Enduring it

I’m sure I’m not the first one to talk about this experience, but the most impactful experience I’ve had so far was the lunch counter simulation at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. The simulation is set up as a replica of an old-fashioned lunch counter. Each participant sits on a stool, wears headphones and places their hands on the counter to start. Then, an audio plays of people shouting, breathing heavy in your ears, threatening you to get up or else, glass breaking, etc. This all happens while your eyes are closed. For me, it was definitely an eye-opener. The voices got way louder than I anticipated, and there were so many of them; it was overwhelming. Additionally, the chairs would move as if someone was kicking them, and it made me jump every time. The simulation only lasts about two minutes, and the goal is to see whether the participant can make it through the whole thing. I was able to, but to endure that type of harrassment for hours upon end is unfathomable to me. I don’t think I could make it. I loved having this opportunity, though. Despite all you can learn from history about other people’s experiences and struggles, you can still feel disconnected, especially when it was before your time. It’s very rare that we’re directly put into the situation ourselves. It was very powerful.

Sonia