The Importance of Being Inclusive
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Importance of Being Inclusive

The effects of positive reinforcement on a community.

23
The Importance of Being Inclusive
Ed Keene/ Chris Rentzel

Earlier this year, something out of the ordinary happened between two rival high schools in Portland, OR that lead to the creation of a wonderful movement. Lincoln High school, where I currently go to school, and Roosevelt High partnered together to create a massive production of the beloved play, Grease. It took three months of hard work, concentration, long commutes from North Portland into Downtown and more than enough patience.

Now, let’s go back to the audition process in late December of 2015. Myself and a couple other minority friends were worried that we wouldn’t be able to get a significant role in this play because of the fact that we were a) not white and b) not cisgendered. We were coerced into auditioning by our good friends with promises that if we didn’t make it, they would still come watch us perform. We got to callbacks, not knowing whether we were going to get the part we had asked for or not. I, myself, was aiming for Kenickie while my other friends were hoping for Rizzo, Ms. Lynch, Danny Zuko, Sandy, Cha-Cha and Coach. We read for boys and girls, sang a couple of songs and danced the hand-jive over 100 times. After the callbacks, we were given the winter break to recuperate from the excessive dancing and strain of painfully loud singing. Imagine yourself being a minority student who is either androgynous, gay, non-white, or non-conforming and waiting to hear if you've got these traditionally white, straight male/female roles! It was a nightmare.



--------------

Early January rolled around and the cast list was up. Nearly all of us got our desired rolls. I played Roger, an androgynous, Black, pansexual, my two Asian friends played both Danny and Rizzo, another who was nonbinary played Ms. Lynch, a Black man to play Coach and a Latino Cha-Cha. There were an assortment of students who were gay as well who played Jan, Ms. Lynch, Danny, and Sonny. During the actual performance dates as well there was a drag queen, Ms. Poison Waters, who was kind enough to grace our stage as a guest of Ms. Lynch. The fact that the directors, Jim Peerenboom and Jo Lane, were willing to work together to create a space that not only made students feel comfortable being who they were, but they gave us a place in this 1950s play that we never believed we could have. It was an amazing experience and gave me a little more hope in society. People who feel as though they wouldn’t have a place, such as myself, ended up having a larger role than they thought possible. I think this just reaffirms the fact that if we continue to include people regardless of their racial, gender, or sexual identity they will grow and blossom into great people rather than being concerned about being neglected or rejected. This is the importance of being inclusive! My high school and Roosevelt both benefited from having the open dialogue between students and directors as well as open minds. I believe that, in more ways than one, we can always be a little more inclusive.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70757
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132376
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments