E.O. Smith High School students were transported into a profound virtual reality exhibition, “Nobody’s Listening,” on February 5. This 12-minute experience immerses participants in the harrowing scenes of the Yazidi genocide, showcasing the brutality inflicted by ISIS. Captured firsthand by the creators in 2019, the exhibition aims to evoke empathy and raise awareness about human rights violations.
Founder Ryan D’Souza, a passionate human rights advocate, chose virtual reality to offer a more impactful narrative than traditional reports. He reflected, “We wanted to try doing something different…because I felt that the other forms of advocacy weren’t working.” The exhibit has garnered positive reactions, particularly in Iraq, where there’s an eagerness to support the Yazidi community.
Students enrolled in a genocide elective at E.O. Smith fully embraced the VR experience before hearing directly from a Yazidi genocide survivor via Zoom. Student Michael Lowery expressed a mix of “sadness and awe,” while Dilara Akarca noted the unique reality the VR experience offered, saying it felt more immersive than watching a film or reading about historical events.
Thikran Mato, who endured two years in ISIS captivity, shared his story with students, underscoring the importance of education in preventing future atrocities. He stated, “Education is the key to stop the violence in this world,” emphasizing the effect of youth awareness and attention on survivor advocacy.
Dijon Dajee, an artist and curator involved in the project, recounted the powerful narratives he encountered during interviews. He explained the medium’s advantage in allowing survivors to convey their stories and continue discussions without the burden of reliving trauma. D’Souza echoed this sentiment, highlighting that VR facilitates conversations about survival and contemporary challenges.
Joe Goldman, the genocide elective teacher, noted the class’s balance of somber content and motivational messages. He conveyed that students learn the significance of their roles in preventing hate, fostering a sense of responsibility. “Young people…are responsible for making sure that the hate we see doesn’t manifest into something as terrible as what Thikran experienced,” Goldman stated.
The exhibition at the Dodd Center includes an art installation available to the public on weekdays, while the VR experience requires prior booking. Goldman described it as a significant opportunity, pointing out that many find historical genocides hard to connect with. He hopes VR will enhance understanding and empathy in ways traditional methods have failed to achieve.
E.O. Smith High School hosted the virtual reality exhibition “Nobody’s Listening,” allowing students to immerse themselves in the harrowing experiences of the Yazidi genocide perpetrated by ISIS. Founder Ryan D’Souza aimed to evoke empathy through this innovative medium, while survivor Thikran Mato spoke about the necessity of education in preventing future violence. The exhibition, which includes an art installation, is open to the public, promoting awareness about human rights abuses.
The virtual reality exhibit at E.O. Smith provides a powerful tool for understanding the Yazidi genocide and humanity’s darker chapters. By immersing students in the experiences of survivors, it fosters empathy and motivates action for a better future. D’Souza and Mato’s messages emphasize education as crucial in preventing atrocities, while Goldman encourages the youth to be proactive against hatred, making the exhibit a poignant call to awareness and advocacy.
Original Source: dailycampus.com
