While reading one of the one acts from 27 Wagons Full of Cotton there is a character who willingly lets herself be hurt and abused – – and even goes so far as to welcoming the abuse. The students are mystified. They, of course, want to immediately go to a sadomasochistic explanation – likely due to the popularity of the Shades of Gray movie and book. Although this could be part of the answer – it really does reach beyond this.
I ask students, “What is the opposite of hate?” I am always surprised that more then half the class states, “Love”. They are wrong. Slowly a few students emerge from the group to claim- rightly so – that the opposite of hate is apathy. Now they apply this to a woman who values negative touch as if it were the same as positive touch. She WANTS to be made present. The real threat is that she would be ignored. It becomes more important that she endure the negative rather then risk the emptiness. This is NOT healthy thinking – – but makes a true case as to why this woman stays in the abuse.
Then students start to look at the people around them and the variety of abuse that is dished out and more frighteningly ACCEPTED. They see a new light on this. It makes some sense now. – – A piece of theatrical literature has perhaps opened a door to understanding both positive and NEGATIVE life choices. Why DO we stay in obviously toxic situations? All are amazed that this comes from some dusty ol’ play that is decades old. They ask me, “Did you know this was in the play.” I feign surprise. “No”, I respond. “I am as surprised about it as you are.”