In 2014, the Center for Civil and Human Rights opened in Atlanta as a hub for education, connection, collaboration and action. By challenging visitors to understand their role in helping others and empowering them to “take the protection of every human’s rights personally,” the museum sheds much-needed light on a variety of global issues and, most importantly, the people experiencing them. The installation utilizes interactive mirrors to mimic the experience of standing face to face with another person, listening to their story. As visitors approach, depth-sensing cameras respond to their presence. Looking into interactive mirrors, they can see strangers returning their gaze, each labeled with a single identifier: “I am ________.” Visitors select the label that resonates with them and then are able to watch interviews with individuals who have been persecuted because of that label or trait. The stories are poignant, real testimonials from a diverse cross-section of people around the world. By allowing visitors to literally see themselves in others, the installation promotes an empathetic frame of mind— the ideal condition for further exploration of the exhibitions.
More information at SEGD.org
“ ‘ Who, Like Me, Is Threatened?’ provides a welcoming while powerful and immediate encounter for any of us—forcing us to look inside ourselves to see what we find, literally and figuratively. Frankly, I wish we had these on every street corner.” —Jury comment
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