"YOU THE MAN" - Extra Credit

During the performance of the play "You The Man", underlying dynamics that lead to domestic violence presented different possible situations that could affect individuals involved in a certain type of conflict. The type of conflict that emerged throughout the play was the topic of rape and the relationship between a man and a women. Each individual that was somewhat involved that was being played were either friends of the boyfriend or girlfriend, advice giver, father and a cop. Each character was played out showing the type of role that could possibly be followed by their position. The friend was characterized as the bystander, or the family member that just does not know what is going on, to an advice giver structuring the situation of the boyfriend. Some of the dynamics that allowed domestic violence to occur in the relationship between the boyfriend and the girlfriend were mainly because of the lack of help from outside family and friend help.

The dynamics that allowed the relationship to become abusive I think depended on where the power in each person was located. In these domestic violent relationship, we see a lot of inequality in the relationship furthermore disrupting the balance of power between the two people. In this case, the boyfriend had more power and the girlfriend abides by anything that he said. I think once he realized he had complete control over her, he wanted more out of what was already a given in the relationship.

Another aspect of the play I appreciated was showing the oppositions of the friends because in some way we could somewhat relate. Showing how the friend tried to make an attempt on steeping in, but not knowing when the best time would be demonstrated how delicate but the seriousness of this type of situation. Also, how much you try, the uncomfortable feeling between the two would be there in confronted and that's why a lot choose to be the bystander.

After the play, having a discussion about all types of relationships were valuable to me because it opened my mind to things much more then just a known conflict in relationships, but the conflict and struggle other people endure who witness it going on. The tendency to find affirmation from each person who we know and care about, is a complex and difficult situation because each individual may pull you in a different direction. And all these directions building the type of people around you seeking your interests and concerns.