Strange Like Me
by Joel Gori

Hate groups are on the rise. In Texas an African American man was dragged to death behind a pick-up truck. In Wyoming a gay man was beaten and hung on a fence to die. 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 do these assumptions effect 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?

Strange Like Me begins with a monologue that lays bare the ugliness of hate, setting the stage for a lively discussion of diversity. In two scenes, we follow six students as they attempt to navigate the sometimes-difficult terrain of multicultural campus relationships. During talk-backs, students can confront the characters and voice their own opinions on issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia. A short theatrical scene that reveals the lasting scars prejudice leaves on its victims caps off this discussion. Strange Like Me is a 90-minute program that is perfect for new student orientation or multicultural theme programs.

The Scenes

• Linda, Ted, and Al could be friends, but racist and sexist assumptions drive them apart. How can they learn to bridge the gaps?

• Rich has just discovered that his best friend and roommate is gay. How should he deal with his feelings of fear and betrayal? Can they remain friends?

Objectives & Discussion Topics

Scene 1: Linda, Ted, and Al

• What subtle prejudices do each of us carry with us and where do they come from?

• Are there appropriate/inappropriate questions and comments?

• When is a joke not funny?

• Othering: how do generalizations about people dehumanize them?

• What is the best way to get to know someone who is different?

Scene 2: Gary, Rich, and Karen

• Does any individual have a responsibility to reveal his or her sexual orientation?

• How do language and labels hurt?

• Are we defined by our sexuality?

• What are the fears that drive homophobia?

• Who can be trusted, and when?

Strange Like Me asks students to recognize that there are people who think, act, look, feel, and behave differently from themselves.

The goal of Strange Like Me 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.