Schools that ban books often result in a backlash on the censors who would be. This can lead to a greater interest in illicit literature. In the same way, when governments restrict the media, groups like Reporters Without Borders spearhead efforts to make the content that is censored more prominent. Their Uncensored Library project brings together journalism and architecture in an unlikely virtual reality space which is the interactive gaming world of Minecraft.
On the surface, Minecraft is a game of collaboration and its low-res look may not appear appropriate for elements such as reading articles or even complete books in-game. There are "items" in Minecraft that can be used to create books with an infinite number of pages. Creators can transcribe text into these "books," rendering them accessible and downloadable. The books are then organized in virtual space, and then placed in "chests".
The idea, in part, is to work around normally restricted channels. Reporters Without Borders has had some success using this method including the audio-centric Uncensored Playlist. It bypassed censors and operated through music streaming services. In the Uncensored Library the spatial layout helps users find the information they need and allows for other forms of creation and interaction as well, such as memorials to journalists who were killed housed within the library's walls.
James Delaney, Blockworks' project manager, says that the style is Classical and formal. It's the exact kind of architecture you will see in the British Museum or New York Public Library. "That was intentional, since governments employ this style of architecture to increase their power and authority." Blockworks James Delaney, the project manager, says the team behind the design "wanted the style to be turned upside down." Yes, we're using this formalistic, authoritarian style, but it's filled with information that is free."
Reporters Without Borders handles the criteria for inclusion, which makes sure that the library's content remains accurate, truthful sensitive, sensitive and sensitive. Cian Mahar reports. It appears to be working: the library receives regular visitors from countries where information is more than free, like Russia, Egypt, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.
Maps and flags adorn the interior of the library's design and highlight areas where censorship is more pronounced and helping with virtual directions within the stacks. The design choices are also created to appeal to younger users who are familiar with Minecraft and to help them learn about the issue of information suppression. Some countries aren't accepting this as a given Some are pushing back, trying to stop the main server from being banned. However, as withpremium eon the internet, once the cat (gif) is removed from the bag, it's game over. Anybody can download the entire library and then reupload it to another server at any moment.
From the Uncensored Library website: "In many countries, websites, social media and blogs are controlled by oppressive leaders. Particularly young people are forced to become part of systems where their opinions are heavily controlled by government disinformation campaigns. Even though the majority of media is blocked or controlled, the world's most successful computer game is still played.
