Project Description:
To appreciate how the use of cameras and the Internet offer new ways of understanding and protecting human rights, the exhibit begins with video stories from the Witness organization, and a web link to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the United Nations. A campfire in the center of the exhibit presents a place for visitors to share their stories and learn how they can be involved in changing human rights abuse. Surrounding the fire is a simulation of a touch screen computer shaped like a large community drum, with pictures and text that explore the kind of images a person might have of someone that could lead to prejudice, or respect. The visitor is asked to participate in discovering how their ideas could help respect human rights in our global society. Ways of interacting with others are provided by web links, such as learning how to send stories to Witness.org. Real life interaction is important to bring better understanding to these complex issues and encourage people to create new ways of seeing each other. The original concept for this exhibit included being able to create a group image that also respected the individual in a real time experience, by moving images into different points of view on the touch screen computer simulation. However, this is not yet possible in Second Life. In a real life setting, the touch screen could be connected to telepresence and engage people around the world in a story telling experience, while they are visiting the museum exhibit.

SecondLife URL: