Articles

Zebras come to Andersen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adarius Petty
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
3/11/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Airmen and Sailors from Team Andersen attended a live performance to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention in the Meehan Theater on Andersen Air Force Base, April 22 and 23.

The "No Zebras, No Excuses" performance group acted out a variety of vignettes to address and recognize forms of sexual aggression, assault and stalking. The acts featured scenarios ranging from situations at parties to predators using alcohol and drugs to target individuals.

"We aim to eliminate the bystander so purposeful actions can be taken against perpetrators," said Christie Martin, "No Zebras, No Excuses" performance group cast member. "The performance educates the audience on the specific issues of sexual aggression. We focus on the survivors and put the actual blame on the perpetrators."

The program focused on the bystander mentality and addressed the impact of intervention on situations of sexual aggression. It stressed sexual aggression can no longer be ignored, empowering Team Andersen to take a stand and help keep others safe.

Martin, and other cast members behind the performance, said the title "No Zebras, No Excuses" comes from the behavior exhibited by herds of zebras in the wild when they are preyed upon by lions.

When attacked, Martin said the zebras scatter until the predator takes down one that couldn't get away. After the attack, the zebras go about their business relieved it wasn't them.

"I liked that the information was very 'raw,'" said Airman 1st Class Stefen Whitehurst, 36th Medical Group medical technician. "I felt it was more realistic the way that the characters acted, and the use of language was more fitting to the scenarios we may see going on today."

The "No Zebras, No Excuses" presentation was one of several events Andersen hosted during SAAM.

For more information on reporting and preventing sexual assaults or for more information about upcoming SAAM events, contact the 36th Wing sexual assault response coordinator office at 366-SARC (7272).

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