Read This First!
*NOTE* The following videos will be released for Black Like Me 360 on the mornings of these dates:
In the Clinic: Monday, February 13, 2023 (2/13/23)
In the Office: Monday, February 20, 2023 (2/20/23)
In the Laboratory: Monday, February 27, 2023 (2/27/23)
Black Like Me 360 was proposed with the goal of demonstrating what dealing with racism is like in professional settings such as hospitals, offices, and universities. This could be an upsetting an/or uncomfortable experience, just as it is for those who deal with racism. However, there's a way to get the most out of viewing these different experiences in 360 degrees:
First, choose a 360 degree video to watch. If there are issues while viewing, try changing the resolution ("Quality" button under "Settings"), and watch with a stable internet connection. If you're watching on a PC or laptop, use your mouse to drag the screen to "look around" the environment. If you're watching on a mobile device, choosing the "Watch on YouTube" option is recommended. When the video starts, simply move the device to "look around" the environment. To watch with virtual reality glasses, press the glasses logo in the bottom right corner and set the device in the glasses to watch. This will allow for a 3-D view in 360 degrees. English subtitles are available for all videos.
Then, when watching the 360 degree videos, notice the big things--blatant racism. But also notice the seemingly small things--microaggressions, who is and who isn't wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), major assumptions made, etc. These details were purposely inserted to highlight the many ways that racism presents. Think about what these things mean; how do they ultimately end up devaluing people based on their race?
If needed, all scripts have been uploaded to this site in their entirety. These can be found in blog entries containing the videos. In addition, questions/prompts for further discussion have been provided in each blog entry containing a video.
Once you've had a chance to check out the 360 degree videos, feel free to leave questions and comments on the "Forum" page, or contact me with thoughts on the project. (Questions/comments using racist or other discriminatory language will not be tolerated, and these will be blocked/ignored.) But don't just stop there! Talk about your experiences with this project with others; continue discussion on the topic of racism.
If you are part of a group (i.e., diversity committee, student organization, etc.) and would like to arrange a time to meet to walk your group through the project, please contact me!