences… I suddenly felt very open -- not only in the sense that I was more willing to accept his assertions; I became very open -- not only in the sense that I was more willing to accept his assertions; I became so aware o
so aware of my insensf my insensitivity that I itivity that I felt Adam-felt Adam-and-Eve nand-Eve naked…. I caked…. I chose to remhose to remain exposeain exposed,d, steeping in
steeping in this bizarrthis bizarre sensatioe sensation of dissonan of dissonance, vulnence, vulnerability, anrability, and couraged courage… you do no… you do nott have to attempt walking [in someone else’s shoes] to empathize -- just trying to fit into have to attempt walking [in someone else’s shoes] to empathize -- just trying to fit into [them]… can be quite jarring. There is a dissonance in realizing that you have different but [them]… can be quite jarring. There is a dissonance in realizing that you have different but valid claims and a vulnerability begging that you accept this truth. It does not demand pity valid claims and a vulnerability begging that you accept this truth. It does not demand pity but rather courage. I will never know what it means to be a gay man of color raised on La but rather courage. I will never know what it means to be a gay man of color raised on La Frontera. W
Frontera. What I can dhat I can do is simply so is simply step my feetep my feet into his shot into his shoes by remees by remembering pmbering personalersonal encounters that have elicited similarly visceral reactions in me.
encounters that have elicited similarly visceral reactions in me. Her beautiful description captures not just the scientific jargon, but
Her beautiful description captures not just the scientific jargon, but also the human elements ofalso the human elements of the experience.
the experience. Identity
Identity is “a social-psychological construct that reflects is “a social-psychological construct that reflects social infl social influencesuences through through imitation and identification processes and
imitation and identification processes and active self-constructionactive self-construction in the creation of what is in the creation of what is important to the self and others.”
important to the self and others.”88 Another less technical way to think of identity is as “a self- Another less technical way to think of identity is as “a self-regulatory system which functions to direct attention, filter or process information, manage regulatory system which functions to direct attention, filter or process information, manage impressions, and select appropriate responses.”
impressions, and select appropriate responses.”99 The five most commonly documented functions The five most commonly documented functions of identity are: 1) “Providing a structure for understanding who one is,” 2) “Providing meaning of identity are: 1) “Providing a structure for understanding who one is,” 2) “Providing meaning and direction through commitments, values and
and direction through commitments, values and goals,” 3) “Providing a sense ogoals,” 3) “Providing a sense of personal controlf personal control and free will,” 4) “Striving for consistency, coherence, and harmony between values, beliefs, and and free will,” 4) “Striving for consistency, coherence, and harmony between values, beliefs, and commitments,” and 5) “Enabling the
commitments,” and 5) “Enabling the recognition of potential through a sense of recognition of potential through a sense of future,future, possibilities, and alternative choices.”
possibilities, and alternative choices.”1010 Identity is made up of factors such as race, gender, Identity is made up of factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and sexuality, as well as
socioeconomic status, religion, and sexuality, as well as factors like the time period in which onefactors like the time period in which one is living, place of birth, family history, and so
is living, place of birth, family history, and so on. The embeddedness of on. The embeddedness of an identity markeran identity marker shows the extent to which it is a part of our daily lives. Identity is personal and collective, and shows the extent to which it is a part of our daily lives. Identity is personal and collective, and both forms require balance with each other.
both forms require balance with each other.
8 8
Adams, G., & Marshall, K.
Adams, G., & Marshall, K. A developmental social psychology of A developmental social psychology of identity: understanding the person-in-context.identity: understanding the person-in-context. Journal of Adolescenc
Journal of Adolescenc ee, Vol 19(5), Oct, 1996. pp. , Vol 19(5), Oct, 1996. pp. 433. Publisher: Elsevier Science [Journal Article]433. Publisher: Elsevier Science [Journal Article]
9 9
Adams & Marshall, 1996, p. 433) Adams & Marshall, 1996, p. 433)
10 10
(Adams & Marshall, 1996, p. 433) (Adams & Marshall, 1996, p. 433)
Intersectionality Intersectionality
One definite root of stereotyping and subsequent
One definite root of stereotyping and subsequent prejudices is the belief that individualsprejudices is the belief that individuals can be fully defined by
can be fully defined by one aspect of their identity, when one aspect of their identity, when in fact all identities are multi-in fact all identities are multi-dimensional. In 1991, feminist scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw coined
dimensional. In 1991, feminist scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw coined this notion of mergingthis notion of merging identity markers under the term “intersectionality.” We believe intersectionality is a critical identity markers under the term “intersectionality.” We believe intersectionality is a critical factor MTM is able to provide to
factor MTM is able to provide to identity debate, as it allows people to talk identity debate, as it allows people to talk not just aboutnot just about specific identity markers, but also about how multiple iden
specific identity markers, but also about how multiple identity markers converge to create atity markers converge to create a
distinct identity experience. Crenshaw’s term “intersectionality” originated from a field study she distinct identity experience. Crenshaw’s term “intersectionality” originated from a field study she was doing of battered women’s shelters located in
was doing of battered women’s shelters located in minority communities in Los Angeles. Sheminority communities in Los Angeles. She later published an article in the Stanford Law Review, in which she explained that experiences of later published an article in the Stanford Law Review, in which she explained that experiences of women of color are often the
women of color are often the product of intersecting patterns of racism and sexism, yet product of intersecting patterns of racism and sexism, yet thesethese experiences almost always lack representation within the discourses of bo
experiences almost always lack representation within the discourses of bo th feminism andth feminism and antiracism.
antiracism.1111 This is because “their intersectional identity as both women This is because “their intersectional identity as both women and and of color within of color within discourses that are shaped to respond to one or the other.”
discourses that are shaped to respond to one or the other.”1212 Crenshaw explains that because Crenshaw explains that because “patterns of subordination intersect,”
“patterns of subordination intersect,”1313 those with multiple subordinate identity markers are those with multiple subordinate identity markers are marginalized within their marginalized groups. She suggests that “racism as experienced by marginalized within their marginalized groups. She suggests that “racism as experienced by people of color who are of a particular gender—male—tends to determine the parameters of people of color who are of a particular gender—male—tends to determine the parameters of
antiracist strategies, just as sexism is experienced by women who
antiracist strategies, just as sexism is experienced by women who are a particular race—white— are a particular race—white— tends to ground the women’s movement.”
tends to ground the women’s movement.”1414 Overall, “the problem is not simply that bo Overall, “the problem is not simply that bothth discourses fail women of color by not
discourses fail women of color by not acknowledging the ‘additional’ issue of race or acknowledging the ‘additional’ issue of race or ofof
patriarchy but that the discourses are often inadequate even to the discrete tasks of articulating patriarchy but that the discourses are often inadequate even to the discrete tasks of articulating
[them within] the full dimensions of racism and sexism.”
[them within] the full dimensions of racism and sexism.”1515 The consequence of this is that The consequence of this is that
intervention strategies meant to alleviate oppression are often based solely on the experiences of intervention strategies meant to alleviate oppression are often based solely on the experiences of women who do not share the same class or racial background and are of limited help to women women who do not share the same class or racial background and are of limited help to women who, because of race and class, face different obstacles. Crenshaw stresses that “women of color who, because of race and class, face different obstacles. Crenshaw stresses that “women of color occupy positions both physically and
occupy positions both physically and culturally marginalized within dominant society, and soculturally marginalized within dominant society, and so information must be targeted directly to them in o
information must be targeted directly to them in order to reach them.”rder to reach them.”1616 The example of The example of overlapping marginalization via race and gender is just one of the many examples of how overlapping marginalization via race and gender is just one of the many examples of how minorities may find themselves at a disadvantage even within their own minority groups. The minorities may find themselves at a disadvantage even within their own minority groups. The design of MTM allows issues of intersectionality to be directly addressed, for the
design of MTM allows issues of intersectionality to be directly addressed, for the piecespieces performed are able to adequately capture intersectionality and its consequences through performed are able to adequately capture intersectionality and its consequences through
monologues directly reflecting personal experiences. monologues directly reflecting personal experiences.
11 11
Krenshaw, K. Mapping the
Krenshaw, K. Mapping the Margins: IntersectionalityMargins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence , Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color.Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review
Stanford Law Review, Vol., Vol. 4343, July 1991, 1241-1299 [Journal Article], July 1991, 1241-1299 [Journal Article]
12 12 (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1244) (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1244) 13 13 (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1249) (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1249) 14 14 Ibid. Ibid. 15 15 (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1246) (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1246) 16 16 (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1250) (Krenshaw, 1991, p. 1250)
Our Generation’s Form of Advocacy Our Generation’s Form of Advocacy
MTM is advocacy in its purest form. Each monologue brings a face to a statistic, making MTM is advocacy in its purest form. Each monologue brings a face to a statistic, making it real and, therefore, important and relevant to each person in the audience. Because of empathy it real and, therefore, important and relevant to each person in the audience. Because of empathy and identity, one cannot easily sit through a monologue where someone speaks from the heart and identity, one cannot easily sit through a monologue where someone speaks from the heart about the pain hearing phrases like “That’s so gay” brings him or her and continue to use it in about the pain hearing phrases like “That’s so gay” brings him or her and continue to use it in their own everyday speech. Similarly, they cannot listen to someone give account of sexual their own everyday speech. Similarly, they cannot listen to someone give account of sexual assault and not be more motivated to act instead of being a bystander when seeing a risky assault and not be more motivated to act instead of being a bystander when seeing a risky situation.
situation.
It has been argued that ou
It has been argued that our generation is less political than generations in the par generation is less political than generations in the past whost who actively protested the Vietnam War, led rallies on
actively protested the Vietnam War, led rallies on abortion, and participated in sit-ins for Civilabortion, and participated in sit-ins for Civil Rights. We would argue, however,
Rights. We would argue, however, that our generation simply expresses its advocacy in that our generation simply expresses its advocacy in aa
different form. The way in which one must fight racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism has different form. The way in which one must fight racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism has transformed just as these forms and manifestations of oppression themselves have mutated.
transformed just as these forms and manifestations of oppression themselves have mutated. Now,Now, the initial part of the problem is convincing
the initial part of the problem is convincing people that there is still work to be people that there is still work to be done. Shih states,done. Shih states, “Although few people would
“Although few people would dispute the existence of egregious displays of racism in dispute the existence of egregious displays of racism in the past,the past, the denial of ongoing discrimination in contemporary society is commonplace.” She continues, the denial of ongoing discrimination in contemporary society is commonplace.” She continues, “Social movements such as the
“Social movements such as the Civil Rights Movement have helped create Civil Rights Movement have helped create large, overt shifts inlarge, overt shifts in attitudes and behaviors in a relatively short amount of time,” while “understanding how to alter attitudes and behaviors in a relatively short amount of time,” while “understanding how to alter more subtle types of prejudice and intergroup attitudes has been a much more challenging more subtle types of prejudice and intergroup attitudes has been a much more challenging endeavor.”
endeavor.”1717
Psychologists note that these more subtle forms tend to bud
Psychologists note that these more subtle forms tend to bud from implicit or unconscious,from implicit or unconscious, internal sources of prejudice.
internal sources of prejudice.1818 As a result, denial of discrimination occurs on both institutional As a result, denial of discrimination occurs on both institutional
17 17
Shih, M., Gutierrez, A., &
Shih, M., Gutierrez, A., & Stotzer, R. Perspective-Taking and Empathy: Generalizing the Reduction of Stotzer, R. Perspective-Taking and Empathy: Generalizing the Reduction of GroupGroup Bias
Bias
Toward Asian Americans to General Outgroups.
Toward Asian Americans to General Outgroups. Journal of Abnormal Psyc Journal of Abnormal Psyc hologyhology, Vol 4(2), Jun, 2013., Vol 4(2), Jun, 2013. pp.79-83
pp.79-83. Publisher. Publisher: Educati: Educational Publional Publishing Founshing Foundation [Jdation [Journal Artournal Article]icle]
18 18
Devine, P. G. (1989).
Devine, P. G. (1989). Stereotypes and Prejudice: Their automatic and Stereotypes and Prejudice: Their automatic and controlled components.controlled components. Journal of Journal of Personality
Personality
and Social Psychology,
and individual levels, so that even when these group disparities do get acknowledged, they are and individual levels, so that even when these group disparities do get acknowledged, they are often attributed to factors other than discrimination such as laziness or natural disposition. often attributed to factors other than discrimination such as laziness or natural disposition.1919 Political movements of the past successful fought for rights and
Political movements of the past successful fought for rights and legislation. While there are stilllegislation. While there are still battles that need to be fought on this front— such as having same-sex marriage legalized in all battles that need to be fought on this front— such as having same-sex marriage legalized in all
50 states— we believe the challenge
50 states— we believe the challenge our generation must faces is often (though not our generation must faces is often (though not always) lessalways) less blatant than hate crimes and takes the form of microaggressions. Microaggressions are “
blatant than hate crimes and takes the form of microaggressions. Microaggressions are “are theare the
everyday verbal, nonverbal, a
everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional ornd environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or
unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or
unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target personsnegative messages to target persons
based solely upon their marginalized group membership.”
based solely upon their marginalized group membership.”2020 While often unintentional, they still While often unintentional, they still have a dramatic impact on
have a dramatic impact on people’s sense of self worth and ability to people’s sense of self worth and ability to succeed in both their publicsucceed in both their public and private spheres.
and private spheres.
We believe that most people are
We believe that most people are not purposefully racist, sexist, homophobic— theynot purposefully racist, sexist, homophobic— they simply are not aware of how
simply are not aware of how their actions impact others due to the invisibility of privilege. Thetheir actions impact others due to the invisibility of privilege. The result is offensive microaggressions such as, “You’re not good at math? You’re not a
result is offensive microaggressions such as, “You’re not good at math? You’re not a real real Asian” Asian” or “Food points are like monopoly money” or “Can I touch your hair?” Though not intended to or “Food points are like monopoly money” or “Can I touch your hair?” Though not intended to be harmful, these comments and attitudes play a role in supporting systems of oppression that be harmful, these comments and attitudes play a role in supporting systems of oppression that
reinforce hierarchical structures and effect other’s senses of self and worth. Todd
reinforce hierarchical structures and effect other’s senses of self and worth. Todd et al. pointset al. points out,
out, “An unacknowledged problem is an unsolved problem,” so “An unacknowledged problem is an unsolved problem,” so “a question of vital import“a question of vital importanceance to future efforts to redress intergroup inequality… is how best to penetrate
to future efforts to redress intergroup inequality… is how best to penetrate the pervasivethe pervasive discrimination denial [which some theoretical perspective have equated with racism itself
discrimination denial [which some theoretical perspective have equated with racism itself 2121] that] that characterizes majority group culture.”
characterizes majority group culture.”2222 We are not living in a We are not living in a post-racial society simply becausepost-racial society simply because we have a Black president, and LGBTQ issues will not be absolved once marriage is an option we have a Black president, and LGBTQ issues will not be absolved once marriage is an option for all regardless of sexuality.
for all regardless of sexuality.
Yes, there have been clear gains have been made in the court to combat numerous social Yes, there have been clear gains have been made in the court to combat numerous social justice issues, but they “have not been accompanied by corresponding equality in important life justice issues, but they “have not been accompanied by corresponding equality in important life
domains, such as family assets, access to quality e
domains, such as family assets, access to quality education, desirable jobs, physical and mentalducation, desirable jobs, physical and mental health, among others.”
health, among others.”2323 It is one thing to change laws and policies and an It is one thing to change laws and policies and another thing entirely forother thing entirely for
19 19
Shih, M., Gutierrez, A., &
Shih, M., Gutierrez, A., & Stotzer, R. Perspective-Taking and Empathy: Generalizing the Reduction of Stotzer, R. Perspective-Taking and Empathy: Generalizing the Reduction of GroupGroup Bias
Bias
Toward Asian Americans to General Outgroups.
Toward Asian Americans to General Outgroups. Journal of Abnormal Psychology Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Vol 4(2), Jun, 2013., Vol 4(2), Jun, 2013. pp.79-83
pp.79-83. Publisher. Publisher: Educati: Educational Publional Publishing Founshing Foundation [Jdation [Journal Artournal Article]icle]
20 20
Sue, D.W., and David
Sue, D.W., and David Rivera.Rivera.“Microaggressions in Everyday Life.”“Microaggressions in Everyday Life.” Psychology Today Psychology Today. 17 Nov. 2010.. 17 Nov. 2010. <
<http://www.http://www.psychologytoday.com/psychologytoday.com/blog/microaggressiblog/microaggressions-in-everyday-lifons-in-everyday-life/201011/microaggresse/201011/microaggressions- ions-more-just-race
more-just-race>.>.
21 21
McConahay, J.B. (1986).
McConahay, J.B. (1986). In: In:Prejudice, discriminatiPrejudice, discrimination, and racism. on, and racism. Dovidio, John F. (Ed); Dovidio, John F. (Ed); Gaertner, Samuel L.Gaertner, Samuel L. (Ed);
(Ed);
San Diego, CA, US: Academic Press,
San Diego, CA, US: Academic Press, pp.91-125, 337, xiii. [Chapter]pp.91-125, 337, xiii. [Chapter]
22 22
Todd, A., Bodenhausen, G., &
Todd, A., Bodenhausen, G., & Galinsky, A. Perspective taking combats the denial Galinsky, A. Perspective taking combats the denial of intergroup discrimination.of intergroup discrimination. Journal of Experiment
Journal of Experiment al Social Psychologyal Social Psychology, Vol 48(3), May, 2012. pp.738-745. Publisher: Elsevier Science, Vol 48(3), May, 2012. pp.738-745. Publisher: Elsevier Science [Journal Article]
[Journal Article]
23 23
Bertrand, M., & Mullianathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more employable than Lakisha and
Bertrand, M., & Mullianathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A fieldJamal? A field experiment on labor market
these changes to affect culture norms. Th
these changes to affect culture norms. The work of our generation is to e work of our generation is to reveal the invisibility ofreveal the invisibility of privilege and how the work of social justice is still unfinished. The advocacy work of our
privilege and how the work of social justice is still unfinished. The advocacy work of our
generation more often takes the form of awareness campaigns and enlightening discussions, and generation more often takes the form of awareness campaigns and enlightening discussions, and MTM is one of the most effective formats by
MTM is one of the most effective formats by which to do this work.which to do this work.
Teaching Aids for Faculty and Student Organizations/Support Institutions Teaching Aids for Faculty and Student Organizations/Support Institutions
One of the strengths of MTM is that is has
One of the strengths of MTM is that is has many applications outside the theater in whichmany applications outside the theater in which the performance takes place. Our videos on YouTube and ability to share material via Facebook, the performance takes place. Our videos on YouTube and ability to share material via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow us to engage
Twitter, and Instagram allow us to engage in our generation’s new sensationalism of socialin our generation’s new sensationalism of social media. Past monologues can a
media. Past monologues can also act as effective teaching tools for programming by lso act as effective teaching tools for programming by universityuniversity faculty, multicultural and advocacy institutions, and student g
faculty, multicultural and advocacy institutions, and student groups. Our team at Duke hasroups. Our team at Duke has recently developed a programming position on the production team tasked with increasing recently developed a programming position on the production team tasked with increasing solidarity with other groups involved with social justice on ca
solidarity with other groups involved with social justice on campus by announcing their evempus by announcing their eventsnts via our Facebook group (often accompanied by a related monologue). We have also worked with via our Facebook group (often accompanied by a related monologue). We have also worked with several organizations to compile monologues for screenings and discussion programming. The several organizations to compile monologues for screenings and discussion programming. The stories often get participants to feel comfortable opening up
stories often get participants to feel comfortable opening up and having conversations that extendand having conversations that extend past scholarly discussion to personal experience.
past scholarly discussion to personal experience.
In the appendix, we have included all our past monologues on our YouTube page In the appendix, we have included all our past monologues on our YouTube page organized by theme so that you can do this at your school as well, if you so choose! organized by theme so that you can do this at your school as well, if you so choose!
“I remember the first time Me
“I remember the first time Me Too Monologues were performed on campus, and I was struck Too Monologues were performed on campus, and I was struck thenthen
by how powerful it was one
by how powerful it was one a number of levels. To see a number of levels. To see how it has grown, both in audience sizehow it has grown, both in audience size
and in stature on
and in stature on campus, is incredibly encouraging as students grow increasingly conscious ofcampus, is incredibly encouraging as students grow increasingly conscious of
the issues facing marginalized students at
Duke---the issues facing marginalized students at Duke---an in society, as a an in society, as a whole. What amazes me iswhole. What amazes me is
how the Monologues have continued to serve the
how the Monologues have continued to serve the Duke community on two critical levels: itDuke community on two critical levels: it
provides a
provides a very humavery human expressn expression, with alion, with all the emotl the emotional and inional and intellectuatellectual complexl complexity of lifeity of life, of, of
the reality that man
the reality that many students live but ofty students live but often lack a voice of validatioen lack a voice of validation. n. In doing so, iIn doing so, it also servest also serves
to educate those who lack awareness of how
to educate those who lack awareness of how different (and often very difficult) their peers'different (and often very difficult) their peers'
experiences are, prompting a greater sensitivity and
experiences are, prompting a greater sensitivity and respect for the respect for the many different communitiesmany different communities
that make up Duke University.”
that make up Duke University.”
-Gary Glass, Counseling and
-Gary Glass, Counseling and Psychological Services,Psychological Services,
Associate
III. How MTM? III. How MTM?
Understanding Privilege, Valuing Diversity Understanding Privilege, Valuing Diversity
Privilege and diversity are the two most important aspects to
Privilege and diversity are the two most important aspects to pay attention to within thepay attention to within the make-up of the show. Both terms have surface-level denotations with much deeper connotations. make-up of the show. Both terms have surface-level denotations with much deeper connotations. Through our own personal experiences and the knowledge gathered over the past 5 years of Through our own personal experiences and the knowledge gathered over the past 5 years of production, we wish to emphasize that these two components must be taken into consideration production, we wish to emphasize that these two components must be taken into consideration
during every move the
during every move the production team makes. Understanding privilege and production team makes. Understanding privilege and diversity is crucialdiversity is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the show,
to maintaining the integrity of the show, keeping it relevant to campus culture, keeping it relevant to campus culture, and bringingand bringing about the greatest possible impact. This is perhaps
about the greatest possible impact. This is perhaps the most important section of this handbook tothe most important section of this handbook to understand.
understand.
A great strength of MTM is its ability to reveal the
A great strength of MTM is its ability to reveal the invisibility ofinvisibility of privilege privilege. The common. The common notion is that “privilege” denotes high
notion is that “privilege” denotes high socioeconomic status. While this is accurate, it does notsocioeconomic status. While this is accurate, it does not capture the full truth. There are numerous forms of privilege including, but not limited to: white capture the full truth. There are numerous forms of privilege including, but not limited to: white privilege, male privilege, cisgender/hetero privilege, ability privilege, and Christian privilege. privilege, male privilege, cisgender/hetero privilege, ability privilege, and Christian privilege.
These privileges come with the ability to iden
These privileges come with the ability to identify as that which is unmarked or has tify as that which is unmarked or has been labeledbeen labeled the “norm.” Gloria Steinem, a feminist scholar and
the “norm.” Gloria Steinem, a feminist scholar and advocate, further explains, “advocate, further explains, “Whoever is inWhoever is in power take
power takes over the ns over the noun and thoun and the norme norm — — while the less powerful get an adjective. Thus, we while the less powerful get an adjective. Thus, we read about ‘African American doctors’ but not ‘European American doctors,’ ‘Hispanic leaders’ read about ‘African American doctors’ but not ‘European American doctors,’ ‘Hispanic leaders’ but not ‘Anglo leaders,’ ‘gay soldiers’ but not ‘heterosexual soldiers.’"
but not ‘Anglo leaders,’ ‘gay soldiers’ but not ‘heterosexual soldiers.’" 2424 Yet, privilege remains Yet, privilege remains invisible because those that hold it are usually unaware of the difference in experiences between invisible because those that hold it are usually unaware of the difference in experiences between themselves and those who do not share their same identity markers.
themselves and those who do not share their same identity markers.
For example, people who identify as heterosexual have most likely never given extensive For example, people who identify as heterosexual have most likely never given extensive thought to their sexuality because they have never had to “come out,” while most LGBTQ thought to their sexuality because they have never had to “come out,” while most LGBTQ individuals remain in the continuous process of “coming out” to old friends and new for their individuals remain in the continuous process of “coming out” to old friends and new for their entire lives. Many Caucasian people have also probably never thought of themselves as having a entire lives. Many Caucasian people have also probably never thought of themselves as having a
24 24
Steinem, G. (2007, July 11). A Modest Proposal.
Steinem, G. (2007, July 11). A Modest Proposal. Huffington Post Huffington Post . Retrieved June 10, 2014 . Retrieved June 10, 2014 fromfrom http://www
race. From presidents to magazine covers, the faces we’ve predominantly seen have associated race. From presidents to magazine covers, the faces we’ve predominantly seen have associated power with whiteness and beauty according to a white standard. Being white doesn’t feel as power with whiteness and beauty according to a white standard. Being white doesn’t feel as
defining because it doesn’t carry the
defining because it doesn’t carry the mark of “other.” One last example mark of “other.” One last example is that most men haveis that most men have likely not considered that being too drunk or dressing a certain way may be interpreted as an likely not considered that being too drunk or dressing a certain way may be interpreted as an invitation for sexual assault, whereas many women a
invitation for sexual assault, whereas many women are forced to consider these issues every timere forced to consider these issues every time they go out. That sense of unmarkedness and the ability to not have to think about specific issues they go out. That sense of unmarkedness and the ability to not have to think about specific issues is privilege. This privilege can be dangerous, particularly when one people with certain
is privilege. This privilege can be dangerous, particularly when one people with certain
privileges think the way they experience the world is how others must experience the world, and privileges think the way they experience the world is how others must experience the world, and
he or she can
he or she can therefore speak for or represent those others and their interests.therefore speak for or represent those others and their interests.
Production team member Cara Peterson recounts how she used to think that when she Production team member Cara Peterson recounts how she used to think that when she spoke about gender issues, what
spoke about gender issues, what she said was representative of all women, when she said was representative of all women, when it was actuallyit was actually only representative for white, educated, straight/cisgender women. Even then, that was not only representative for white, educated, straight/cisgender women. Even then, that was not entirely accurate because the diversity of
entirely accurate because the diversity of experience within certain identity markers are soexperience within certain identity markers are so expansive. Steinem reiterates Cara’s point, “
expansive. Steinem reiterates Cara’s point, “ A key aspec A key aspect of white wt of white women’s promen’s privilege haivilege has beens been their ability to assume that when they talked about themselves they were talking about all their ability to assume that when they talked about themselves they were talking about all women, and many white feminists have unthinkingly generalized their own situations
women, and many white feminists have unthinkingly generalized their own situations .”.”2525 It is the It is the thoughtless belief that one can speak
thoughtless belief that one can speak for all of humankind— even within the for all of humankind— even within the social justicesocial justice realm— that gets us in trouble, for we c
realm— that gets us in trouble, for we cannot speak for each other’s expeannot speak for each other’s experiences. Each personriences. Each person needs their own chance
needs their own chance to tell their story. This is why it is important that, though to tell their story. This is why it is important that, though anybody in theanybody in the Duke community can write for the
Duke community can write for the show, most of the pieces chosen show, most of the pieces chosen to be performed showcaseto be performed showcase stories highlighting the impacts of identity markers outside the hegemonic
stories highlighting the impacts of identity markers outside the hegemonic “norm.” This allows“norm.” This allows these experiences to have the spotlight for once and to be documented and acknowledged. these experiences to have the spotlight for once and to be documented and acknowledged.
Only by creating a consciousness of p
Only by creating a consciousness of privilege are we able to begin rivilege are we able to begin changing systems ofchanging systems of oppression through empathy and identity
oppression through empathy and identity building. It boils down to the following statement bybuilding. It boils down to the following statement by Robert Anton Wilson: “
Robert Anton Wilson: “ Every kin Every kind of ignorad of ignorance in the wnce in the world all resorld all results from nults from not realizinot realizing thatg that our perceptions are gambles. We believe what we see and then we believe our interpretation of our perceptions are gambles. We believe what we see and then we believe our interpretation of it, we don't even know we are making an interpretation most of the time. We think this is reality it, we don't even know we are making an interpretation most of the time. We think this is reality ."." We do not realize that with
We do not realize that with different identity markers come different experiences, differentdifferent identity markers come different experiences, different worlds, different realities, and this makes it harder to understand where
worlds, different realities, and this makes it harder to understand where others are coming fromothers are coming from or empathize with them due to the disconnect.
or empathize with them due to the disconnect.
Study after study has proven that sexism, racism, ho
Study after study has proven that sexism, racism, homophobia, classism, and numerousmophobia, classism, and numerous other forms of oppression are still alive and well. Yet,
other forms of oppression are still alive and well. Yet, the MTM production team agrees that, inthe MTM production team agrees that, in the majority of the discussions we have a
the majority of the discussions we have attended or overheard about these ttended or overheard about these issues, those in theissues, those in the privileged majority position take a defensive stance. We believe this is because their ability to privileged majority position take a defensive stance. We believe this is because their ability to
view themselves as an inherently “good person” is threatened by the notion, or perceived view themselves as an inherently “good person” is threatened by the notion, or perceived accusation, that they participate in or
accusation, that they participate in or benefit from a system that oppresses others, evenbenefit from a system that oppresses others, even unintentionally. The most common reaction is for those
unintentionally. The most common reaction is for those with privilege to dive into an ewith privilege to dive into an explanationxplanation of why those not benefiting from the
of why those not benefiting from the system are overreacting or by making system are overreacting or by making statements about howstatements about how 25
25
Steinem, G. (2007, July 11). A Modest Proposal.
they can see the
they can see the issues but do not accept responsibility for playing a issues but do not accept responsibility for playing a role in the way the systemrole in the way the system responsible for them. These responses invalidate the expe
responsible for them. These responses invalidate the experiences of the minority voices and, yetriences of the minority voices and, yet again, silence them by usurping the speaking space. MTM creates a more effective model of again, silence them by usurping the speaking space. MTM creates a more effective model of communication. Afftene Taylor, Theatrical Director 2012, claims “
communication. Afftene Taylor, Theatrical Director 2012, claims “ Me Too is a Me Too is about the smbout the smallest,allest, least heard voice getting the biggest platform possible,
least heard voice getting the biggest platform possible, ” an uninterrupted speaking platform at” an uninterrupted speaking platform at that. That one voice
that. That one voice has the stage, literally, and an idea has the stage, literally, and an idea can be expressed from start to finish.can be expressed from start to finish. Dialogue among audience members can take place after at the talkbacks, but, while the story is Dialogue among audience members can take place after at the talkbacks, but, while the story is unraveling, there is no opportunity for de
unraveling, there is no opportunity for defensive comments to be interjected.fensive comments to be interjected. Often times even those who are
Often times even those who are aware of issues within the social justice realm think thataware of issues within the social justice realm think that the only way for them to
the only way for them to be an ally is through the be an ally is through the action of speaking, mobilizing, calling othersaction of speaking, mobilizing, calling others out, making their opinions heard. On
out, making their opinions heard. One of the greatest lessons our production team e of the greatest lessons our production team has learnedhas learned through MTM is that for some of us, e
through MTM is that for some of us, especially those who do hold cespecially those who do hold certain identity markers ofrtain identity markers of privilege, our greatest action may actually be to listen. And listening can be considered its own privilege, our greatest action may actually be to listen. And listening can be considered its own
action. Cara Peterson expands on this point when saying: action. Cara Peterson expands on this point when saying:
Through my possession of several privileged identity markers, I have naturally come to Through my possession of several privileged identity markers, I have naturally come to expect that my voice will always be welcome, and always be heard. I never understood expect that my voice will always be welcome, and always be heard. I never understood that this is not how it is for many others, and that I must make a more concerted effort to that this is not how it is for many others, and that I must make a more concerted effort to make sure those whose voices are not normally heard get the attention they deserve. make sure those whose voices are not normally heard get the attention they deserve. Steinem claims the best thing one
Steinem claims the best thing one can do for those who acan do for those who are marginalized is “to listen to them,re marginalized is “to listen to them, because you don't know you have something to say until somebody listens to you.”
because you don't know you have something to say until somebody listens to you.”2626
Now that we have discussed the important role of privilege, we wish to move on to Now that we have discussed the important role of privilege, we wish to move on to diversity
diversity-- an element of MTM that must always be -- an element of MTM that must always be kept at the forefront of the minds ofkept at the forefront of the minds of production team members. Representation of a diverse range of voices in MTM is the most production team members. Representation of a diverse range of voices in MTM is the most
important element of the production. It is an
important element of the production. It is an element that one must always work element that one must always work to maintain, andto maintain, and is easier than one would think
is easier than one would think to lose. Every level of MTM--the monologues selected, to lose. Every level of MTM--the monologues selected, the actorsthe actors chosen, the production team mak
chosen, the production team make-up--must have a wide representation of identity markers. It ise-up--must have a wide representation of identity markers. It is only through this diverse representation that all people
only through this diverse representation that all people will continue to trust MTM with theirwill continue to trust MTM with their stories and talents. As soon as a group
stories and talents. As soon as a group feels their identity is not being represented it becomesfeels their identity is not being represented it becomes more difficult for them to feel the MTM is a
more difficult for them to feel the MTM is a place for their voices, no matter how place for their voices, no matter how much diversitymuch diversity
“I believe in a lot of what this show is trying to do—showing vulnerability at Duke, showing “I believe in a lot of what this show is trying to do—showing vulnerability at Duke, showing
what’s below the surface. A lot of times Duke students project an image that ends up what’s below the surface. A lot of times Duke students project an image that ends up perpetua
perpetuating our lonting our loneliness beeliness because we dcause we don’t see oton’t see other people her people are struggare struggling like we ling like we are.are. I just wante
I just wanted to be part d to be part of a projecof a project that helps t that helps empower aempower and at the sand at the same timeme time humble students.”
humble students.” –Elizabe
–Elizabeth Hoyler, Mth Hoyler, Me Too actre Too actress 2014ess 2014
26 26
Jackson, C. (2014, April 7). UPDATE: Gloria Steinem to Speak at
Jackson, C. (2014, April 7). UPDATE: Gloria Steinem to Speak at Duke Chapel.RetrievDuke Chapel.Retrieved June 15, 2014 ed June 15, 2014 fromfrom http://today.duke.edu/2014/04/steinem
