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[[Play the game|Perspective Taking 1]]
//''Gentle reminder:'' this is a role-playing game and you are now playing as ''Anu''.// [[Next|arrived at SR]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Hi!" said the girl with the dyed-blue hair. "I'm Lisa, and this is Sophie. Join us!" "I'm Anu." I said. My stomach let out a loud grumble. "Um...is there anywhere I can get some food around here?" [[Next|Supermarket]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Who?" Lisa asked. "Jack Enright. He's doing Business and Accounting." "I thought he didn't get the points!" said Lisa. [[Next|long conversation]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, everyone just knows everyone," said Lisa, laughing. "Obviously you have your friends from school but then you meet people through music or sport or French college or whatever." [["What's French college?" I asked.]] [[I suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Well, I'm going on a date," said Lisa. "And there's this party I was invited to," said Sophie. [["Enjoy your date," I said to Lisa.]] [["Where is the party?" I asked Sophie.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It's a summer camp where you have to speak French all the time," said Sophie, "but also it's a major chance to meet boys." "Or girls!" said Lisa. [[Next|Or girls 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I hadn't realised that Irish students would all somehow know one another. I wondered how easy it would be to make friends with people who were already so at ease with one another. [[Next|Time to go 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It's at some girl's house," she replied, "Sorry I can't invite you, I just don't know her super well." "No problem," I said, "I need to have an early night." [[Next|what would the party be like]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I had been speaking English my entire life. I wasn't sure why Sophie thought she was doing me a favour by commenting on it. [[Next|Um...thanks]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Um," said Sophie, "I'm invited to this house party...I don't really know the person whose house it is, so I wouldn't be able to bring anyone else." "And I have a date," said Lisa. "Sorry!" [[Next|watched them leave 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Um," said Sophie, "I have this party at this other girl's house...I don't really know her all that well so I wouldn't be able to invite anyone else." "And I have a date," said Lisa. "Sorry for abandoning you! [[Next|watched them leave 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wasn't sure what I had expected from my flatmates, but it wasn't...this. Sophie and Lisa were very different, but they still had so much in common. [[Next|wish there was one person 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
It would have been nice to be invited to the party, even though I didn't want to go. I tried to reason with myself. We had only just met. Maybe it was rude to bring a stranger to someone else's party here. [[Next|wish there was one person 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I noticed that Sophie and Lisa seemed really friendly with one another. Surely they had met more than just a couple of hours ago? But I missed the chance to ask - they were already on their feet. [[Next|watched them leave 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wondered what it would be like to go a party with a bunch of people who all seemed to already know one another, the way Sophie and Lisa did. Just the thought of it made me nervous. [[Next|watched them leave 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I hung up most of my clothes and lined up my shoes neatly by the door. I found the box of sweets that my mum had given me, and left them on the counter in the kitchen, with a note to my roommates telling them to help themselves. [[Next|felt better after unpacking 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
My mum had packed me a tea-making kit, as well as some of her homegrown spices. The process of boiling the water, stirring the leaves and grating fresh ginger relaxed me. [[Next|poured a cup of tea 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Hi Anu," said the blonde girl. "I'm Sophie, and this is Lisa." "Come, sit with us," said Lisa. "Do you want a drink?" "I'm quite hungry actually," I said. "I had a long flight. Do you know if I can get food near here?" [[Next|Supermarket]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Who?" Lisa asked her. "Jack Enright. He's doing Business and Accounting." "I thought he didn't get the points!" said Lisa. [[Next|long conversation]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Tamil Nadu has a two-language policy - Tamil and English," I said. "Most people I know are fluent in both. We went to school through English." "That's cool," said Lisa. "I'd love to be bilingual!" [[Next|Do you know who else is here? 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wasn't sure how to explain to Sophie and Lisa that most of my peers in Chennai spoke both English and Tamil fluently - it wasn't like I was exceptional. [[Next|Do you know who else is here? 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah," said Sophie enthusiastically. "Tell us, is he hot?" Lisa laughed. "Well, he is a she," she said. "Oh my God, I completely forgot," said Sophie. "Is she hot?" [[Next|so friendly with one another]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
//Gentle reminder: this is a role-playing game and you are now playing as Anu.// [[Next|party 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Carlos, who lived in the flat, came over to me. We had only ever exchanged a few words in the corridor, but he smiled warmly as he approached me. "Hey, Anu!" he called. "I'm glad you came." [[Next|thanks for inviting me 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
There was a girl standing on her own next to the window. I decided to go over and introduce myself. She smiled when she saw me approaching. "Hi! I'm Yifei!" she said. She sounded North American. [[Next|Canada]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Boxing, seriously?" He looked like he was on the verge of laughter. I said nothing, but I wondered why people so often found the idea of women's boxing amusing. [[Next|LO gender microaggression]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"There was a club in my high school - it wasn't a big deal." "I'm sorry for laughing," he said. "It's cool that you box. I think some kind of self-defence classes should be mandatory for girls. I mean, take my little sister..." [[Next|assumption self-defence 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"//You're //surprised? How come?" asked Carlos. "It's quite a popular club, that's all," I replied. "That's cool," he said. "More women should do sports for self-defence. My little sister..." [[Next|assumption self-defence 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan ran his eyes over my body in a way that made me feel deeply uncomfortable. "Yeah," he said, "Irish girls just don't compare. I mean, look what they have to do to get a half-decent tan - and here's the two of you, both naturally gorgeous." [[Next|other girls jealous]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, Irish girls have never really been my type," he said casually. "I'm all about that curvy figure - you look amazing tonight, and I bet you're not even really trying, am I right?" Ronan raked his eyes over my body. [[Next|looking at her waist]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Mostly roleplay games," she said. "It's fun pretending to be someone else for a while! Do you play at all?" I nodded fervently. "I really miss it! My flatmates are not into it at all, and I can't make it work with my friends at home because of the time difference." [[Next|bro culture]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Yifei looked excited. "There's a group of gamers in my building who meet up every couple of days for roleplay games - you should join us!" "That sounds great," I replied. "It's fun pretending to be someone else for a while. Let me know when it's happening!" [[Next|another girl around]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
She looked curious, so I explained: "I grew up with four brothers, so I'm used to being in that situation." Yifei laughed. "I hope you still feel that way after you've met this particular group!" [[Next|Ronan appears]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I tended not to go by a female name online either. Yifei had made the group sound a bit intimidating. But if she had joined, it couldn't be that bad. [[Next|Ronan appears]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I looked around the party and Lisa caught my eye. She beckoned me over to join her group of friends. "Everyone, this is Anu," she said brightly. "Anu, this is everyone." "Hi!" I said. "What are you all studying?" [[Next|Maths and Philosophy]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"We have cola if you want that," said Carlos. "Okay, yes please," I said. Carlos shouted at Jack to toss him a can from across the room. [[Next|joined a club]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Hey Jack," he shouted across the room, "toss me a beer." He caught it expertly and offered it to me. "Thanks!" I said, opening it and taking a sip. [[Next|joined a club]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I waited for Ronan to let me past, but he stayed where he was, continuing to block my exit. "That's a pity," he said, looking disappointed. "I was hoping we could get to know each other better." [[Next|stay a while 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan took advantage of my hesitation to keep applying pressure. "Come on," he said, "staaaaaaaay. If you're not having fun in 10 minutes, then I'll let you go, I promise." [[Next|"let me go"?1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I tried to sound apologetic, in the hope that Ronan would accept it and let me past. But he just settled himself more comfortably against the doorframe and said "so, remind me - what course are you doing?" [[Next|smart and pretty 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I moved forward a step, but Ronan stayed where he was. "Aren't you having a fun time?" he asked. "Yes," I said, "I'm just kind of tired now." [[Next|private conversation 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I tried to make it sound like I was exhausted, and regretted having to leave. "You know, I'm pretty tired myself," he said with a wink. "Why don't I come back with you for a cup of tea? Then I can crash at yours." [[Next|not such a good idea]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Sure, no worries," he said, as if he had only just realised that he was in the way. "Why don't I walk you to your door? You might change your mind before we get there." I really didn't like the pressure he was putting on me. [[Next|worry follow 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
The whole interaction with Ronan had felt like it had taken much longer than a couple of minutes. I had felt completely cornered by him in the doorway. [[Next|Lisa shhhhhhh 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan had no right to act the way he did, blocking my way out of the apartment and pressuring me to be alone with him. And his comments were so offensive. [[Next|get away safely]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Come on," he said, "you don't really want to go...this is your chance to get to know people...have new experiences. I've never been with an Indian girl before." I couldn't believe the words I was hearing. I had to get away from him. [[Next|really have something]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
...but there was no one else out here in the hallway. "To get out of here you have to be nice to me," said Ronan, leaning closer. [[Next|really have something]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You have such a sexy smile," he declared. "I'd love to get to know it better." "My smile," I repeated mechanically. I avoided eye contact as I wondered how to get away from him. [[Next|really have something]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That's not surprising," Ben declared. "Women are much more drawn to those kinds of subjects. It's because you're less rational. I mean, no offence, it's just that I see the world more in terms of logic, rather than emotions." [[Next|LO Individual Sexism]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nothing, obviously," he replied, "if they deserve to be there. But let's face it - we all know that there's a particular type of person who excels in technology: the antisocial male." [[Next|LO Gender Stereotype]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm an advocate for gender equality in everything," she said, "including technology." "Yeah," said Ben impatiently, "we all know that there's a particular type of person who excels in technology: the antisocial male." [[Next|LO Gender Stereotype 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh thank God," Sophie said, and she came clumping towards me in her high heels. "I hate having to tiptoe around when I'm tipsy." "We invited Yifei back with us," said Lisa, as the two of them followed Sophie into the kitchen. Yifei smiled at me. [[Next|"How was the rest of the party?"]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I heard more whispers, and a heavy bump. Then Sophie and Lisa appeared in the kitchen, accompanied by Yifei, who gave me a wave. "Holy crap, Anu," said Sophie, "you gave me such a fright. We thought you'd be in bed - you left ages ago." [[Next|"How was the rest of the party?"]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
//Gentle reminder: this is a role-playing game and you are now playing as Anu.// [[Next|door swings inward]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ben had nothing to say to that. I turned towards Lisa and said: "I'm going to leave soon - want to grab one last dance?" [[Play Chapter 3: Unwanted Attention|Chapter 3: Unwanted Attention]] [[Replay Chapter 2: The Party|Chapter 2: The Party]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh come on," he said, "I know you want me." He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me towards him. I froze. [[Next|LO Consent 0]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh come on," he said, "I know you want me." He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me towards him. I froze. [[Next|LO Consent]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Yifei had settled herself on the couch and was looking around the room curiously. "You all are so much more put together than my flatmates," she said. "Our common area is such a mess, sometimes it actually makes my skin crawl. This is super cosy, I like it." [[Next|tea and toast 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Which parts?" asked Sophie. "Oh, just random conversations with people," I replied vaguely. Sophie gave me a wink. "It looked like you and Ronan were having a pretty cosy conversation in the corridor earlier - sorry I interrupted!" [["Was that what it looked like?" I asked.]] [[I didn't know how to correct her.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Look," continued Sophie, "she's blushing. Anu likes Ronan! I knew it!" I thought about the scene in the corridor. Surely Sophie could have seen from my body language that I wasn't interested in Ronan - I had been shrinking away from him, avoiding eye contact. [[Next|Yifei creep]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"What do you mean?" asked Sophie. "I was trying to leave," I said. "Ronan blocked my way, forcing me to talk to him, and then he just grabbed me without asking!" [[Next|Lisa terrible]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wasn't sure why, but suddenly I wanted them to think that I had enjoyed the night just as much as they had. Sophie gave me a wink. "It looked like you and Ronan were having a pretty cosy conversation in the corridor earlier - sorry I interrupted!" [["Was that what it looked like?" I asked.]] [[I didn't know how to correct her.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
“Believe me, there was no way he could have thought I was into him!” I said. “I told him I wanted to leave, but he blocked my way out and even grabbed hold of me by the waist. Plus he made some really weird comments earlier related to me being Indian." [[Next|can of worms]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It's hard to do anything about it if it happens in a club or on the street," said Lisa. "Mostly I just try to walk away from the person and avoid them for the rest of the night." [[Next|Lisa home alone]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"People are way more accepting now versus 20 years ago," said Lisa. "But there's still a lot of casual homophobia, like people using 'gay' as an insult, not because someone is actually gay but because it's the worst word they can think of. They don't realise the impact it has on someone who hears it." [[Next|Lisa home alone]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Carlos' expression was blank. He had never discussed his sexuality with me. I didn't know if Ronan's words might have hit a nerve. [[Next|heterosexism reflection]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan and Ben were Jack's friends - surely he was the best person to tell them they were out of order. But instead he gave a short laugh. [[Next|heterosexism reflection]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan seemed to think I was serious. "I just prefer a natural look, not that cakey stuff. But anyway, we know it's Jack she's into, right?" Jack said nothing, he just laughed uncomfortably. [[Next|off her face 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
As far as I knew, he and Sophie were good friends. I thought maybe he'd say something, but he just looked down at her from the window with the others. [[Next|off her face 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
...but he didn't. "What about you and that Indian chick, whatshername?" Ben asked Ronan. "Oh, her," said Ronan. "She's hot all right, but she seems like a lot of effort." [[Next|worth it in the end 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Mike is right," said Carlos. "Let's drop this conversation." "Oh sure," said Ronan, "obviously the gay guy doesn't rate women." "Dude," said Jack, "he's not gay." Then he looked at Carlos. "Are you?" [[Next|Sophie not object 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan turned to me and Carlos. "Why don't the two of you just get together? Jack, how would you feel about living with a couple of gay guys?" "I'd be fine about it, to be honest," said Jack. [[Next|surprised to see them stand up to him]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Woah," said Ronan. "Jack, looks like you're going to be a third wheel here. How would you feel about living with a couple of boyfriends?" "Whatever," said Jack. "They say sexuality is on a spectrum anyway." [[Next|surprised to see them stand up to him]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"What's up man?" asked Jack. "Nothing," I replied, "I'm just going to take a shower. You guys can all carry on with whatever this is." [[Next|they ask Jack if he's coming]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Did what?" asked Ben. "The whole rating girls thing," I said. "It feels like I'm 14 or 15 again." Carlos chuckled. "Yes exactly," he said, "it's like being back in school." [[Next|Ronan unsure of himself]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"...they're a bit hard to take," I finished. "Yeah," said Carlos. "I didn't think any of their jokes were funny." [[Next|sense of humour 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
There was a long pause, and then Jack said: "sorry. I know they're a bit much, especially if you're not used to them." "I don't think I'd really want to get used to them," said Carlos. [[Next|sense of humour 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
He broke off mid-sentence and looked at me. "It's not fair to assume that women who box are doing it for self-defence," I said. "The girls I boxed with at home were in it for the fun of it - and the competition." [[Next|take in a fight]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
He kept talking about his sister: "...is obsessed with her looks. I wish she would be less interested in makeup and more interested in learning how to defend herself." "Isn't that a bit over-protective?" I asked. [[Next|confident at night]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan looked shocked. "Woooah," he said, "I just wanted to give you a compliment. Seriously, I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true!" I had no idea what else to say to him. Thankfully Yifei grabbed my hand and announced: "I need the bathroom. Bye, Ronan." [[Next|bathroom excuse]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I didn't know how else to respond. It was weird and confusing to be sexualised on the basis of my ethnicity. I wondered if I would have to deal with that regularly here. Yifei grabbed my hand and said, "time for a bathroom break. See you, Ronan." [[Next|bathroom excuse]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, really?" said Ben. "Really," I said. "Back in the 1940s, computer science was seen as a job for women. Then in the 1960s a couple of male psychologists - Cannon and Perry - were brought in to develop a personality profile to help recruit more computer programmers." [[Next|biased results]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ben looked affronted, but the rest of the group looked interested. "Sorry," I said, "it's just that the idea of antisocial tech workers is such a common stereotype. But it actually came from the work of Cannon and Perry, two psychologists in the 1960s, who were trying to figure out how to recruit more computer programmers in the US." [[Next|biased results]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Carlos looked embarassed. "No, I mean obviously that's just the stereotype," he said. "But yoga is really popular here. I even do a bit of it!" "Not me," I said, "I find boxing more exciting." [[Next|girl boxing 0]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Sorry," said Carlos, "that was a silly thing to say. I'm just kind of surprised." "Why?" I asked. He shrugged. "No real reason..." [[Next|girl boxing 0.2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I felt awkward admitting it, but I didn't have much of a choice. "Oh," said Jack, "sorry man, I didn't think...yeah no, we could make it a monthly thing?" "That would suit my budget better too," said Carlos. [[Next|the doorbell rang]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I had no idea how I would pay for a weekly takeaway, especially from the kind of place Jack would want to order from if he didn't have to think about money. But I'd been planning on looking for a part-time job anyway... [[Next|the doorbell rang]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan looked surprised, but then he moved on to talking about the starting lineup for the match that afternoon. I was thankful that he had let it go. [[Next|assumed talent sport]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Eh, everywhere?" said Ronan. "Black athletes are all over the media." "That doesn't mean that every black person is athletic," I said. "Just that the media tends to portray images of black people's success in certain areas." [[Next|Carlos agreeing]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Ah yeah," said Ronan, "but he meant where are you //from//, Mike?" I'd been asked that question a lot since I started college, and it was beginning to bother me - the idea that I had to be //from// somewhere other than Ireland. [[Next|parents from Nigeria]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Two girls were sitting at the kitchen table. One was blonde, and the other had dyed-blue hair. They broke off their conversation and looked at me. [["Hi," I said, "I'm Anu!"]] [[I was suddenly lost for words.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"There's a shop around the corner," said Sophie, "but I don't know if it's open this late. Feel free to eat some of my food! My mum went totally overboard shopping for me." "Thanks," I said, taking some fruit from a basket on the counter. [[Next|Chennai]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I brought some sweets from Chennai," I said. "You can have some when I unpack." "Thanks!" said Sophie. "Um, Chennai is in India, right?" asked Lisa hesitantly. [[Next|Tamil Nadu]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yes, it's in the South of India," I replied, "in Tamil Nadu province." "Is it big?" asked Sophie. "I guess so," I said. I was surprised about how little they knew about major Indian cities. [[Next|4.6 Million]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"How big is it?" asked Lisa. "Around 4.6 million people," I replied. "Wow," said Sophie, "this place is going to feel tiny in comparison!" [[Next|English unreal]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, I just remembered," said Sophie to Lisa. "Do you know who else is here?" It seemed like a very sudden change of topic. [[I wondered if I had said the wrong thing.]] [[I was glad to be out of the spotlight.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm sure I'll adjust," I said. "So, what are you two studying?" "Soph is in Science and I'm in Law," said Lisa. "What about you?" "Computer Science and English Literature," I replied. [[Next|Interesting combination 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I had been speaking English since before I could remember - I hardly needed to be complimented on it! "Thanks," I said, "so is yours." [[Next|Sophie was oblivious]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Second round offers," said Sophie. "He posted about moving in on Insta, I think he's in this building!" The two of them began a long conversation about mutual friends of theirs. [[Next|It was hard to keep track 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I could hear them talking as they left the apartment. A few minutes later, I stood at the window and saw them walking across the courtyard. Sophie was teetering on her high heels. [[I breathed a sigh of relief.]] [[I felt weird watching them go.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That is outrageous!" said Lisa. "I guess a part of me had actually bought into the myth - it seems so pervasive." "Some myths are true though," Ben insisted. [[Next|biological reductionism]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Two weeks into the semester, three guys who lived on our floor of the building - Carlos, Jack and Mike - threw a party in their apartment. Sophie, Lisa and I agreed to go to it together. [[Next|party 3]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
The door was propped open when we arrived, so we walked straight into the kitchen. It was crowded with people. Sophie ran over to Jack, while Lisa gravitated towards a group by the fridge. I stood still, unsure what to do. [[Next|I stood still]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Of course there are some differences," I said, "but it's precisely because of them that we need a gender balance in science and technology. Did you know that women are more likely to die or be hurt in a car crash than men?" "How come?" asked Lisa. [[Next|keep crashing]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Hey, Anu, you're not leaving already, are you?" he asked. He didn't step aside, even though he was blocking my way out of the apartment. [["I'm afraid so!" I said with a smile.]] [[I took a step backwards, not knowing what to say.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So true," said Yifei. "I wish more effort went into educating men around violence against women, instead of policing how women dress or how much they drink." "I totally agree," I said. "I'm glad we talked about this." [[Next|special brownies 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Just then, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," I said, abandoning my towel on the drying rack. I opened the door and saw Ronan and Ben, two of Jack's friends from school. [[Next|let us in]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Cool," said Ronan. "Anyway, we're on our way to the pub, we decided we'd watch the match there this afternoon. Are you up for it, Jack?" "I dunno," said Jack, "I was thinking about hitting the gym later." [[Next|more sport talk]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So you're the Brazilian then?" Ben asked Carlos, speaking through a mouthful of pizza. "Em, Brazilian-Polish-Irish," said Carlos. "My dad is from Brazil, my mum is Polish, and I grew up in Cork. Most summers we would go to my grandmother's house in Poland. But we spent a few years in Brazil when I was in my early teens." [[Next|Pardo is mixed heritage]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ben had stood up and was looking out the window facing onto the courtyard. "Hey look," he said, "there goes Sophie. I'd give her an eight." [[Next|seven at best]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I guess I just ignore them," said Jack. "We've been friends for so long - I've seen the good as well as the bad." "Yeah, but some of what they say could really hurt people," said Carlos. [[Next|LO Active Bystander 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah, I dunno," said Jack. "I've known Ronan and Ben for so long, and I've seen the good as well as the bad. I mostly just ignore them when they're joking around like that." "But their comments could actually harm someone," said Carlos. [[Next|LO Active Bystander 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So you're mixed race?" Ronan asked Carlos. "Yeah, mixed race, mixed heritage," Carlos replied. "In Brazil we call it Pardo. Nearly half of the country would identify that way. It's one of the main census categories. Unlike here, where my identity doesn't usually fit into a box." [[Next|huh interesting]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah, it's not exactly a big deal," said Ben. I was surprised to see both Jack and Ben standing up to Ronan. Ronan just laughed it off. "Okay, fine. We better get moving - Jack, are you coming?" [[Next|Jack hit gym 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm done as well," said Carlos, "I have stuff to get done today." "We should get a move on anyway," said Ben. "Jack, are you coming?" "Nah," said Jack, "I think I'll hit the gym in a bit instead." [[Next|Jack hit gym 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan looked at me and Carlos. "Either of you guys interested?" he asked. "I'm not very into team sports," I said. "No way!" said Ronan. "I thought you were supposed to be good at that kind of thing." [[Next|sport assumption bother]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I collected my keys at reception, and dragged my suitcases along the corridor, counting the numbers on the doors...28, 29, 30...31! I opened the door and heard talking and laughter. [[Next|Anu enters 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Interesting combination!" said Lisa. "Yeah, totally," said Sophie. "Your English is unreal, by the way." [[I was confused by the compliment.]] [[I was irritated by Sophie's comment.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie was oblivious to my sarcarsm. "Yeah, I can totally understand you!" said Sophie in a tone of surprise. "You're so articulate." [[Next|LO Racial Microaggression 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Um...thanks?" I said. "Yeah, I can totally understand you!" said Sophie in a tone of surprise. "You're so articulate." [[Next|LO Racial Microaggression 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
It was hard to keep track - many of the names I had never heard before. Finally there was a lull, and I asked a question. [["How do you already know so many people here?" I asked.]] [["What do you two have planned for the evening?"]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Or girls," Sophie agreed instantly. Lisa glanced at her phone. "We better get a move on," she said to Sophie. [[I looked at them questioningly.]] [["Where are you going?" I asked.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I need to head out soon," said Sophie eventually. "Me too!" said Lisa. [[I looked at them questioningly.]] [["Where are you going?" I asked.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Suddenly I wished there was even one person I already knew here. [[I started to unpack.]] [[I made a cup of tea.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I poured myself a cup and as I took my first sip, listening to the absence of sound in the apartment, I wondered what the rest of the week would bring. [[Play Chapter 2: The Party|Chapter 2: The Party]] [[Replay Chapter 1: Arrival|Chapter 1: Arrival]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I felt better now that I had unpacked a little. It still didn't feel like home, but it was a start. As I curled up in my new bed, in a strangely quiet apartment, I wondered what the rest of the week would bring. [[Play Chapter 2: The Party|Chapter 2: The Party]] [[Replay Chapter 1: Arrival|Chapter 1: Arrival]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Thanks for inviting me," I said. "That's what neighbours are for!" said Carlos. "Do you want a drink?" [["No thanks," I said politely.]] [["Yes, please," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So, joined any sports clubs?" asked Carlos. "Yes," I said. "I've signed up for the boxing club." [[Next|Boxing seriously?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, you are serious," he continued, noticing my expression. "Sorry! I guess I just thought maybe yoga or something..." [[Next|LO stereotype]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That's cool," said Carlos. "You know, I think you're the first girl I've met who's into boxing." [["I've been boxing for years," I said.]] [["Really? I'm surprised," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"...it's just that you're the first girl I've met who's into boxing," he continued. [["I've been boxing for years," I said.]] [["Really? I'm surprised," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I could see that he meant well, but I was annoyed at the assumption that women's boxing is all about self-defence. [["Wait a second," I said.]] [[I decided not to interrupt.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"All the same," insisted Carlos, "it doesn't hurt to know that you could take someone in a fight!" "You'd think that," I said, "and yet I still feel afraid on that stretch of road between the bus stop and here that has no lights on it." [[Next|male privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Probably," Carlos admitted. "But it probably doesn't hurt you to know that you could take someone in a fight!" "You'd think that," I said, "and yet I still feel afraid on that stretch of road between the bus stop and here that has no lights on it." [[Next|male privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm not sure yet," I admitted. "Are you?" She laughed. "I'm not great at parties. To be honest, I kind of wish I was at home playing video games." [["What kind of games are you into?" I asked.]] [["I love video games!" I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I will," said Yifei. "It will be nice to have another girl around. I mean, the guys are great, but they can be a bit much at times." "What do you mean?" I asked. [[Next|overly competitive 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Well, some of them are overly competitive," she said. "Especially when they're losing to a girl. But it's not like I can hide behind a gender neutral username when I'm in a room with them." [["That stuff doesn't really bother me," I said.]] [["Okay, now I understand," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"There's a group that games here!" said Yifei. "It's loads of fun, even if there's a bit of a bro culture..." "What do you mean?" I asked. [[Next|overly competitive 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I was going to ask her to tell me more, but a guy I hadn't met before came right up to us and wrapped his arms around Yifei. "Looking gooood," he told her. She detached herself from him quickly. Raising her voice slightly, she said: "Anu, this is Ronan, he lives upstairs from me." [[Next|LO Sexual Objectification of Women 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan smiled and said, "thanks Yi. I see you've found another exotic beauty for me to meet!" I'd never been called exotic before. I wondered if Ronan realised how uncomfortable it made me feel. [[Next|LO Intersectionality]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I didn't know what to say. I had never received that kind of comment before, and I didn't like it. But I didn't want to cause a scene in the middle of the party... [["That's not...don't say that," I said.]] [["Thanks," I said, giving him a fake smile.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I wouldn't be surprised if every other girl in this room is jealous of you both," continued Ronan. "I know I would be." At this point all I wanted was for him to stop talking. [["That's not...don't say that," I said.]] [["Thanks," I said, giving him a fake smile.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Once we were away from Ronan, Yifei said: "I don't actually need to go, I just wanted to get us out of there. I did tell my mom I'd give her a quick call around now though. Are you okay on your own?" "Of course," I said, "go, call your mom!" [[Next|Lisa beckons]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm Ben," said the guy next to Lisa. "I'm doing Maths and Philosophy." "Nice," I said. "I thought about doing Philosophy as part of my degree, but then I went for English Literature instead." [[Next|you're irrational]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I think it's a cool combination," said Lisa, "And the computing part is way more interesting than I thought. Anu convinced me that I should sign up for a broadening module in computer science." [[Next|Ben advocates 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh my God," said Ben, redirecting his attention towards Lisa. "Don't tell me you're becoming one of those women in technology advocates." [["Wait...what's wrong with women in tech?" I asked.]] [[I wondered how Lisa was going to respond to that.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Unfortunately, they didn't test as many women as men," I continued, "so they ended up predicting that antisocial male types were the most likely candidates. The idea got stuck in the popular imagination - even though most tech workers in the 1940s and 1950s were female!" [[Next|That is outrageous]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You can't just ignore biology because it suits you," Ben continued. "Men and women have innate physiological differences, so they're geared towards different careers." [[Next|crash test dummies]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Because crash test dummies are modelled on male bodies," I explained. "The men who designed the tests just assumed that their experience was universal when it's not." [[Next|LO Default Male]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
In the second half, you role-play as Mike, a first-year student from Galway, whose parents come from Nigeria. Pretend you are Mike and make decisions as if you are him. [[Next|Content Note]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Racial Microaggressions:'' When Anu is told she is articulate, Sophie is putting herself into a position where she is judging Anu, and the message is that Sophie did not expect Anu to be articulate or well-spoken. Racial microaggressions are intended or unintended acts of speech or behaviour that undermine, belittle, stereotype, or insult those in minority groups – usually Irish Traveller, Black, Asian, minority ethnic and migrant groups. [[Next|LO impact of microaggression]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Um...thanks?" I said. "Yeah, I can totally understand you!" said Sophie in a tone of surprise. "You're so articulate." [[I decided to speak up.]] [[I decided to let it go.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Gender Microaggressions:'' Carlos’ scepticism about Anu boxing because she is female is an example of a gender microaggression – when women’s accomplishments are dismissed, their contributions are devalued, or they are objectified as sex objects. As with racial microaggressions, the harm comes in their frequency – and results in limiting women socially, educationally, in sports and employment. [[Next|repeat amusing]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Boxing, seriously?" He looked like he was on the verge of laughter. I said nothing, but I wondered why people so often found the idea of women's boxing amusing. [[Next|oh you are serious]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Stereotype:'' Carlos has an oversimplified picture that gives a particular quality to all members of a group, without regard for individual differences. While there may be some truth to the image we may have of a group, reasons are not taken into consideration, and exaggerated, unsubstantiated statements are often made. [[Next|repeat yoga maybe 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, you are serious," he continued, noticing my expression. "Sorry! I guess I just thought maybe yoga or something..." [["Yoga? Seriously?" I asked.]] [["Not all Indians do yoga!" I laughed.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Sexual Objectification of Women:'' Ronan is treating Yifei as a sexual object by commenting on and touching her in that way without permission. It sends the message that a woman’s appearance is for the pleasure of a man, and a woman’s body is not her own. Other examples of sexual objectification include catcalls and whistles. [[Next|repeat Ronan appears]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Intersectionality:'' Anu and Yifei are being sexually objectified and racialized by Ronan's behaviour. Gender and race or ethnicity can intersect and lead to different experiences of discrimination than gender or race alone. [[Next|repeat exotic 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan smiled and said, "thanks Yi. I see you've found another exotic beauty for me to meet!" I'd never been called exotic before. I wondered if Ronan realised how uncomfortable it made me feel. [["Um...hi," I said uncertainly.]] [["What do you mean by that?" I asked.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Individual Sexism: Ben assumes individuals are incapable of accessing skills beyond their prescribed gender identity, masculine or feminine. He is showing a lack of understanding of the complexities of human nature. [[Next|Repeat you're irrational]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You've got to be kidding!" said Lisa. "Reason and emotion are both essential aspects of being human - and they're not mutually exclusive. Suppressing or denying emotion is a learned behaviour, and it's really harmful." [[Next|Ben ignores Lisa]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Gender Stereotype:'' Ben is making the leap from some to all. He has an oversimplified picture that divides people into genders and attributes a particular quality to all members of a particular gender without regard for individual differences. [[Next|repeat nothing obviously 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nothing, obviously," he replied, "if they deserve to be there. But let's face it - we all know that there's a particular type of person who excels in technology: the antisocial male." [["That's a complete myth!" I said.]] [[I couldn't help laughing at this.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Default Male:'' Anu is showing what happens when the generic masculine is used for human experience, even though males and females have different experiences. The result is that women’s needs are treated as ‘niche’ and not treated as equal to men’s needs. [[Next|LO Equality and Equity]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Anu is pointing out the difference between Equality: involves giving everyone the same treatment. and Equity: means giving everyone what they need to be successful, depending on their needs and/or disadvantages, so that everyone has a fair chance at a common outcome. [[Next|crash test repeat]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Because crash test dummies are modelled on male bodies," I explained. "The men who designed the tests just assumed that their experience was universal when it's not." [[Next|Ben had nothing to say 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Would you not stay for a little longer?" asked Ronan. He leaned on the doorframe casually, and I thought about my options. [["I've got to go," I said.]] [["I wish I could," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
He would "let me go"? Seriously? I thought about saying something, but I didn't want to antagonise him. He was still blocking my exit from the apartment. [["I wish I could," I said.]] [["I've got to go," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Computer Science with English Literature," I said reluctantly. "Wow," he said, "science AND humanities. So you're smart as well as pretty." [[I laughed uncomfortably.]] [[I looked around to see if anyone else was near us...]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I guess you're not used to big parties," he said. "I could introduce you to a few people - or we could go somewhere for some private conversation?" [["Do you mind letting me past?" I said.]] [[I looked around to see if anyone else was near us...]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I feel like we really have something," he insisted, leaning closer and touching my arm. I was feeling more and more creeped out by him. I stepped back and crossed my arms over my chest. [[Next|LO Sexual Harassment]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan saw me hesitate. "Maybe you'd like to stay for a bit after all?" he persisted. He really wasn't getting the message. Was he not listening to me? [["No, thanks," I said firmly.]] [[I shook my head.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I don't think that's such a good idea," I said. "Why not?" he asked. He was clearly annoyed. "I said no, thanks," I replied. [[Next|another time 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Just then, the door from the kitchen opened and Sophie stuck her head out. She giggled when she saw us. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, "Ronan, you're wanted inside." The door closed and we were alone again, but I had already stepped out of Ronan's grasp. [[Next|end scene 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I sat there for a while. Then I heard a flurry of sound. The door to our apartment creaked open, and I heard Lisa's voice whispering: "shhhhhhh, you'll wake Anu." [["I'm in the kitchen!" I called.]] [[I didn't say anything.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"How was the rest of the party?" I asked. "Loud!" said Lisa. "You could probably hear it in here, could you?" Her voice was hoarse, as though she'd been straining to be heard all evening. "Tea for everyone!" she announced, switching on the kettle. [[Next|wardens broke]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"And toast!" declared Sophie, pulling open the cutlery drawer. She had sobered up a lot since I had seen her in the party, but she was still clumsy. "Ooops," she said, as a butter knife went clattering to the floor. [[Next|Yifei looked around]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So, Anu, you disappeared a while ago," said Lisa, taking a sip of tea. "How was your night?" Sophie looked at me eagerly, a half-slice of toast lying forgotten on her plate. [["I liked parts of it," I said cautiously.]] [["It was a lot of fun!" I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Yifei looked from me to Sophie and back again. "Um, I'm not sure how to say this," she said, "but I think Ronan is a bit of a creep." “Oh come on,” said Sophie, “Ronan can get pretty much anyone he wants – he wouldn’t waste time on someone who wasn't interested. Don’t tell me weren't flattered that he thinks you’re hot, Anu!” [[Next|LO Internalised Sexism]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
“Oh no,” said Lisa, “that’s terrible!” “Yeah,” said Sophie, but she was clearly uncomfortable. “Um, are you sure you’re not overreacting though? I mean we know he likes you, so maybe he figured you were into him. Weren’t you even a teeny bit interested?” [[Next|LO Internalised Sexism 0]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Some guys are actually worse if I tell them I'm a lesbian," Lisa continued. "They'll be like, oh, where's your girlfriend, can I watch, or can we have a threesome...they get //really// crude sometimes." [["How do you deal with that?" I asked.]] [["I thought Ireland was LGBTQ-friendly," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That sucks, Lis," said Yifei. Lisa sighed. "There's just so much stuff that women and LGBTQIA+ people have to do to feel safe. But isn't it sad to think that as women, we're more likely to be attacked by people we know than by complete strangers anyway?" [[Next|how does it compare to Canada?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie looked thoughtful. "I think it all comes down to a lack of respect," she said. "They don't respect you as a person, so they don't listen to what you might be trying to communicate." [[Next|different lives]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Consent:'' Ronan is not respecting that consent applies at every stage of a potential sexual encounter. If consent is not freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific (FRIES), it is sexual assault. Ronan is still responsible for gaining consent, even when intoxicated. [[Next|repeat no firmly]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I feel like we really have something," he insisted, leaning closer and touching my arm. I was feeling more and more creeped out by him. I stepped back and crossed my arms over my chest. [["Please," I said, "will you let me past you?"]] [["Look, I'm really, really tired," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Sexual Harassment:'' Ronan’s behaviour is sexual harassment, because Anu finds it offensive and degrading to be spoken to and touched in this way. Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour, physical or verbal, that offends or humiliates the target sexually. Harassment can be a serious one-off incident or behaviour that persists over time. Anyone can be a victim or perpetrator of sexual harassment, regardless of gender. [[Next|repeat have something 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Another time," said Ronan. "Want me to walk you to your door anyway?" [["No, thanks," I said firmly.]] [[I shook my head.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wished I'd responded more strongly, but I just wanted to get away from him safely. I had felt threatened, and I really didn't like that. [[Next|Lisa shhhhhhh 0]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"The problem with all those 'nice' guys is that they are turning a blind eye to whatever their friends are doing," said Lisa. "Or worse, treating it as entertainment. It would be great if they called them out on it instead of laughing...but doing that would take real courage." [[Next|LO Active Bystander]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Active Bystander:'' The friends want male students to interrupt and prevent harmful social norms being perpetuated. This can involve standing up/speaking out, or it can mean not laughing when hearing a sexist or offensive joke or comment, and not sharing if it is online. [[Next|repeat Lisa bystander]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"The problem with all those 'nice' guys is that they are turning a blind eye to whatever their friends are doing," said Lisa. "Or worse, treating it as entertainment. It would be great if they called them out on it instead of laughing...but doing that would take real courage." [[Next|normal guy behaviour...]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I thought about that for a second, swirling the end of my tea around in my mug. "So...it would be normal here for guys not to call Ronan out on his behaviour, even if they don't like something he does or says?" I asked. [[Next|not being vulnerable]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yep," said Lisa sadly. "I think it's all about not being vulnerable in front of other men. Meaning weak, passive – anything they think of as ‘feminine’." [[Next|LO Hegemonic Masculinity]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Hegemonic Masculinity:'' Lisa is referring to an idealised form of masculinity that is constructed in opposition to, and alleged superiority over, femininity. The result is a system of gender relations where supposedly 'feminine' traits such as weakness or emotion are devalued, whether they appear in men or women. The opposing traits - such as strength and reason - are associated with masculinity and viewed as superior. [[Next|repeat not being vulnerable]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
“We do believe you!” said Lisa, shooting a look at Sophie. "Yeah, and I’m not surprised that he commented on your ethnicity - again," said Yifei. "I’ve noticed that he's inappropriate with all women, but it's a whole other can of worms if you're not white." [[Next|Sophie me too]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie looked taken aback. “Hmmm...okay,” she said. “Maybe I should have paid more attention to what was going on. I know loads of guys who would never dream of, like, harassing anyone – I assumed Ronan was one of them. But I’ve also been on nights out when someone followed me around or tried to get me drunk or get me away from my friends...it’s horrible." [[Next|Lisa bystander point]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ben ignored Lisa's comment. "What else are you studying?" he asked me. "Computer Science," I replied. "Oh," he said. "That's a weird mix." [[Next|Lisa broadening module]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sure enough, Carlos was standing at the kitchen sink, which was full of cups and glasses. He was wearing an apron. "Perfect timing, Mike" he said. "I'll wash and you dry." [[Next|Jack sticky floor]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Do you want to give us a hand with this?" asked Carlos. "Ugh," said Jack, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "We need to get girlfriends, then we wouldn't have to bother with all this." [["Sexist much?" I asked.]] [[I laughed awkwardly.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah, did your mammy not raise you to help around the house?" Carlos asked him with a laugh. "Nah, we have a cleaner at home," said Jack, taking a bite of the cold pizza. [[Next|clean up clean up]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Did your mammy not raise you better than that?" Carlos asked lightly. "Nah, we always had a cleaner at home," said Jack, taking a bite of the cold pizza. [[Next|clean up clean up]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Carlos started to sing. "//Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere, clean up, everybody do your share...//" Jack laughed sheepishly. "Yeah, of course. Em, what should I do? Sweep the floor?" "Wipe down the countertops first," said Carlos. "There's spray on the table." [[Next|boys all cleaning]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Cool," said Jack. "Also, this pizza tastes disgusting - why don't we order a takeaway for when we're done cleaning? We could make it a regular Saturday thing!" [[Next|takeaway expensive 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I picked up the tea towel just as Jack wandered into the room, barefoot. "Ugh, the floor is so sticky," he said, sitting down at the table and eyeing the leftover pizza from the night before. [[Next|we need to get GFs 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I looked at him in alarm. I had spent the last of my budget on drinks and snacks for the party last night. And I definitely couldn't do a regular takeaway! [["I'm not sure I can afford that," I said.]] [["Um...sure," I said hesitantly.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"My parents moved here from Nigeria," I said. They didn't ask anything else about my heritage - I had told them what they wanted to hear. I wondered how they would feel about having their identity questioned like that. [[Next|invite to the match]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Huh, interesting," said Ben. "What about you, Mike?" "I'm from Galway," I said. [[Next|yeah but where are you from]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Homophobic Microaggressions'' Ronan’s comment carries the implied message that being gay is something negative or deviant. It is an example of the type of everyday insults and invalidations that commit slights toward or about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer individuals. [[Next|repeat gayest thing ever 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Good idea," said Jack, who had already dropped his sponge when Ben and Ronan walked in. The five of us sat around the table. Ronan reached for a slice of the leftover pizza. "So good," he said. [[Next|So you're the Brazilian?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan shrugged. "Chill out, man." He sat down and started chewing on the leftover pizza. "Best pizza I've had in a while," he said. The five of us sat around the table. [[Next|So you're the Brazilian?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Alright Mikey," said Ben. "How's it going?" "Are you going to let us in?" asked Ronan. "Jack knows we're coming." "Yeah, come in," I said, forcing a smile. They hadn't made a great impression on me over the last couple of weeks. [[Next|brushed past me]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
They brushed past me and I followed them into the kitchen. The room felt about five times smaller with the two of them in it. [[Next|gayest thing ever]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Jesus, Carlos, what are you wearing?" asked Ronan, breaking into laughter. "That's the gayest thing I've ever seen." [[Next|LO Homophobic Microaggressions]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
//Gentle reminder: this is a role-playing game and you are now playing as Mike.// [[Next|Play as mike]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Here we go again, I thought. I wondered if he had any idea how sick I was of the assumption that as a black man I would be good at sport. [[Next|LO Microaggression Impact]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I didn't want to get into a discussion about how black people are assumed to be more 'naturally' talented at sport or music. [[Next|rating Sophie]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah," said Carlos, "like sport, music or cinema - entertainment, basically." "Okay," said Ronan, looking slightly uncomfortable. "No need for a lecture!" [[Next|rating Sophie]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nah," said Ronan. "Seven at best. Although her face might be an eight, if she didn't wear as much makeup." [[Next|LO Sexual Objectification 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You should have got with her last night," Ronan told him, "she was off her face, would have been up for anything." [[I thought it was up to Jack to say something...]] [["You realise Sophie is a person, right?" I asked.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Worth it in the end though!" joked Ben. [[I stood up abruptly.]] [["Wow, didn't realise people still did this," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I just don't think we should be talking about Sophie like she's an object," said Carlos. [["I agree with Carlos," I said.]] [["And I don't think it's an issue if someone is gay," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nah, I'm going to hit the gym instead," said Jack. The two of them left. Carlos, Jack and I looked at one another. [["Dude," I said, "I know they're your friends, but..."]] [[I waited for Jack to say something.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yep," said Lisa sadly. "I think it's all about not being vulnerable in front of other men. Meaning weak, passive – anything they think of as ‘feminine’." [[Next|not dealing with men]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It must be nice dating girls, it means you don't have to deal with men all the time," said Sophie to Lisa. "I try not to," said Lisa, "but they find me anyway!" [[Next|Lisa homophobia 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
There was a depressed silence after Lisa said that. "Sorry for killing the mood!" said Lisa. "I'll just go and make more tea." She collected our mugs and carried them over to the counter. "How does all of this compare to Canada?" I asked Yifei. [[Next|Yifei on Canada]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan looked annoyed. He walked towards the kitchen. "Send me a text when you're feeling less uptight," he hissed at me. I made it back to my own apartment and went straight into the kitchen to get a glass of water. [[I felt frightened.]] [[I felt angry.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, gosh," said Yifei, "well one thing I notice is that the universities are way more proactive in Canada. My sister goes to university in Toronto and they run awareness campaigns all the time." "The Students' Union does campaigns like that here, too," said Sophie. [[Next|Yifei but institutional]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yes," said Yifei, "but at my sister's uni it comes from the very top level, and it's mandatory for all staff and students to take the training on sexual violence prevention. The more it's talked about, the better." "Do you mean talking to each other, or talking to the university?" called Lisa, who was waiting for the kettle to boil. [[Next|Yifei elaborating]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Both," said Yifei. "It shows students how to safely confide in somebody, and how to respond to someone who has confided to you - like how we're being non-judgemental and empathetic now, right?" "Right," I said. [[Next|Yifei on reporting]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Also, I guess reporting it to the university officially," continued Yifei, "but of course the university has to have procedures for what will happen when someone reports sexual harassment or sexual assault. Otherwise it's all sympathy but no action." [[Next|was Ronan harrassing]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Was Ronan's behaviour harassment?" I asked. "Yes!!" said Yifei. "Offensive comments, blocking your way, and then grabbing you like that - that's unacceptable!" [[Next|he wouldn't listen]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah," added Lisa from across the room. "He wouldn't listen to you when you were saying 'no'. And all that stuff he was saying earlier was definitely degrading." "It was humiliating to be treated like that," I said. "I felt really disrespected." [[Next|Sophie respect]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan didn't seem to know what to say to that. There was a pause. "We should probably get moving anyway," said Ben. "Are you coming, Jack?" [[Next|Jack hit gym 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I know," sighed Jack. "Sorry. Their sense of humour is starting to wear a bit thin." [["Why don't you stand up to them more?" I asked.]] [["I guess it's hard to call them out," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I know," said Jack. "To be honest, I've been seeing them differently since..." He paused, biting his lower lip. Carlos looked up from his phone. "Since what?" he asked. [[Next|IBSA story]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan was assuming that Carlos - and everyone else in the room - was straight. But whether Carlos was straight or not, it wasn't okay to use gay as an insult. [[Next|LO Hetereosexism]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Heterosexism'' Ronan's assumption that everyone in the room is straight, and therefore unlikely to be offended by his comments, reinforces heterosexuality as the dominant norm and marginalises the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual people. [[Next|repeat heterosexism reflection 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan was assuming that Carlos - and everyone else in the room - was straight. But whether Carlos was straight or not, it wasn't okay to use gay as an insult. [["Let's take a break from cleaning," I suggested.]] [["Seriously, in 2021?" I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Sexual Objectification of Women'' Ronan is treating Sophie as a sexual object by rating her appearance in that way. It sends the message that a woman’s appearance is for the pleasure of a man, and a woman’s body is not her own. It undermines women feelings of safety and belonging in public spaces and the workforce. [[Next|repeat so bit 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nah," said Ronan. "Seven at best. Although her face might be an eight, if she didn't wear as much makeup." [["Yeah, like she's wearing it for you," I joked.]] [[I said nothing, but I glanced over at Jack.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"The summer before last, one of our friends had this massive house party," said Jack, "and the day after that, everyone was sent these private photos of one of the girls. I thought it was horrible, but Ronan and Ben found it hilarious, they sent it to everyone they knew. I just couldn't believe their lack of empathy." [[Next|LO Image Based Sexual Abuse]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh my God...was the girl okay?" I asked. "She was really upset," said Jack. "She didn't leave her house all summer and then she ended up switching schools. I was so shocked that Ronan and Ben didn't stop for a second to think about how sharing it would directly hurt her." [[Next|LO Impacts of Sexual Violence]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Were there any consequences for the people who shared it?" asked Carlos. "What do you mean?" asked Jack. "Well, publishing or sharing intimate images online without consent is a criminal offence," said Carlos. [[Next|LO IBSA and the Law]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Following the passing of ''The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill (2020)'', it is now illegal in Ireland to distribute intimate images of someone without their consent, and to threaten to do so. ‘Distribute’ means the sharing, sending, taking or publishing images or videos of someone. [[Next|LO IBSA and the Law cont'd]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Were there any consequences for the people who shared it?" asked Carlos. "What do you mean?" asked Jack. "Well, publishing or sharing intimate images online without consent is a criminal offence," said Carlos. [[Next|Jack response 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Wow," said Jack, "I didn't realise it was so serious." "Well it sounds like it had a pretty serious impact on that girl," I said. [[Play Chapter 5: Committee Meeting|Chapter 5: Committee Meeting]] [[Replay Chapter 4: Guy Talk|Chapter 4: Guy Talk]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Image Based Sexual Abuse'' Image Based Sexual Abuse (or IBSA) is a form of sexual abuse which is defined as the non-consensual creation and/or distribution of private sexual images. [[Next|repeat IBSA story]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Impacts of Sexual Violence'' Include, but are not limited to, recurring thoughts and nightmares, hypervigilance, withdrawing from social situations, declining academic performance, difficulty concentrating in classrooms, and increased intentions or decisions to leave university. [[Next|repeat ibsa impact on victim]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"The summer before last, one of our friends had this massive house party," said Jack, "and the day after that, everyone was sent these private photos of one of the girls. I thought it was horrible, but Ronan and Ben found it hilarious, they sent it to everyone they knew. I just couldn't believe their lack of empathy." [[Next|ibsa impact on victim]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh my God...was the girl okay?" I asked. "She was really upset," said Jack. "She didn't leave her house all summer and then she ended up switching schools. I was so shocked that Ronan and Ben didn't stop for a second to think about how sharing it would directly hurt her." [[Next|ibsa criminal]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Let's talk more about this another time," I said to Lisa and Jack, as I went to answer it. Flora, the chair of the committee, was followed by a dozen or so other people. Ronan and Ben came over and sat behind me and Lisa. Jack was on the other side of the room. [[Next|discuss fundraiser]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I thought it would be cool to organise an international food festival," I said. "We could get the different communities involved in cooking and selling things." "Hmmm, maybe," said Flora. She didn't sound impressed. [[Next|ethnic food 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Flora was clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright," she said, "what I was thinking was that we could do a charity ball in one of the big hotels. We could raise money through ticket sales, and it would be a fun night out." [[Next|Mike's response to Flora's idea]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wasn't so sure about that idea. It struck me that some of the students wouldn't be able to afford something like that...and residents of the local area would be unlikely to be interested. [[Next|Mike decides to say something]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That //would// raise a lot of money if we could get the hotel to sponsor it," I said, "but wouldn't it be nice to do something that the whole community could be involved in?" [[Next|Flora doesn't get it]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"But they could come to the ball if they wanted to!" said Flora. "It's not the most welcoming environment," I said. "Alright bro, no need to get aggressive," said Ronan. [[Next|LO Racial microaggression 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I was confused - since when was having an opinion considered to be aggressive? Everyone had their eyes on me. I felt the heat rise on my face. [[Next|"That's not fair," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That's not fair," I said to Ronan. "I'm just expressing my opinion - why do you say it's 'aggressive'?" Flora clapped her hands once again to get everyone's attention. [[Next|if you're all done arguing]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Flora was wrapping up the meeting. "Okay everyone" she said, "thanks for coming. Let's take a vote on those ideas next time. Meeting over!" [[Next|everyone files out]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
//Gentle reminder: this is a role-playing game and you are now playing as Mike.// [[Next|one month in]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Racial Profiling:'' Security is singling out Mike for greater scrutiny than the white students - racially profiling him, not because of any reasonable suspicion but because of stereotypes about race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion or place of origin, or a combination of these. [[Next|repeat Lisa asked twice]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''White Privilege:'' The white students are shown the inherent advantages possessed by a white person on the basis of their race. Unlike Mike, they are not challenged as they go about their daily business. [[Next|repeat Jack stylish]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It does?" said Jack. "Yeah. You've got triple privilege," said Lisa. "White, male //and// straight!" "Any chance you could break that down for me?" Jack asked with a laugh. [[Next|white male straight]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Marginalised perspective:'' Anyone who because of their race, gender, disability, or age is excluded, ignored, or relegated to the outer edge of a group/society/community. They pay attention to the powerful in a way that the powerful do not pay attention to them. A person who is marginalized need to understand those in a more powerful position and know how to interact with them in order to navigate through situations that are potentially damaging or dangerous. [[Next|repeat white male straight]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You're white," said Lisa, "so you don't have to worry about security stopping you constantly; you're male, so after dark you can walk home alone without a second thought; you're straight, so you can kiss and hold hands with someone in public without the risk of abuse." [[Next|Jack defensive about privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh come on," said Jack. "I have loads of friends who aren't white, or are girls or gays or whatever. Just because I am white doesn't mean I'm automatically racist!" "Recognising white privilege doesn't mean that you're racist," said Lisa. "It just means acknowledging that you face fewer barriers on account of race." [[Next|but some white people struggle]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So," said Lisa, as we arranged the extra chairs she had brought in from next door, "how are you two settling into college life?" [["Good," I said. "It beats expectations!"]] [[I waited for Jack to speak.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"What do you like about it?" asked Lisa. "Everyone is so sociable," I said, "you can always find someone to go for a coffee and a chat. Even here in Student Residences the receptionists are super nice. Didn't expect them to be so strict on security though - they stop me every time!" [[Next|puzzled looks]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It's great!" said Jack. "I was worried it would feel a bit like a prison, but it's not like that at all - my student ID has only been checked once." "Whaaaat?" I said, shocked. "The security guards stop me every time!" [[Next|puzzled looks]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
There was silence as Lisa and Jack looked at one another and then at me. "Seriously?" said Jack. "I swear, I've only been asked for my ID once, and that was when I came back plastered at four in the morning." [[Next|Lisa asked twice]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I've been asked to show student ID twice so far," said Lisa. "And come to think of it, one of those times was with you, Mike." "Ugh, I'm used to it," I said. [[Next|LO Racial Profiling]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I've been asked to show student ID twice so far," said Lisa. "And come to think of it, one of those times was with you, Mike." "Ugh, I'm used to it," I said. [[Next|happens everywhere else 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It happens everywhere else," I added. "I always carry formal ID because I don't know where or when I might be asked for it." "What, seriously? Why!?" said Jack. [["It helps to avoid a lot of hassle..." I explained.]] [[I walked away and started filling the kettle noisily.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Like if I go into the bank or I'm applying for a job, I can flash my Irish passport and not have to be questioned for five minutes about my right to live here or work here." "So people just assume that you're foreign?" asked Lisa. [[Next|tracksuits gym]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"All of this blows my mind," said Jack. "I had no idea about the tracksuits - I just thought you were a stylish dude." Lisa nodded sombrely. "I'm sorry about all this," she said to me. "But it makes sense why you're surprised, Jack." [[Next|triple privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"All of this blows my mind," said Jack. "I had no idea about the tracksuits - I just thought you were a stylish dude." Lisa nodded sombrely. "I'm sorry about all this," she said to me. "But it makes sense why you're surprised, Jack." [[Next|LO White Privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You're white," said Lisa, "so you don't have to worry about security stopping you constantly; you're male, so after dark you can walk home alone without a second thought; you're straight, so you can show affection with your partner in public without the risk of abuse." [[Next|LO Marginalised Perspective]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Ugh, a load of ethnic food?" whispered Ben. "Yeah, forget it!" sniggered Ronan. [["What do you mean?" I whispered at them.]] [[I looked over at Lisa to see if she had heard.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"All food has a smell!" whispered Lisa furiously. "You just don't notice it in the food that you're familiar with. You're living in a shared international environment - get used to it!" [["She's right you know," I said.]] [["Well said," I murmured to Lisa.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
As everyone left, I jumped to my feet and started clearing away the cups from the table. "Here, I'll bring these back," said Jack, walking away with the stack of chairs we had borrowed from Lisa's apartment. [[Next|Lisa asks is Mike okay? 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
It was just me and Lisa left in the apartment. She gave me a worried look. "That was a //weird// meeting," she said. [["You got what happened, right?" I asked.]] [["Ugh, it's so annoying," I said.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"If you're all done arguing then let's carry on, shall we?" said Flora impatiently. "We have two great ideas so far - the ball and the auction. Anyone else have an idea?" [[Next|foodfest 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah," said Lisa. She put on a funny voice: "That was an excellent suggestion Mike, now can we have a white person make it please?" "I don't even care whose idea it was, I just wish this kind of things didn't keep happening to me," I said. [[Next|takes a toll]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah, I can't believe Flora dismissed your food fest idea and then was like 'food fest, great idea, Jack!' ten minutes later!" said Lisa. "I don't even care whose idea it was, I just wish this kind of things didn't keep happening to me," I said. [[Next|takes a toll]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I mean it stinks!" hissed Ben. "Who's going to want that smell hanging around here for days afterwards?" Flora was still taking suggestions from the others. She threw us a look. [[Next|all food smells 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Lisa had heard, and she looked apalled. "Have some respect, Ben," she whispered. "Oh come on," Ben said. "The whole building would stink afterwards." Flora was still taking suggestions from the others. She threw us a look. [[Next|all food smells 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
If you receive an intimate image of a person you do not know in a social media message, and if you republish that image without the permission of the subject, you could be liable for prosecution under this offence, even if you did not intend to cause harm to the person in the image. [[Next|repeat ibsa impact]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
The day after the party, I woke up late. I needed a shower and shave, but I wasn't ready for that yet. There were noises coming from the kitchen. It sounded like someone was cleaning up the mess from the night before. [[Next|kitchen Carlos cleaning]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I signed up to a bunch of clubs and societies in my first month of college, including a Student Community Outreach Group that wanted to create links with the people who lived in the surrounding area. Jack was also involved, so we offered to host one of the meetings in our apartment. Lisa came over early to help us set up. [[Next|chitchat 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Yeah, exactly," I said. "But I'm even more conscious about how I look in public. I have to anticipate whatever is going to happen when some white people see me. I don't wear tracksuits because if people see me in one they think I'm in a gang! Haven't you noticed that I'm always in gym tights and shorts, even after a workout?" [[Next|Jack stylish]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"What about a food festival?" asked Jack. "Yep, go on," said Flora curiously. "Well, like international food and stuff," said Jack. [[Next|great idea 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Thanks Jack, great idea!" said Flora. "I'll put it on the list." [[I looked around the room.]] [[I turned to Lisa again.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Are you okay?" asked Lisa. "Not really," I said. "It's not like I can report this kind of thing, but it takes a toll, definitely." [[Next|Lisa asks a question]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"This might be a stupid question, but is there anything we can do about it?" asked Lisa. "Look, if I tried to do something about it every time something like this happened, it would be my full time job," I said. [[Next|what would help]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"What would help," I said, "is if people were more attentive, and more aware of what they said and did, because a lot of time it's unconscious. Flora probably didn't mean to ignore my idea. Ronan probably doesn't get that being called 'aggressive' is different if you're a black man. But regardless of their intentions, it still hurts." [[Next|Jack stuck his head around]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Just then, Jack stuck his head around the door. "Hey," he said, "Anu just found out she made the boxing team! We're on our way out to celebrate!" "Sweet! Let's go!" I said. Lisa and I hurried out the door after the others. [[View Credits|Credits]] [[Replay Chapter 5: Committee Meeting|Chapter 5: Committee Meeting]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Jesus, Carlos, what are you wearing?" asked Ronan, breaking into laughter. "That's the gayest thing I've ever seen." [[I looked at Carlos.]] [[I looked at Jack.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
As I left the party, the noise level suddenly dropped. I was about to leave the apartment when the front door swung inward, and I found myself face to face with Ronan. [[Next|Ronan 0]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I arrived at Student Residences on a mild September evening. My flight had been delayed, and it had been nearly 24 hours since I had left my home in Chennai. It felt good to finally be in Ireland! [[Next|I collected my keys]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That's not surprising," Ben declared. "Women are much more drawn to those kinds of subjects. It's because you're less rational. I mean, no offence, it's just that I see the world more in terms of logic, rather than emotions." [[Next|Lisa learned behaviour]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Gender Stereotype:'' Ben is making the leap from some to all. He has an oversimplified picture that divides people into genders and attributes a particular quality to all members of a particular gender without regard for individual differences. [[Next|repeat Lisa gender advocate 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm an advocate for gender equality in everything," she said, "including technology." "Yeah," said Ben impatiently, "we all know that there's a particular type of person who excels in technology: the antisocial male." [["That's a complete myth!" I said.]] [[I couldn't help laughing at this.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Microaggression Impact'' Ronan implying that Mike should be good at sport because he is black is a racial microaggression. For Ronan, it’s a single incident/remark, and he doesn’t see what the big deal is. For Mike, it is typically one of a continuous stream of such incidents and remarks. This has a long term impact on his mental and physical health. [[Next|repeat here we go 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Here we go again, I thought. I wondered if he had any idea how sick I was of the assumption that as a black man I would be good at sport. [["Nope, not me," I said with a laugh.]] [["Where did you get that idea?" I asked.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Really?" asked Carlos. "I love to linger on that bit of road, it's so quiet." "That's what I hate about it," I replied. "I always speed up if I sense a man walking behind me." [[Next|LO Male Privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Male Privilege:'' Carlos is showing a type of male privilege - an inherent advantage that he possesses over Anu because of his gender. He is able to move around public spaces without the fear of harassment or assault that many women experience. [[Next|repeat male privilege]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Really?" asked Carlos. "I love to linger on that bit of road, it's so quiet." "That's what I hate about it," I replied. "I always speed up if I sense a man walking behind me." [[Next|benevolent sexism]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Carlos looked like he was about to say something, but just then we heard the noise of breaking glass from across the room. "Damn," he said, turning around. "I better find out what that was and clear it up. We don't want trouble with the wardens. To be continued?" "Sure," I said brightly, "catch you later!" [[Next|I walked over to a girl who was on her own.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Racial Microaggressions:'' When Anu is told she is articulate, Sophie is putting herself into a position where she is judging Anu, and the message is that Sophie did not expect Anu to be articulate or well-spoken. Racial microaggressions are intended or unintended acts of speech or behaviour that undermine, belittle, stereotype, or insult those in minority groups – usually Irish Traveller, Black, Asian, minority ethnic and migrant groups. [[Next|LO impact of microaggressions 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Me and the guys would be happy to walk out to meet you if you're ever coming back late," said Carlos. "Thanks," I said, "but what I really want is to feel safe without protection." [[Next|breaking glass]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie, Lisa, Yifei and I had very different lives, but it seemed we had all experienced some form of sexual objectification and harassment. "Tea's ready!" said Lisa. She was carrying a tray with four mugs - and a plate of brownies. "These will lift the mood," she said. "They're for a party tomorrow, but you can be my taste-testers!" [[Play Chapter 4: Guy Talk|Chapter 4: Guy Talk]] [[Replay Chapter 3: Unwanted Attention|Chapter 3: Unwanted Attention]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie was oblivious to my sarcarsm. "Yeah, I can totally understand you!" said Sophie in a tone of surprise. "You're so articulate." [[I decided to speak up.]] [[I decided to let it go.]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I was going to ask her to tell me more, but a guy I hadn't met before came right up to us and wrapped his arms around Yifei. "Looking gooood," he told her. She detached herself from him quickly. Raising her voice slightly, she said: "Anu, this is Ronan, he lives upstairs from me." [[Next|exotic lady]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''//Principal Investigator://'' Associate Professor Anne Holohan, Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin ''//Curriculum Development and Content Creation://'' Associate Professor Anne Holohan, Dr Penelope Muteteli, Dr Sinéad Walsh, Dr Kathleen Sheehan, Lile Donohue, Róisín De Bhaldraithe ''//Lead Writer://'' Dr Sinéad Walsh [[Next|Credits 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Thank you to the Department of Sociology and the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College Dublin for their support. Thank you to our trial partner, the Office of the Associate Vice-Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Trinity College Dublin, for their engagement and encouragement. Many thanks to the Junior Common Room at TCD, and to all the students, staff and others who participated in interviews and shared their feedback in testing. Transformation in Learning and Training is a project funded by the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund. [[Next|Disclaimer]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
It was hard to keep track - many of the names I had never heard before. Finally there was a lull, and I asked a question. [[Next|It was hard to keep track 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, everyone just knows everyone," said Lisa, laughing. "Obviously you have your friends from school but then you meet people through music or sport or French college or whatever." [[Next|"How do you already know so many people here?" I asked.2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Well, I'm going on a date," said Lisa. "And there's this party I was invited to," said Sophie. [[Next|"What do you two have planned for the evening?"2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Which parts?" asked Sophie. "Oh, just random conversations with people," I replied vaguely. Sophie gave me a wink. "It looked like you and Ronan were having a pretty cosy conversation in the corridor earlier - sorry I interrupted!" [[Next|"I liked parts of it," I said cautiously.2.2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wasn't sure why, but suddenly I wanted them to think that I had enjoyed the night just as much as they had. Sophie gave me a wink. "It looked like you and Ronan were having a pretty cosy conversation in the corridor earlier - sorry I interrupted!" [[Next|"It was a lot of fun!" I said.2.2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''//Product Management://'' Conor McNally ''//UX Designer://'' Celine Harding ''//Visual Designer://'' Zixuan Li ''//Developers://'' Joris Vreeke ''//and//'' Damian O’Rourke [[Next|Acknowledgements]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''//Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.//'' ''© Transformation in Learning and Training, Trinity College Dublin'' <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Two girls were sitting at the kitchen table. One was blonde, and the other had dyed-blue hair. They broke off their conversation and looked at me. [[Next|Anu enters]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Interesting combination!" said Lisa. "Yeah, totally," said Sophie. "Your English is unreal, by the way." [[Next|interesting combination]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie was oblivious to my sarcarsm. "Yeah, I can totally understand you!" said Sophie in a tone of surprise. "You're so articulate." [[Next|repeat Sophie was oblivious]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Um...thanks?" I said. "Yeah, I can totally understand you!" said Sophie in a tone of surprise. "You're so articulate." [[Next|repeat um thanks]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, I just remembered," said Sophie to Lisa. "Do you know who else is here?" It seemed like a very sudden change of topic. [[Next|Do you know who else is here?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Or girls," Sophie agreed instantly. Lisa glanced at her phone. "We better get a move on," she said to Sophie. [[Next|Or girls]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I need to head out soon," said Sophie eventually. "Me too!" said Lisa. [[Next|time to go]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I could hear them talking as they left the apartment. A few minutes later, I stood at the window and saw them walking across the courtyard. Sophie was teetering on her high heels. [[Next|watched them leave]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Suddenly I wished there was even one person I already knew here. [[Next|wish there was one person]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
This is a perspective-taking game. First, you role-play as Anu, a student from India who has just arrived in Ireland. Pretend you are Anu and make decisions as if you are her. [[Next|Perspective Taking 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Thanks for inviting me," I said. "That's what neighbours are for!" said Carlos. "Do you want a drink?" [[Next|thanks for inviting me]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh, you are serious," he continued, noticing my expression. "Sorry! I guess I just thought maybe yoga or something..." [[Next|repeat yoga maybe]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That's cool," said Carlos. "You know, I think you're the first girl I've met who's into boxing." [[Next|girl boxing 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"...it's just that you're the first girl I've met who's into boxing," he continued. [[Next|girl boxing 2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I could see that he meant well, but I was annoyed at the assumption that women's boxing is all about self-defence. [[Next|assumption self-defence]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm not sure yet," I admitted. "Are you?" She laughed. "I'm not great at parties. To be honest, I kind of wish I was at home playing video games." [[Next|not sure yet]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Well, some of them are overly competitive," she said. "Especially when they're losing to a girl. But it's not like I can hide behind a gender neutral username when I'm in a room with them." [[Next|overly competitive]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan smiled and said, "thanks Yi. I see you've found another exotic beauty for me to meet!" I'd never been called exotic before. I wondered if Ronan realised how uncomfortable it made me feel. [[Next|repeat exotic]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh my God," said Ben, redirecting his attention towards Lisa. "Don't tell me you're becoming one of those women in technology advocates." [[Next|Ben advocates]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm an advocate for gender equality in everything," she said, "including technology." "Yeah," said Ben impatiently, "we all know that there's a particular type of person who excels in technology: the antisocial male." [[Next|repeat Lisa gender advocate]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nothing, obviously," he replied, "if they deserve to be there. But let's face it - we all know that there's a particular type of person who excels in technology: the antisocial male." [[Next|repeat nothing obviously]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ben had nothing to say to that. I turned towards Lisa and said: "I'm going to leave soon - want to grab one last dance?" [[Next|Ben had nothing to say]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I poured myself a cup and as I took my first sip, listening to the absence of sound in the apartment, I wondered what the rest of the week would bring. [[Next|poured a cup of tea]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I felt better now that I had unpacked a little. It still didn't feel like home, but it was a start. As I curled up in my new bed, in a strangely quiet apartment, I wondered what the rest of the week would bring. [[Next|felt better after unpacking]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Hey, Anu, you're not leaving already, are you?" he asked. He didn't step aside, even though he was blocking my way out of the apartment. [[Next|Ronan 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Would you not stay for a little longer?" asked Ronan. He leaned on the doorframe casually, and I thought about my options. [[Next|stay a while]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
He would "let me go"? Seriously? I thought about saying something, but I didn't want to antagonise him. He was still blocking my exit from the apartment. [[Next|"let me go"?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Computer Science with English Literature," I said reluctantly. "Wow," he said, "science AND humanities. So you're smart as well as pretty." [[Next|smart and pretty]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I guess you're not used to big parties," he said. "I could introduce you to a few people - or we could go somewhere for some private conversation?" [[Next|private conversation]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I feel like we really have something," he insisted, leaning closer and touching my arm. I was feeling more and more creeped out by him. I stepped back and crossed my arms over my chest. [[Next|repeat have something]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan saw me hesitate. "Maybe you'd like to stay for a bit after all?" he persisted. He really wasn't getting the message. Was he not listening to me? [[Next|worry follow]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Another time," said Ronan. "Want me to walk you to your door anyway?" [[Next|another time]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan looked annoyed. He walked towards the kitchen. "Send me a text when you're feeling less uptight," he hissed at me. I made it back to my own apartment and went straight into the kitchen to get a glass of water. [[Next|end scene]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I sat there for a while. Then I heard a flurry of sound. The door to our apartment creaked open, and I heard Lisa's voice whispering: "shhhhhhh, you'll wake Anu." [[Next|Lisa shhhhhhh]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I sat there for a while. Then I heard a flurry of sound. The door to our apartment creaked open, and I heard Lisa's voice whispering: "shhhhhhh, you'll wake Anu." [[Next|Lisa shhhhhhh]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So, Anu, you disappeared a while ago," said Lisa, taking a sip of tea. "How was your night?" Sophie looked at me eagerly, a half-slice of toast lying forgotten on her plate. [[Next|tea and toast]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Which parts?" asked Sophie. "Oh, just random conversations with people," I replied vaguely. Sophie gave me a wink. "It looked like you and Ronan were having a pretty cosy conversation in the corridor earlier - sorry I interrupted!" [[Next|"I liked parts of it," I said cautiously.2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I wasn't sure why, but suddenly I wanted them to think that I had enjoyed the night just as much as they had. Sophie gave me a wink. "It looked like you and Ronan were having a pretty cosy conversation in the corridor earlier - sorry I interrupted!" [[Next|"It was a lot of fun!" I said.2]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Some guys are actually worse if I tell them I'm a lesbian," Lisa continued. "They'll be like, oh, where's your girlfriend, can I watch, or can we have a threesome...they get //really// crude sometimes." [[Next|Lisa homophobia]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Sophie, Lisa, Yifei and I had very different lives, but it seemed we had all experienced some form of sexual objectification and harassment. "Tea's ready!" said Lisa. She was carrying a tray with four mugs - and a plate of brownies. "These will lift the mood," she said. "They're for a party tomorrow, but you can be my taste-testers!" [[Next|special brownies]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Gentle reminder: this is a role-playing game, and you are now playing as Mike. [[Play as Mike|day after the party]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Do you want to give us a hand with this?" asked Carlos. "Ugh," said Jack, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "We need to get girlfriends, then we wouldn't have to bother with all this." [[Next|we need to get GFs]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
I looked at him in alarm. I had spent the last of my budget on drinks and snacks for the party last night. And I definitely couldn't do a regular takeaway! [[Next|takeaway expensive]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Jesus, Carlos, what are you wearing?" asked Ronan, breaking into laughter. "That's the gayest thing I've ever seen." [[Next|repeat gayest thing ever]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Ronan was assuming that Carlos - and everyone else in the room - was straight. But whether Carlos was straight or not, it wasn't okay to use gay as an insult. [[Next|repeat heterosexism reflection]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Here we go again, I thought. I wondered if he had any idea how sick I was of the assumption that as a black man I would be good at sport. [[Next|repeat here we go]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nah," said Ronan. "Seven at best. Although her face might be an eight, if she didn't wear as much makeup." [[Next|repeat so bit]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"You should have got with her last night," Ronan told him, "she was off her face, would have been up for anything." [[Next|off her face]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Worth it in the end though!" joked Ben. [[Next|worth it in the end]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I just don't think we should be talking about Sophie like she's an object," said Carlos. [[Next|Sophie not object]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Nah, I'm going to hit the gym instead," said Jack. The two of them left. Carlos, Jack and I looked at one another. [[Next|Jack hit gym]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I know," sighed Jack. "Sorry. Their sense of humour is starting to wear a bit thin." [[Next|sense of humour]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Wow," said Jack, "I didn't realise it was so serious." "Well it sounds like it had a pretty serious impact on that girl," I said. [[Next|Jack response]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"So," said Lisa, as we arranged the extra chairs she had brought in from next door, "how are you two settling into college life?" [[Next|chitchat]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Ugh, a load of ethnic food?" whispered Ben. "Yeah, forget it!" sniggered Ronan. [[Next|ethnic food]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
It was just me and Lisa left in the apartment. She gave me a worried look. "That was a //weird// meeting," she said. [[Next|Lisa asks is Mike okay?]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Just then, Jack stuck his head around the door. "Hey," he said, "Anu just found out she made the boxing team! We're on our way out to celebrate!" "Sweet! Let's go!" I said. Lisa and I hurried out the door after the others. [[Next|Jack stuck his head around]]
"I'm Anu," I replied. "Are you from the US?" Yifei winced. "Canada. But most people mistake the two accents. So, are you enjoying the party?" [[Next|not sure yet 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Internalised Sexism" Sophie giving more value to Ronan’s view than Anu’s, and judging Anu by how Ronan sees her, is internalized sexism or misogyny. This is the involuntary belief by many girls and women that the stereotypes and myths about girls and women that they see and hear constantly are true. [[Next|repeat Yifei creep]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Internalised Sexism" Sophie giving more value to Ronan’s view than Anu’s, and judging Anu by how Ronan sees her, is internalized sexism or misogyny. This is the involuntary belief by many girls and women that the stereotypes and myths about girls and women that they see and hear constantly are true. [[Next|repeat Lisa terrible]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh come on," he said, "I know you want me." He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me towards him. I froze. [[Next|Sophie giggle]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
“Oh no,” said Lisa, “that’s terrible!” “Yeah,” said Sophie, but she was clearly uncomfortable. “Um, are you sure you’re not overreacting though? I mean we know he likes you, so maybe he figured you were into him. Weren’t you even a teeny bit interested?” [[Next|Anu believe me]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Yifei looked from me to Sophie and back again. "Um, I'm not sure how to say this," she said, "but I think Ronan is a bit of a creep." “Oh come on,” said Sophie, “Ronan can get pretty much anyone he wants – he wouldn’t waste time on someone who wasn't interested. Don’t tell me weren't flattered that he thinks you’re hot, Anu!” [[Next|Anu believe me]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
''Consent:'' Ronan is not respecting that consent applies at every stage of a potential sexual encounter. If consent is not freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific (FRIES), it is sexual assault. Ronan is still responsible for gaining consent, even when intoxicated. [[Next|repeat shook head]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Oh come on," he said, "I know you want me." He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me towards him. I froze. [[Next|Sophie giggle]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Now that I think about it, Anu told me she's been stopped a couple of times as well recently," said Lisa. "I wonder who else is being profiled?" Jack said nothing. I turned around to look at them again. [[Next|Mike always id]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"That's why I always carry my passport with me," I said. "And it's why I'm so careful about how I dress in public. I have to anticipate whatever is going to happen when some white people see me. I don't wear tracksuits because if people see me in one they think I'm in a gang! Haven't you noticed that I'm always in gym tights and shorts, even after a workout?" [[Next|Jack stylish]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
After everyone was settled with a tea or coffee, Flora started the meeting. "Right, time to discuss the fundraiser...who has ideas?" It seemed like everyone who was in the room put their hand up. Eventually it was my turn to speak. [[Next|international food festival]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"It happens everywhere else," I added. "I always carry formal ID because I don't know where or when I might be asked for it." "What, seriously? Why!?" said Jack. [[Next|happens everywhere else]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"But some white people have to struggle really hard to make a living," said Jack. "Recognising white privilege doesn't mean saying that white people don't face some disadvantages," said Lisa. "But those are related to things like gender or class - not race." [[Next|Meeting Begins]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Racial Microaggression": Ronan is a using racialized stereotype about black men which has the consequences of invalidating Mike’s points and right to speak. Racial microaggressions are intended or unintended acts of speech or behaviour that undermine, belittle, stereotype, or insult those in minority groups – usually Irish Traveller, Black, Asian, minority ethnic and migrant groups. [[Next|repeat doesn't get it]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"But they could come to the ball if they wanted to!" said Flora. "It's not the most welcoming environment," I said. "Alright bro, no need to get aggressive," said Ronan. [[Next|respond to 'aggressive']] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Like in some cultures milk and cheese are considered super smelly - it's all about what you're used to," I said. "I never thought about that before," Ben admitted. [[Next|Flora's ball idea]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Thanks," whispered Lisa. "Sometimes it's just amazing how limited people's perspectives are." I smiled at her and then turned back to what was happening in the meeting. [[Next|Flora's ball idea]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
Had they not heard me saying we should do a food festival 10 minutes ago? I felt confused, disrespected - and a bit invisible. I spotted Carlos at the back of the room. He gave me a sympathetic shrug. [[Next|meeting adjourns]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"I'm feeling a bit invisible here," I whispered. "I know!" said Lisa. "You said that like ten minutes ago." "Oh great - so I didn't imagine it then!" I said. [[Next|meeting adjourns]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"All food has a smell!" whispered Lisa furiously. "You just don't notice it in the food that you're familiar with. You're living in a shared international environment - get used to it!" [[Next|all food smells]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Thanks Jack, great idea!" said Flora. "I'll put it on the list." [[Next|great idea]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Active Bystander:" When we make excuses for our friends (such as “oh, it’s just a bit of slagging,” or “they’re okay once you get to know them”), the message is that these views are considered socially acceptable within your friend group. This perpetuates harmful social norms. Standing up/speaking out interrupts and prevents this. [[Next|seeing them differently]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Microaggression Impact:" Research demonstrates the long-term toll of microaggressions on the mental and physical health of the target. For the perpetrator, it’s a single incident/remark, and they can’t see what the big deal is. For the target, it is typically one of a continuous stream of such incidents and remarks. [[Next|repeat um thanks 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Microaggression Impact:" Research demonstrates the long-term toll of microaggressions on the mental and physical health of the target. For the perpetrator, it’s a single incident/remark, and they can’t see what the big deal is. For the target, it is typically one of a continuous stream of such incidents and remarks. [[Next|repeat Sophie was oblivious 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Content Note:" This game contains storylines involving racism, racial microaggressions, (hetero)sexism, and sexual harassment. For support and information relating to these issues, please return to the TILT website. [[Get Started as Anu|Chapter 1: Arrival]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>
"Content Note:" This game contains storylines involving racism, racial microaggressions, (hetero)sexism, and sexual harassment. For support and information relating to these issues, please return to the TILT website. [[Next|Content Note 1]] <<button "Back" `previous()`>><</button>>