Two women walking alone at night. On their right, about four African-American males stand talking. Out of fear, one woman clutches her backpack to her chest.

Keeping a watchful eye on the group, the girl does not even see the white male who robs her of the backpack.

Four groups of 10 SIUC students, representing the Hispanic, African-American, European-American, and Asian-American communities, used skits, including the one above, and other exercises to talk about different racial perceptions this weekend as part of a multicultural awareness retreat at Touch of Nature.

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In order to create understanding among various racial groups, students were selected by University Housing and various student organizations to share cultural and ethnic experiences

Angel Nicolas, a freshman double majoring in foreign language and international trade from the Philippines, said at the beginning of the retreat everyone was separated in racial cliques. She said by the end of the weekend, everyone became friends.

I think the retreat opened everyone up, he said. Everyone had different stereotypes, but the retreat made everyone look at their point of view and re-evaluate their opinions. I used to be insulted by stereotypes, but now I think about the fact that maybe this person doesn’t understand me and my culture.

Nicholas said people need to open up about their cultures to create understanding and prevent racist views.

I always take the time out to explain to any of my friends what I hold dear to my heart about my culture, he said. The first step is to understand everyone else before you judge them.

Mark Dutter, an undecided freshman from Beloit, Wis., said sometimes people are scared to bring up certain issues on campus, but he said the retreat was a chance become more comfortable of other cultures.

Dutter said the retreat helped to distinguish between racism and prejudice.

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He said the retreat leadrers taught the group that questions person about the actions of other races are not racism, but actually prejudices.

He said the fishbowl, was one exercise that helped bring about this understanding.

The fishbowl is an exercise that has one racial group sitting together in the middle of a circle. Without interruption, the group talks about unfair stereotypes and other misunderstandings, he said.

When the African-American were in the fishbowl,’ they brought up the point that they are portrayed as loud, he said. But, through discussions it was shown that color doesn’t matter. There are loud, ignorant people everywhere.

Dama Brown, a undecided freshman from Madisonville, Ky., said she hopes people from the retreat will make a difference on campus. She said she plans to join the United Asian Council.

We need to go out and tell people about our experiences to help bring about cultural awareness.

Typhani Woods, a sophomore in political science from Chicago, said listening to racial perspectives of Hispanic and Asian-American students helped shift the focus from becoming a black and white issue.

You get a chance to interact with all types of people, she said. When we interacted on our own, it was like being off camera. Everyone got a chance to get down and be friends.