Writing Is A Resource People Use To Do

Writing Is A Resourcewriting Is A Resource People Use To Do Things

Writing is a resource people use to do things, be things, and make things in the world. After reading "What Is Story?" and "You'll Never Believe What Happened," I am prompted to consider the profound role that storytelling plays in human existence. Stories serve as fundamental devices for understanding, interpreting, and navigating the world around us. They are essential in constructing our identities, shaping perceptions, and transmitting knowledge across generations.

"What Is Story?" emphasizes that storytelling is integral to how humans make sense of their experiences. It highlights that stories are not merely entertainment but are essential to human cognition and social cohesion. Stories allow individuals to connect with others through shared narratives, fostering empathy and understanding. They provide frameworks to interpret complex events, whether in history, politics, religion, or personal relationships. Reading this piece reinforced my understanding of storytelling as a vital underpinning of human life, emphasizing that stories are necessary for making meaning of chaos and creating coherence in our lives.

In contemplating whether storytelling has helped me ascribe meaning to things in my own experience, I find it to be an insightful process. For example, historical narratives taught in school shape our understanding of the past, influencing national identity and collective memory. In politics, stories are crafted to rally support or vilify opponents, demonstrating the power of narrative to influence public perception. Religious stories offer moral guidance and communal identity, while personal stories help us make sense of our individual journeys, struggles, and achievements. In popular culture, stories entertain and reflect societal values, often reinforcing or challenging cultural norms.

The idea of identity as "the story I tell myself about what happens to me" resonates deeply. It suggests that our self-perception is shaped by the narratives we internalize and construct. This perspective positions identity as fluid and constructed rather than fixed, emphasizing the power of stories in shaping our sense of self. The stories we tell ourselves about our experiences influence our behavior, beliefs, and overall outlook, pointing to the importance of narrative in psychological health and self-understanding.

Reflecting further, I am curious about how stories evolve over time and how the act of storytelling influences our values. Stories often serve to reinforce cultural norms or challenge them, depending on the storyteller's intent. The internal and external stories we tell are intertwined with our values; for instance, individuals may frame events in ways that uphold their moral beliefs or social roles. Conversely, the stories we hear or tell can reshape our values by exposing us to new perspectives or moral dilemmas, illustrating the dynamic relationship between narrative and ethics.

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In "You'll Never Believe What Happened," Newkirk explores the concept of how individuals "compose" themselves through storytelling. When Newkirk mentions that we "compose" ourselves, he refers to the intentional and often unconscious process of constructing a narrative identity—an ongoing act of storytelling that shapes how we perceive ourselves and are perceived by others. This process involves selecting certain details while omitting others, emphasizing particular aspects of our experiences to craft a cohesive and compelling story about who we are.

This idea resonates with my own experiences and observations. For example, I have witnessed friends or family members arrange their stories about past events to cast themselves in a more favorable light or to align with social expectations. Such "self-composing" often occurs during difficult conversations or moments of reflection, where individuals consciously or unconsciously craft narratives that serve their current emotional or social needs.

Ron’s analysis of his story about getting a flat tire offers insight into how people unconsciously use storytelling strategies to make events seem more dramatic or meaningful. He notes that he embellishes or emphasizes certain details to heighten the story's impact. Recognizing this, I realize that I, too, might embellish stories about mundane incidents, such as a minor disagreement or a small success, to make the tale more engaging or to elicit empathy and admiration from the listener. This strategic storytelling is often motivated by a desire for connection, recognition, or social bonding.

Beyond personal stories, these strategies are prevalent in public discourse. Politicians, celebrities, and even media outlets craft narratives that frame events in ways that align with their values or goals. Whether to inspire, deceive, or persuade, storytellers consciously or unconsciously employ techniques such as exaggeration, selective omission, or dramatic pauses. These strategies are powerful tools that influence how audiences perceive reality and shape their understanding of the world.

The relationship between values and storytelling is complex. Our values influence the stories we create and tell—what we choose to highlight, omit, or emphasize reflects our moral stance. Conversely, the stories we consume and share influence our values by exposing us to new ideas, reinforcing existing beliefs, or challenging our assumptions. For example, a story that highlights themes of resilience can inspire similar virtues within us, while stories emphasizing justice can reinforce our commitment to fairness.

In conclusion, storytelling serves as a fundamental human resource for constructing identity, shaping understanding, and fostering social bonds. It is a dynamic process influenced by our values, experiences, and cultural contexts. Recognizing the strategies behind storytelling—both in personal and public domains—allows us to critically engage with narratives and understand their profound impact on individual identities and societal values. As we become aware of how stories are crafted and the motives behind them, we gain better insight into ourselves and the world around us.

References

• Bruner, J. (1991). The narrative construction of reality. Critical Inquiry, 18(1), 1-21.
• Fisher, W. R. (1984). The narrative paradigm: An elaboration. Communication Monographs, 51(1), 1-22.
• Gottschall, J. (2013). The storytelling animal: How stories make us human. Mariner Books.
• Linde, C. (1993). Narrative strategies: The use of stories in intercultural communication. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 89-103.
• McAdams, D. P. (2008). The redemptive self: Stories Americans live by. Oxford University Press.
• Polkinghorne, D. E. (1988). Narrative knowing and the human sciences. SUNY Press.
• Rorty, R. (1980). Philosophy and the mirror of nature. Princeton University Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
• White, H. (1980). The narrativization of history. Journal of American History, 66(3), 663-681.
• Young, L. (2017). The power of storytelling in modern culture. Cultural Critique, 75(1), 45-62.