Diversity and the role it should play in our society is a question we have struggled to address in recent years and especially in the state of Idaho. College years are a transformational time, where students are exposed to new experiences and events that will have a large impact on their beliefs and worldview.
The upcoming performances of “The Vagina Monologues” and Shades of Black are two of those events.
These events, although much different in form, are a celebration of these individual communities, and the importance of their presence in our community as a whole.
These events are powerful reminders of their struggle for equality throughout society. Not to mention, inspiring performances that all students should attend at least once in their time here at the University of Idaho.
“The Vagina Monologues” is a moving series of selected monologues from Eve Ensler’s famous play, performed and produced by UI students. “The Vagina Monologues” show is a part of a larger international campaign known as V-Day to stop violence against women through awareness and fundraising events.
Considering one in six women have experienced rape, according to the Center for Disease Control, the need for V-day and “The Vagina Monologues” could not be more pertinent.
Not to be overshadowed, Shades of Black is a variety show of different performances from a wide array of cultural groups, which will celebrate 10 years on UI’s campus this year. These performances include anything from spoken word to choreographed group dances that allow students to showcase their cultural performances for the campus community.
Despite the notion across much of our state, these groups are still marginalized in the workplace and in our government. For example, only 19 percent of Congress representatives are female and 15 percent are people of color.
In a time when the Idaho Legislature is considering a blatantly discriminatory regulation aimed at the LGBT community, single mothers and other minority groups, these events are critical for our community.
These events are a testament to what the UI community values and believes in, despite opposing opinions throughout much of the state.
–RT