The Laramie Project by Janet Nolan

 The Laramie Project which is now a play, is about the death of a young college student in the town of Laramie. Members of a theater project go there to the town to interview different people opinions about the brutally beating which later caused death of Matthew Shepard. Many people had quite a lot to say about this young man. But two that stood out the most to me was Murdock Cooper and Sherry Johnson.

  When Murdock Cooper was interview he stated that "I'm not excusing their actions, but it made me feel better that it was parttially Matthew Shepard's fault and partially the guy who did it .... you know maybe it's fifty - fifty"(Kaufman58). I feel that Mr. Cooper believes that this crime could have not been committed unless it was provoked. It's like he is in denial that it even happen, in a way its like he trying to make himself feel better for thinking the way he does. He also stated" If you step out of line your asking for it"(Kaufman58).I don't believe even if Matthew "step outline", you don't deserve that kind punishment know matter what you do. I believe people who try to blame the victim are cowards, and Mr.Cooper you are a coward. To me Mr. Cooper attitude was cold and noncom passionate.

     Another opinion that stood out to me was Sherry Johnson, she felt that the crime committed against Matthew was "horrible I just, I can't..... Nobody deserves that!I don't care who you are"(Kaufman64). I felt that Mrs. Johnson was very sorrowful about what to this young man. She wasn't afraid to say what she felt unlike Mr. Cooper who hide behind unproven facts. But she also stated that "my feeling that the media is portraying Matthew Shepard as a saint. And making him as a martyr. And I don't think he was. I don't think he that was pure" (Kaufman64). I personally agree with this statement because, Matthew Shepard live a lifestyle that  I really don't agree with because of my faith. But I don't agree that he should have been beaten for it. We live America, and people have the right to be who ever they want to be and so do people with religious faith.

  I think that when it comes to Mr. Copper its innate because he is listening to unproven facts that have been spread. but also trying to hide behind them as well it like he doesn't want to be label as anything so he trying to put it off by saying it was practically Matthew fault. But Mrs.Johnson I believe it's cultural because she her belief of i don't agree with Matthew actions but no one deserves that. No matter their sexual orientation.