Actor uses characters
to inspire tolerance
JACKSON — An actor, psychologist and poet who uses humor and candor to shine a light on the challenges of adolescence saw his message resonate with hundreds of Jackson Memorial High School students who listened attentively to his message of tolerance.
According to a press release from the Jackson school district, Michael Fowlin took on the persona of several different characters as he spoke to students about the issues of race, discrimination, violence prevention and personal identity in his discussion, "You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me." The presentation was made possible through a grant by the Jackson Municipal Alliance.
Among Fowlin’s characters were: a young boy dealing with racism for the first time; a grown-up version of that boy; a young woman expressing her anger over sexual assault; a student dealing with discrimination because he looks and dresses like the students who carried out the Columbine High School attack, and a talented, popular football player who is homosexual.
His audience included social studies students and other students who participate in the district’s Smart Start program, which centers on the philosophy that intervention early in the school year can make a difference in helping at-risk students succeed in their senior year. Using this proactive approach, the school staff demonstrates to students and parents that they are aware of their needs and are attempting to meet these needs on a one-on-one basis.
"He was right about everything he said," said Michelle Fusciardi, who attended the assembly. "He knew what it was like to be a high school student."
Danielle Hood said Fowlin’s humorous and realistic approach was particularly effective.
"For the time he was there he took us out of our own problems and showed us that everyone has problems; we’re all alike," Hood said. "And he did it in a funny way."
Fowlin attended Toms River High School East and earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Rutgers University. An actor since the age of 11, Fowlin combines both his interests into a profession that seeks to help the adolescent population. He has worked extensively with teenagers across the country. His work includes peer mediation, diversity workshops, violence prevention and gender sensitivity training, according to the press release.
His characters often were blunt and bold in their honesty and, although they were all different, each carried a message that hit home — everyone is different and everyone deserves respect.
"It’s not about violence on TV, gun laws, Marilyn Manson or — and this is my favorite excuse — video games," said Fowlin, while in character as the student harassed because he is a loner and wears a trench coat to school. "It’s about a kid like me being pushed to the edge of a cliff. If I’m going to be pushed over a cliff, I’m going to take something with me."
Fowlin used this character’s words to describe how this type of teenager can be made to feel isolated and how that lonely existence can trigger feelings of insecurity and anger.
"If you want to make sure Columbine doesn’t happen here, open your eyes and see everyone," Fowlin said.