by Taylor Kingsbury
Staff Writer
On Oct. 10, the Institute for Multicultural Research and Campus Diversity welcomed “Horizon Line,” a presentation exploring the dichotomy of racial intolerance.
The one-man play follows the development of Danny, a 16-year old who becomes involved in the perpetration of a hate crime.
The nine characters introduced in the play demonstrated the different human facets of this heated issue.
The play concerns itself with the issues of perpetrators and victims as well as the positive and negative influences that spark the development of this troubled teenager.
Multi-Cultural Affairs Director Daniel Loera regards Horizon Line as “a proactive approach to get discussion on difficult issues.”
“This is another medium to present these issues,” Loera said. “These are life issues, and they apply in all arenas.”
This is the second time the IMRCD has brought Horizon Line to the Cabaret Theatre.
Loera hopes the program will be a regular visitor to the University of La Verne.
“This shows us where hate can go,” Loera said. “We need to engage each other about who we are and where we stand on human rights issues.”
“Horizon Line” was presented by the National Conference for Community and Justice. The group has taken the performance to juvenile detention centers, high schools and the Museum of Tolerance. It has even been performed for new teachers and police officers.
Kevin Blake portrayed the nine characters in “Horizon Line,” and said the messages in the play have a significant meaning for him.
“I grew up in a diverse neighborhood,” Blake said. “I heard other people’s stereotypes, and I knew they weren’t true. This play is a good way to get people thinking about that. We have to take personal responsibility and take risks in order for us to change.”
The NCCJ performs up to 150 shows of Horizon Line a year.
Blake urges individuals who see the play to allow the messages to get them thinking about the role each of us play in shaping the attitudes of our society.
“By standing up against these crimes, we are standing up for one of our nation’s ideals,” Blake said. “I don’t think we should deny our differences, we should embrace our differences.”
NCCJ’s Lecia Brooks conducted the discussion that preceded the performance, where she and audience members examined how the media plays a role in molding our attitudes toward others.
She also illustrated that individuals take personal responsibility for the stereotypes each of us perpetuate.
“We have to be aware of what we’re bombarded with so we know what to protect ourselves against,” Brooks said. “If [audience members] get anything out of it, they’ll know people aren’t born with hate.”
Brooks also stressed the importance of parental influence in the dissipation of prejudice.
She said that parents need to educate their children about the potentially destructive consequences of hate.
“Talk to them about it before someone else does,” Brooks said. “Let them know what’s going on. Get on the same page.”
Theater major Esther Frank attended the performance and said that she left both educated and introspective.
“Society has become so individualistic,” Frank said. “People need to listen. Everyone is sympathetic, but no one’s empathetic.”
The NCCJ will be back in the Cabaret Theatre on Oct. 22 for “Kick,” a similarly-minded presentation that deals with the Native American stereotypes prevalent among sports mascots. The show runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and admission is free for everyone.
For more show information, contact Daniel Loera at extension 4253. The NCCJ can be reached at (213) 250-8787, or on the web at www.nccjla.org.
