The issue of race has interested students at Luther for years. Now, through the use of the Human Race Machine offered by Student Activities Council’s Diversity committee, students will be able to see what they would look like if they were a different race.

SAC Diversity Co-chairs Sarah Carnes (‘08) and Mary Ites (‘08) helped to make this experience possible.

“The Human Race Machine sparked my interest in the past, and I also saw it on CNN,” said Carnes.

Because nothing else compares to the Human Race Machine, SAC Diversity members felt it was important for Luther students to have the opportunity to use it.

“[The diversity committee] has been trying to bring it to Luther for a couple of years,” said Ites.

This year, however, the budget allowed for the leasing of the machine, and the committee secured a one-week contract.

Between April 14-18, the machine will be in the Dahl Centennial Union from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. During this time, a SAC Diversity table will be set up next to the Human Race Machine to help explain how it works and why it was brought to Luther.

“It’s like a photo booth,” said Carnes. “You sit in it and it takes your picture and shows you what you’d look like in six different races.”

A camera in the machine captures the student’s picture and then a computer inside of the machine offers the student options as to what he or she would like to see.

Created by an artist, the machine can portray a person as white, black, Asian, Hispanic, East Indian or Middle Eastern. Because it is the based on the students’ own faces, no matter what race they are portrayed in, students will easily recognize themselves.

Although the machine will be free for students to use during the week it is here, it is not merely for entertainment. The Human Race Machine is meant to provide students with an enlightening experience, and the SAC Diversity co-chairs hope it will be a unique diversity tool.

“I hope it sparks conversation about race,” said Carnes. “There’s no gene for race, and I just hope people talk about it.”

Ites also hopes the machine will bring about new perspectives on race, one of the goals of SAC Diversity.

“Hopefully [students] will put themselves in the shoes of another race for a little while, at least,” said Ites.

The Human Race Machine often leaves its users with a greater appreciation for people of other races, and it is coming to Luther at the perfect time.

“It works out well to bring the machine to Luther that week because it’s during Peace Week,” said Ites. “It will go along well with the other Peace Week activities and really fit with the ideas surrounding the week.”

Popularity of the machine is becoming more widespread. It has been featured on multiple television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Students who wish to learn more about the Human Race Machine can visit its Web site at http://www.humanracemachine.com.