Academic compelled to raise awareness

A Teesside University academic helping to improve diversity in the games industry, has created a reading list inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Dr Satish Shewhorak, Senior Lecturer in Games Animation and Motion Capture in the University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, felt compelled to create the reading list following recent publicity surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement.

Dr Shewhorak is involved in work with independent initiative POC in Play, which creates initiatives and events which aim to amplify diversity in the UK video games industry.

Towards the end of last year he organised a regional POC in Play event to highlight the need for greater ethnic diversity in the British games industry. Dr Shewhorak said: 'The shocking death of George Floyd in America just a few months ago demanded change in dealing with racism. Although there is now increased awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, many people still struggle to understand the complex nuances, context and effects which racism inflicts at a systemic level, across both American and British society.'

He added: 'University is meant to be a time when you can meet people across different socio-economic, cultural and racial backgrounds. However during the current circumstances, especially during the lockdown period, this process may have become more challenging to navigate remotely.

'As a lecturer and member of POC in Play, I've assembled a reading list of material which is mostly available from Teesside University’s Library. Much of it is free to view remotely via iPads or laptops and there are also recommendations for streamed film and television and deeper digital resources.'

He added: 'Hopefully people can view this reading list not as daunting homework or a chore, but merely a starting point to become more socially aware. Just by trying one or two books and films, a few recurring, powerful themes should begin to emerge. By recognising these differences, people can actively engage in anti-racism behaviour and become an ally striving for a more equitable society.'

Dr Shewhorak's reading list

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