Jen McElroy
Staff Writer

Diversity Week sponsored by the Multicultural Club Council showcased the play “Horizon Line.”

The play was about the judgments we make against each other.
“Horizon Line” is one of three compassion plays performed by Encompass, an organization that seeks to educate teenagers in California about diversity.

The other two plays in their performance were “Kick” and “Wheels.”

“Horizon Line” was a one-man show that followed the life of a 16-year-old white boy, Danny, who committed a hate crime.

Actor Kevin Blake played the main character Danny as well as the supporting characters: a police officer, the black history teacher Mr. Carter, the Hispanic graffiti removal specialist Ernesto, the tattoo removal professional, the geeky Jewish boy Aaron and Danny’s mother, father and sister’s boyfriend.

Each of them had a different background allowing them to play a significant role in Danny’s life.

Every character was differentiated by a change of clothing, voice and personality.

After each character’s monologue, a short confession was given on their feelings, while they stood behind a large picture frame.

This picture frame was a representation of what you picture when you think of diversity.

The whole play was based around how Danny was treated by others because of his racial pride and the actions he used to show his pride.
His involvement with the wrong people also affected how others treated him.

This play was one of the highlights of MCC’s Diversity Week.

It helped portray the ways in which everyone is different. Before the play opened, Diane Flinn, Encompass facilitator, asked the audience, “Do we live in a society that appreciates difference?”

Out of a crowd of about 15 people, only two raised their hands.

After the play there was a discussion that raised awareness of different cultures and the appreciation of these cultures.

“I know I am privileged in different areas in my life because I am male,” said junior speech communications major, Adam Carranza.

“I think it’s more of having doors open for you,” said junior political science major Matt Dominquez.

Diversity Week gives every student on campus a chance to embrace his or her unique differences.

No matter what one’s religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or political views, every person is different in some way.

“Diversity week helps people see the seeds of prejudice. We want to make everyone see how diverse they are and become tolerant of each other,” said Alan Hernandez, president of the Multicultural Club Council.

By being able to appreciate everyone by their own differences, everyone is able to have a better tolerance for each other.

Jen McElroy can be reached at jmcelroy@ulv.edu.