Show uses multidimensional format to address bigotry
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/05/2009
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Wednesday night, students in Fowler Hall were told to turn off the bigotry and turn on the love.
That was the message given by actors Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish as they performed the Black Jew Dialogues to a packed auditorium. The hour-long comedy show examined stereotypes and bias that continue to be prevalent in the United States.
The fast-paced show followed Jones and Tish through the process of writing a show that addressed the difficult subjects of racism and bigotry. Their aim was to show that, despite superficial differences, everyone is the same.
Though the content was familiar to everyone in attendance, it was presented in an innovative way, said Stephanie Sheu, a senior in the School of Management.
“It touched on a lot of topics that aren’t usually brought up by comedians,” she said.
The show combined sketch comedy, video, puppets and dialogue to present a poignant-yet-hilarious look at the dangers of preconceived notions. Jones, an African American, and Tish, a Jew, each offered their perspective as members of their respective cultural groups.
Jones discussed how his heritage has affected how he is viewed as an American. Tish explained that his culture has been persecuted throughout the world. Toward the end of the show, Jones said that perhaps America is “the last best shot at getting it right for everyone.”
The show was followed by a discussion in which audience members were able to engage in a dialogue with each other and the performers. Topics ranged from how media and personal exposure to diversity affects viewpoints to the validity of affirmative action.
Jones said it was the most diverse audience they had ever performed for and praised Purdue for its multicultural identity.
“I think it opened up the audience’s eyes,” said Tom Chen, a junior in the School of Management. “It reminds us not to have prejudices against each other.”