Image by All Together Now, creators of the app
A collaboration between the University of Western Sydney, Deakin University, and Melbourne University, “Everyday Racism” is an app that lets users experience the microaggressions that many minorities face living in Australia.
The app functions like an alternate reality game, and the player can choose to play as a Muslim woman, an Aborginal man, or an Indian student.
After choosing a character, the player then experiences four scenarios a day, over a period of seven days—these include work emails and social network interactions.
For example, a co-worker will “harass” the player with a racist remark, with he or she having to choose between two scripted responses—there is also an option to remain silent, as well.
For those who are uncomfortable, they can play as themselves and watch the discrimination these minorities face.
It is evident that the creators wanted to make the game as authentic as possible as they based each character’s experiences on real people—the character Aisha was created with the aid of Zubeda Raihman, Aisha Jabeen and Mariam Veiszadeth.
This app shows that microaggressions are harmful in nature, and remind us that what we say affects other people. It is available for iOS and Android devices.
Image by All Together Now, creators of the app
Image by All Together Now, creators of the app
Image by All Together Now, creators of the app
Image by All Together Now, creators of the app
[via CNet News Australia, images via Everyday Racism On iTunes]