Perspective Complicating Human Interaction in Zeitoun and The Laramie Project Anonymous 12th Grade

Each person has a unique worldview, which is largely shaped by one’s environment, knowledge, beliefs, and more. Those who identify similarly are largely grouped with others who may have the same background. Both Moisés Kaufman’s The Laramie Project and David Egger’s Zeitoun explore the relationship between majority groups and minority groups: In Zeitoun’s case, a committed belief in Islam versus a largely Christian America, and in Matthew Shepard's case, an open identification with the LGBT community versus the straight population. These two individuals faced prejudice due to intrinsic aspects of who they are, which appeared to overshadow the rest of their being and lead to discrimination. Prejudiced perspectives are born out of both fear, and the influence of an individual or groups’ environment; this prompts conflict with minority groups in society, complicating human interaction.

The individuals who discriminated again Matthew Shepard due to his sexual orientation were afraid of being associated with homosexuality, while both individuals and the government as a whole were prejudiced against Zeitoun, fearing malice and terrorism. The end of the third act of The Laramie Project focuses on the trial of Aaron McKinney. During...