A recent research project, "Decolonising the British Empire Exhibition of 1938 through Augmented Reality Narratives", engaged with a range of people in Glasgow with markedly different understandings of British Imperialism, Glasgow’s urban geography, and racial identities. The project took a 'polyvocal' approach which emphasises the value of multiple, sometimes contradictory, perspectives in re-narrating history. Project outputs acknowledge a kaleidoscope of nuanced and potentially contradictory ideas, aiming to create understanding difference and deep reflection.
This presentation focusses on the "Polyvocality Card Deck". The deck includes a variety of characters based on real historical figures, first-hand witnesses of the exhibition, anonymised workshop participants, Glasgow residents, and public figures. The characters are positioned alongside quotes from a wide range of sources. All cards are presented with equal weighting.
We will play a very simple, dialogic game using the cards in groups of 3-5. This activity is suitable for anyone from secondary school to academic research staff. Then we will reflect on their impact with a whole group discussion.
Key learning outcome: players will have a greater understanding of the multi-layered complexity of history (in particular imperial legacies), of anti-racist and polyvocal approaches, and more empathy towards differences of opinion.
