Anddd, this title sounds like a pickup line...Good job, Raashi. Whoops.
The things that happen when you try to get creative :P
Anyways...
I found something that I thought was SUCH an incredible idea
a while back, and just really wanted to share it with you guys!
So, about 15-16 years ago (it's crazy that 2000 is that far
back now!) a guy named
Ronni Abergal launched the 'Human Library'.
The premise?
Like at any other library, you can check out a book on a
certain topic for a period of time. The difference - the "book" is
now an actual human being that you can have a conversation with, form a
connection to, and learn from.
Isn't this just such an incredible idea? It is things like
these that are so refreshing, stimulating and restore my faith in humanity.
I
know that sounds super dramatic if you just read it plainly, but I think I mean
that it's so endearing (and heartwarming!) that people of all different
backgrounds, ages and lives, can sit down together for an open, honest
conversation.
(Just saying that makes me smile ☺️ )
Source: Human Library Organisation
Abergel has said: "I figured that if we could make
people sit down with a group attached to a certain stigma they don't like or
even know about for that matter, we could diminish violence.
"Books" range from people who are deaf, blind,
transgender, obese, homeless, autistic or a refugee - and more! This concept
has travelled all over the world and is now in 70 different countries!
"Sometimes you see someone in the supermarket and think
things about them, but you don't dare go ask them questions," Abergel
said. "I wanted to build a space where you can ask them anything because
they volunteered to answer."
A woman in Wisconsin brought her two sons, aged 11 and 13, to check out
a book titled "International Woman, Leader of Color, Gender Justice" earlier this year - and told TODAY.com all about why:
"When else would my sons get the opportunity to hear a woman from Ghana speak about her experiences with racism after moving to the predominantly white city of Green Bay, Wisconsin?"
A book volunteer in the library, Adam Jackson, a black man adopted by a white family at 6 months old, also told TODAY.com:
"It was harder than I thought it would be to share my story...I did get a bit emotional, but I'm so happy I had the opportunity to enter the conversation on diversity in a meaningful way."
Things like this, they give me chills.
100% visiting a Human Library is now one of the things I have to check off in the lifetime.
What do you guys think of this initiative? What kind of "book" would you love to hear a story from?
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❤️, Raashi
This is such a brilliant idea! I love the fact that it would lessen the prejudice in the world. I would totally try this :D
ReplyDeletealuminah.wordpress.com
Ooh this is really interesting! I think you can learn so much from others so its such a good concept to be able to source and talk to different people! :) x
ReplyDeleteViva Epernay
Oh wow, this is such an interesting & very unique idea, I've never heard of anything like this before! Definietly a good option for someone like myself who doesn't really enjoy reading, heh... It's always interesting to hear people's stories, and can I just say, those people are very brave for sharing their experiences. :) <3 I'm not sure whether we have a 'human library' like this anywhere in the UK, but I sure would love to visit a place like this one day! Thanks for sharing, hun. Hope you're well! Kisses. x x
ReplyDeleteKay
http://www.shoesandglitter.com/
Wow this idea is absolutely amazing and it definitely restores my faith in humanity! I think it's a great way to free society from prejudices and and it's also a great way to reduce violence. I would love to hear a story from an old person, they often got the best advice. Other than that I'd love to hear from people from different cultures and countries and I also believe that the stories of refugees would be interesting and heartbreaking at the same time. xx
ReplyDelete113-things-to-say.blogspot.com
Wow, I had no idea such a thing existed. Seriously, this post was extremely educational to me, and I thank you for sharing it. For some reason I felt particularly touched by what the homeless man said. And yes, the only idea of having an honest conversation with people you wouldn't normally talk to must be an eye-opening experiece.
ReplyDeletexx
www.stylebydeb.com
I can't believe this idea existed! It looks really cool and it would be amazing to try out. I haven't talked to much people outside of my culture and region so I'm looking forward to something like this. I'm going to check out more about this later!
ReplyDeleteLove, Richel. | Richel Goes Places
Haha...but seriously, a human library - what a cool idea!? I think this is quite inspirational and could be great fun too.
ReplyDeleteChristina ♥ https://caliope-couture.com
I freaking LOVE this!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even realise we had some in the UK, either!
What an amazing idea and so important. I'm like you; this warms my heart on *so* many levels.
Mostly, strip away everything about us...what do we have left. We are human as is everyone else. What makes us unique is the story we hold and the story we're willing to share with others. There's so much we can learn from everyone around us. It might be more difficult to engage or give someone we find 'irritating'/'different' or 'difficult' the time of day but these are the instances where it is the *most* important. To break down prejudices, to learn and grow us individuals and as societies. Love this! Thanks so much for sharing because you've opened my eyes to something so simple, yet so amazing!
much love!
Ana
www.namastefromananya.com
p.s. Love this bit about the pick-up line, also ;)
Haha, it sure did sound like a pick up line! But omg how incredible and unique is this idea, I love the sound of it, its so interesting. This needs to some how make a debut in the UK, you can sure count me in. Have a lovely week ♥
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
This is seriously one of the most intersting projects that I have heard about in a while and I think it sounds absolutely awesome. I would have loved to take part in it as well, but am just as happy to read about the experiences other people had who were able to participate!
ReplyDeleteRae | Love from Berlin
Wow, I've never heard about anything like this! How exciting! It would be so interesting to hear other peoples stories, we can learn so much from each other! It can also be a real eye opener to hear some of the sad stories people can tell, and that way really appreciate what we have.
ReplyDeleteMemoir Of IK - Fashion & Lifestyle blogger