Checking out the Human Library
The video is entitled Worlds Apart. Heineken's experiment is an attempt to bring those worlds together.
We’re living in a time where empathy, tolerance and openness are under threat.
Joining forces with The Human Library is a way for us to inspire more people to focus on the things that unite us rather than divide us.
--Cindy Tervoort, Heineken marketing director
Founded in 2001 in Denmark to promote human rights and social cohesion, the Human Library project seeks to create greater understanding between people and provide a safe space where we can learn more about each other and work through stereotypes and discrimination present in our community in order to ultimately to forge new connections between people.
A Human Library consists of “books” that are human. Each of these books volunteer to take part in the library. Like a regular library, the Human Library has a card catalog, and a reader can check out “books” on a topic that he or she may be interested in learning more about. For example, you can check out titles such as “Gun Talk”, “Homeschooled”, “Pro Life – The Safest Space”, “Rastafarian”, “White Parent, Black Child”, or “A Triple Minority in Trump’s America” and learn more about that person, their life and the challenges and stereotypes that they have overcome or face.
The absolute core of common ground is truly hearing the interests and concerns of another person, openly and without judgement. After you listen, then listen some more.
--Dr. Chris Brauer, Goldsmiths University
Comments
Nice
I wonder how that would work out in America. The same, you think?
Bernie is a win-win.
@Bluesee There have been Human
There have been Human Library events at various locations around the country.
I plan to contact the Los Angeles site.
The setup is interesting: stress and no expectations?
And then forced to work together, still vague senses of the Other. I liked it. A controlled setting, no screaming crowds, no "observers" except a camera (and a whole lot behind the scenes).
Hey! my dear friends or soon-to-be's, JtC could use the donations to keep this site functioning for those of us who can still see the life preserver or flotsam in the water.