VR & Empathy - Avry

Continuing on from last week, we are focusing more on VR and AR! I really enjoyed the Ted Talk by Chris Milk. He talks a lot about how film allows the audience or viewers to feel a sort of empathy that cannot be captured anywhere else. This can happen because when we watch films we are emerging ourselves in another universe with completely different narratives. I thought it was funny that him and Kanye west got sued by Evil Knievel. It’s also a cool full circle moment bringing back “The Wildnerness Downtown” because that was one of the first pieces of E-lit we looked at! But basically, Chris felt something pulling him back towards film and how he wanted the viewers to do more than just watch through a screen, he wanted them to be a part of the other reality. I really like how he explained this! The story of the family and young girl in the camp in Jordan is a perfect example of what VR can capture. Clouds Over Sidra put ms you inside the headset, but you are actually in the camp with this girl, sitting on the same ground she’s sitting on allowing for a deeper connection and feeling of empathy. 

I want to focus on of the readings for this week as my reference “Becoming Homeless: A Human Experience.” I’m doing this because I think it really captured what Chris was trying to convey in his ted talk. I couldn’t figure out how to play through it myself, so I watched a play through on Youtube and the trailer. Basically the project puts the player through what it is like losing a job, slowly not being able to afford housing anymore, ultimately forcing you to sell your belongings, and leaving you homeless. Though the project is animated, you as the player are responsible for completing tasks and facing these incredibly difficult challenges that are the harsh realities for many people. experiencing it firsthand through VR makes it all feel real bridging the emotional gap between those with a home and those without.