The Truth About Stories by Thomas King Overview: Thomas King, in The Truth about Stories, makes a critique of a Western/European worldview by comparing the creation myth of Christianity (the book of Genesis) to a native creation myth. Implied is a critique of individualistic capitalism and a celebration of a more connected view of the world, one that sees collaboration and cooperation as fundamental.
This essay will explore the ways in which stories influence how our society functions in connection with the concept of "freedom’. The point of the project is to think creatively and critically about the world in which we live, and the world in which we would like to live. Consider the narratives that you have grown up with, that you see in the news, in social media, and the competing narratives and/or counter-narratives.
Prompt: Using King’s comparison of competing narratives as a model, identify a current set of competing narratives (preferably to which you are personally connected) and analyze the relationship between narratives and freedom. Consider the questions below:
What are the implied values in the competing narratives?
What is each narrative’s role in society?
How does the narrative contribute to and actively shape cultural ideals and expectations?
How does the narrative support or revise conventional ideas, practices, or expectations?
How does the narrative create meaning?
How does each narrative promote specific values of freedom, or oppression?
Which cultural groups are affected by the narratives?
How do the narratives participate in influencing the formation of personal or group identity?
How do the narratives connect with wider social assumptions that are promoted through media, stereotypes, and single stories?
After selecting a narrative to research and completing the module assignments, compose an essay that includes the following:
A thesis that argues the narrative(s) connection to freedom
Apply King’s ideas about the ways in which narratives influence cultural values and norms
How can narratives achieve or prevent freedom for individuals and communities? How does this happen and why do stories matter in the creation of cultural values?
Which groups benefit from the narratives? Which groups are harmed by them?
Who decides on the narratives? How are they promoted, reproduced, and shared?