Students had a unique and emotional experience at this year’s second annual Tunnel of Oppression. The interactive exhibit features several rooms that highlight issues and allow students to step outside the TCU bubble of comfort and take a small glimpse into the lives of the local, national and internationally oppressed.

Issues addressed within the Tunnel focus on bringing awareness to the student body about tragedies and injustices that they may not normally know or think about. The experience is worth taking advantage of as it is a rarity to attend an event that communicates such valuable and informative messages to participants.

Throughout the exhibit, students are encouraged to watch videos and read personal stories of victims who are featured in certain rooms. One room focusing on mental illness demonstrates the thoughts a schizophrenic person has on a daily basis by playing a recording while participants walk through and try to focus on reading the information in the room. The room that focuses on the trafficking of women has a mock scene of a brothel to demonstrate the filth and atrocities within that trade.

While some rooms are more interactive and others are more introspective, the messages are effectively communicated. The experience will push some to think about hard issues and may even make them uncomfortable with the level of truth presented, but the experience is one that the university should be proud it is offering students.

Associate editor Anna Waugh for the editorial board.