Prejudice HateCrimes Religion GayRights homophobia murder

Possible Questions for Discussion after Reading or Seeing The Laramie Project

1. Why did Moises Kaufman choose not to have Matthew Shepard appear as a character in the play?
2. How do people in the play stand up to hatred and bigotry? What person did you find most courageous in that regard? Why?
3. Do you think the Laramie phrase “live and let live” was true for the people of Laramie? Would it be true for all Americans today?
4. How would you summarize the views of the religious community in Laramie?
5. Do you see hatred and bigotry here at Cal State L.A.? If so, what could you do about stopping it?
6. What is the current status of hate crime legislation in California, in the United States?
7. Could an attack on a gay student happen here in Los Angeles? Why or why not?
8. How do you think the current national debate on same sex marriages will effect attitudes toward LGBT people?

(Adapted from:  http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/laramie/project.htm)

Please also see the "Laramie Project Study Guide" designed, researched and assembled by Susan Mason, Cynthia Cales, and John Sanger, Department of Music, Theatre and Dance