Put ourselves in others’ shoes Everyone is different. This is definitely truth around us. However, we might forget this truth sometimes. For example, when we live in as a majority […]
Everyone is different. This is definitely truth around us. However, we might forget this truth sometimes. For example, when we live in as a majority group of a community, we might neglect minority groups’ opinions.
Everyone has his/her own rights and can enjoy his/her own life, and we respect each other. These actions are really easier said than done. First of all, it is difficult for us to understand what and how other people feel and think. Even though we are living with family members for a long time, it is impossible for us to understand completely other members’ feelings and emotions. When it comes to people other than our families, it becomes more difficult.
“Put yourself in others’ shoes” is the key quote in the situation. If we try to put ourselves in others’ shoes, it is the first step for mutual respect and understanding. Thanks to technological advancements, some tools help us do so. Virtual Reality (VR) is possibly one of them.
Virtual reality (VR) refers to a computer-generated simulation where a person can interact within an artificial three-dimensional environment. VR uses electronic devices, such as special goggles with a screen or gloves fitted with sensors. In this simulated artificial environment, users are able to have a realistic-feeling experience.
Equality Lab makes use of VR technology to enhance our perception about diversity. For instance, the organization made VR that enables users to experience in 1960s. In 1960s, the civil rights movements were peak and users can feel as if they were a minority group in that era.
Dr. Alexandra Ivanovitch, who is the CEO of the organization, said in the following way. Our mission is to build immersive worlds that heal, educate and elevate. We commit to offering people mind-expanding experiences and taking them where no human has gone before.
As we see the other article about AR, VR might not enjoy its full potential. Still many people might think the technology will be used in only video or online games. However, like Equality Labs does, VR can enrich our experiences. Everybody is different so that the world cannot exchange one person for another, but VR makes this myth happen.
For example, my Japanese friend once told me that he lives in the special world. It means that people around him were all Japanese and they also spoke only Japanese as well. When he studied abroad, he noticed how big the world was. There are so many countries, people, culture, traditions, foods, histories and others. Therefore, VR technology helps these people broaden their horizon, even though they are living in the same place for a long time.
In this sense, VR enables students to learn diversity and inclusion more realistic views compared to classroom experiences. Education is the very base of our society so that most countries put much effort into the improvement of it. Most governments, schools and teachers should VR’s potential into consideration.
